FCC Licensing
Licensed carrier. Verifiable credentials.
SIPNEX is an FCC-licensed telecommunications carrier — not a reseller, not a platform, not an application provider. Every credential listed on this page is independently verifiable through public federal databases. We publish them because we hold them.
Our credentials.
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FCC Telecommunications Carrier Authorization
Licensed voice service provider on the US telephone network. Searchable on the FCC Universal Licensing System.
Verify: wireless.fcc.gov/uls
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FCC Form 499 Filer
Registered Universal Service Fund contributor. Annual revenue reporting to USAC. Identifies SIPNEX as a contributing telecommunications carrier.
Verify: On file with USAC
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STIR/SHAKEN SP-KI Certificate
Own Service Provider Key Identifier certificate. Signs outbound calls directly with our private key. A-level attestation for all verified DIDs.
Verify: STI-GA certificate registry
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Robocall Mitigation Database
Active filing with complete STIR/SHAKEN implementation. Traffic accepted by downstream carriers.
Verify: fccprod.servicenowservices.com/rmd
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Registered RespOrg
Authorized to manage toll-free number routing in the SMS/800 database. Direct provisioning without intermediaries.
Verify: Somos RespOrg registry
Licensed carrier vs reseller.
| LICENSED CARRIER | RESELLER | |
|---|---|---|
| FCC authorization | Holds own license | Operates under upstream's license |
| Form 499 filing | Files directly with USAC | Does not file |
| STIR/SHAKEN certificate | Holds own SP-KI | Inherits from upstream |
| Attestation level | A-level (direct verification) | B-level (upstream signs) |
| RMD filing | Own filing required | Depends on upstream |
| Network control | Controls routing, provisioning, quality | Depends on upstream |
| Provisioning speed | Direct — hours | Requests from upstream — days |
| Support accountability | Owns the infrastructure | Opens tickets with upstream |
Frequently asked questions.
Is SIPNEX an FCC-licensed carrier?
Yes. SIPNEX holds an FCC telecommunications carrier authorization. We are a licensed voice service provider on the US telephone network — not a reseller, not a platform company, not an application provider operating on someone else's carrier license. Our license is searchable on the FCC's Universal Licensing System.
What is FCC Form 499?
FCC Form 499 is the annual filing that telecommunications carriers submit to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). It reports revenue data used to calculate Universal Service Fund (USF) contributions. Filing Form 499 identifies a company as a contributing carrier to the USF — the federal program that funds rural telecommunications, schools, libraries, and low-income phone service. SIPNEX files Form 499 as a registered USF contributor.
Why does carrier licensing matter for my calls?
Three reasons. First, a licensed carrier can hold its own STIR/SHAKEN SP-KI certificate and sign calls at A-level — resellers without carrier licenses inherit B-level from their upstream carrier. Second, a licensed carrier files in the Robocall Mitigation Database, ensuring downstream carriers accept its traffic. Third, a licensed carrier controls its own network — provisioning speed, routing decisions, and support quality are not dependent on an upstream provider.
How can I verify SIPNEX's FCC credentials?
FCC licenses are searchable on the Universal Licensing System (ULS) at wireless.fcc.gov/uls. Form 499 filings are on record with USAC. Our STIR/SHAKEN certificate is tracked by the STI-GA (Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority). Our RMD filing is searchable at fccprod.servicenowservices.com/rmd. Every credential is public and independently verifiable.
What is the difference between a carrier and a reseller?
A carrier holds its own FCC authorization, files Form 499, and operates its own network infrastructure (or has direct interconnection agreements). A carrier can hold its own STIR/SHAKEN certificate and sign calls independently. A reseller purchases capacity from a carrier and resells it to end customers. The reseller does not hold FCC authorization, does not file 499, and cannot sign STIR/SHAKEN independently. The reseller's customers receive B-level attestation because the upstream carrier signs on behalf of the reseller.
Do I need to verify my carrier's licensing?
If you care about STIR/SHAKEN attestation level, call completion rates, and regulatory compliance, yes. A carrier without proper FCC authorization may not be registered in the RMD (risking traffic blocking), cannot hold its own STIR/SHAKEN certificate (your calls get B-level), and may not have the regulatory standing to resolve issues with other carriers on your behalf. Two questions to ask: 'Do you hold your own FCC carrier authorization?' and 'Do you hold your own STIR/SHAKEN SP certificate?'
What credentials does SIPNEX hold?
FCC Telecommunications Carrier Authorization, FCC Form 499 Filer (USF contributor), STIR/SHAKEN Service Provider Certificate (own SP-KI — signs calls directly), Robocall Mitigation Database registration (active filing, complete STIR/SHAKEN implementation), and Registered RespOrg (toll-free number management). All publicly verifiable through federal databases.
Can a VoIP provider operate without an FCC license?
VoIP providers can operate in various configurations — some as licensed carriers, some as enhanced service providers, some as resellers operating under another carrier's license. The distinction matters for STIR/SHAKEN (only licensed carriers with SP-KI certificates sign at A-level), RMD compliance (filing requirements vary by provider type), and regulatory accountability (licensed carriers have direct obligations to the FCC). For customers who need A-level attestation and carrier-level service, a properly licensed carrier is the right provider.
Verifiable credentials. Direct carrier service.
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