In the news

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iconectiv withdraws from MWC Barcelona 2020 over coronavirus-related concerns

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – February 10, 2020 -  After closely monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus and in reviewing travel recommendations from world health organizations, iconectiv has decided to withdraw its attendance at MWC Barcelona and all related events as we believe it is in the best interest of our employees to do so. As the largest telecom event in the world, MWC draws more than 100,000 attendees from nearly 200 countries. The sheer size and global nature of the event…
Feb 10, 2020
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iconectiv awarded Chile MNP administration contract

Chile’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication has awarded a 5-year contract to manage the country’s mobile number portability (MNP) database to Telcordia Technologies Chile, S.A. Under the terms of the contract, Telcordia Technologies Chile, S.A. will now continue as the MNP database manager until 2025.
Feb 4, 2020
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2020 will be the year when the industry begins to stem the tide of robocalls (Reader Forum)

While 2019 was the year the telecom industry and regulators increased their actions to address illegal robocalls with default call blocking and the launch of STIR/SHAKEN, 2020 will be the year that we see how these strategies unfold. By January 2020, the new FCC-endorsed ATIS-SIP Forum SHAKEN framework will be deployed across major U.S. service providers to help mitigate the illegal robocall epidemic and strengthen consumer trust in the callerID information displayed. And the rest of the world will be watching to see how this strategy can be leveraged in their individual markets.
Dec 23, 2019
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A Black Swan Solution Guide: The Value of an Authoritative Database of Global Telephone Numbers in Fraud Control

What if a Fraud Management System came along that could automatically detect and block 90% of IRSF and Wangiri fraud cases coming through your network — and even make accurate blocking decisions on numbers never-before-seen? Think how productive that FMS could make your fraud analyst team. Well, such a system exists, but it’s not really an FMS. Actually, it’s a database designed to work in tandem with an FMS. And it enhances the value of any FMS or fraud-fighting team that takes advantage of its intelligence.
Dec 17, 2019
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Telephony Industry Rises to the Challenge of Robocalls, With Legislation, Regulation and Enforcement Close Behind

WASHINGTON, December 13, 2019 – The industry group that is hammering out technical standards governing an anti-robocall framework announced Thursday that that the STIR/SHAKEN framework will launch on Monday, December 16, 2019. The launch of STIR/SHAKEN calling verification service won’t be final word in ending robocalls. But the much-anticipated milestone does represent a significant achievement for the creation of an entirely new framework governing authenticated telephony. Read more…
Dec 13, 2019
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Industry Solution to Detect, Mitigate and Deter Illegal Robocalling Reaches Important Milestone

The Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority (STI-GA) announced today that the nation's Calling Number Verification Service, which is based on the SHAKEN framework, will launch December 16, 2019. The launch is a critical step forward in mitigating illegal robocalling, the leading cause of consumer complaints to both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "Setting SHAKEN into action completes a major milestone in an initiative that brought the industry together through ATIS to find a solution to address the formidable challenge of illegal robocalling," said ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller.
Dec 12, 2019
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LFN Member Spotlight: iconectiv

George Cray, SVP of products at iconectiv sat down with LF Networking to discuss the role iconectiv plays in contributing to open source networking that will benefit the entire ecosystem. It is important that businesses and their customers access and exchange information simply, seamlessly and securely. iconectiv’s extensive experience in information services and its unmatched numbering intelligence helps them do just that. In fact, more than 2 billion people count on our platforms each day to keep their networks, devices and applications connected.
Nov 25, 2019

Press Releases

Media Contact:
Sharon Oddy
Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
+1 732 699-5130
soddy@iconectiv.com

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With New Mandated OTS Switching Process on the Horizon, UK Communications Providers Have Viable Managed Access Provider Option

The United Kingdom’s One Touch Switch (OTS) deadline is 12 September 2024, requiring communications providers (CPs) to comply with specific OTS requirements. As a registered Managed Access Provider with TOTSCo, iconectiv UK Limited offers the necessary flexibility for providers to meet today's residential broadband market demands.
Jun 12, 2024
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iconectiv Chief Technology Officer Elected to SIP Forum Board of Directors

Steve Tang, Chief Technology Officer at iconectiv, has joined the Board of Directors of the SIP Forum, showcasing his expertise in trusted communications and iconectiv's dedication to advancing communication services, supporting emerging technologies and combating the misuse of communication networks.
May 16, 2024
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Cross Border Call Authentication for Fighting Fraudulent Calls Takes the Stage at CABASE Internet Day

iconectiv's Angelica Ford and Bob Grant will dive into Common Language and Cross Border Call Authentication at CABASE Internet Day, emphasizing the importance of establishing a common language in network interconnection and resolving international calling challenges to uphold trust in Argentina's communications.
May 16, 2024
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Today’s Digital Age Calls for Increased Protection of the Phone Number, says iconectiv

In the digital age, phone numbers have become essential components of identity verification. In their new market brief, iconectiv emphasizes the critical need to safeguard phone numbers, offering a digital identity portfolio that helps businesses strengthen security measures and streamline customer verification processes.
May 2, 2024
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The Path to 5G Profitability for Data Centers, Towers and Real Estate Companies

A new iconectiv white paper explores how data center operators and commercial real estate companies can use Common Language to build awareness of their fiber, interconnection and tower/site portfolios. iconectiv will showcase Common Language during Connect(X) 2024 in Atlanta on May 14.
Apr 30, 2024
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Upcoming Live Webinar Shines Light on Best Practices to Secure the Digital Identity

iconectiv’s Michael O’Brien will discuss the vital role of phone numbers in digital identity verification during the "Securing the Digital Frontier” webinar on April 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. ET. He will cover fraud prevention, regulatory compliance and ensuring trustworthy digital identity signals, highlighting the need for global collaboration.
Apr 23, 2024
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How Financial Service Companies Are Using Phone Number Data to Mitigate Fraud

iconectiv's recent case study demonstrates how financial institutions leverage numbering data to enhance security and combat fraud. By identifying recently ported phone numbers through iconectiv's data exchanges, companies can verify phone number accuracy, crucial for identification amidst rising mobile-focused fraud threats.
Apr 22, 2024

Speaking Engagements

Matthew Lear

Matthew Lear

Senior Director of Product Management

Matthew Lear, Senior Director of Product Management at iconectiv, is responsible for overseeing the Trusted Communications portfolio, focused on bringing increased trust in B2C communications in voice, messaging and data. 

With more than 25 years of technology and business leadership in the telecommunications industry, Lear has created product strategies and delivered enterprise and consumer products and solutions to market. Prior to iconectiv, Lear served as Director of Product Management at ZOS Communications, where he developed product strategies and delivered cloud and mobile device solutions focused on location-based services and contextual geo-fencing.

Lear graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Master of Science degree in computer science and received his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Rutgers University.

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MEF Leadership Forum + MEET UP

Hosted by MEF and the Canadian Telecommunications Association, the MEF Leadership Forum is being held on July 18 in Toronto, Canada. Matt Lear, iconectiv’s Senior Director of Product Management, joins as a panelist, discussing "One Medium, Many Paths: Differentiating Shortcode, Toll Free + 10 DLC."
Chris Drake

Chris Drake

Chief Technology Officer

Chris Drake, Senior Vice President - Corporate and Business Development, at iconectiv, is responsible for internal and external technology initiatives including emerging opportunities in trusted communications, cybersecurity, mobile content, mobile identity, virtualization and M2M/IoT. 
Drake began his career at Bell Northern Research and has over 25 years in the telecommunications industry. Prior to iconectiv, Chris held executive positions at Neustar, Sonus Networks, Telcordia Technologies as well as other companies.  Drake is also an executive advisor to technology startups and had worked with the Canadian Consulate Tech Accelerator @ NYC for many years. Drake contributes to various GSMA efforts including the Fraud and Security Group, The Networks Group, and the Industry Specification Approving Group. Drake is on the board and executive committee of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), chair of the ATIS Technology and Operations Council.  Drake is a longstanding member of the CTIA cybersecurity working group, the Cybersecurity Advisory Board for the Pace University Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, and has served on the Industrial Advisory Board for the Security and Software Engineering Research Center (S2ERC) for Georgetown and Ball State Universities through the National Science Foundation. Drake also serves on the FCC federal advisory committee, the North American Numbering Council.

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Are We Ready for a Universal Registry of Known Telephone Numbers?

Join iconectiv’s Chris Drake, Senior Vice President - Corporate and Business Development, on June 12 when he moderates the “Are We Ready for a Universal Registry of Known Telephone Numbers?” webinar panel at KYC Summit 2023.
Alberto Apablaza

Alberto Apablaza

Account Director, LATAM at iconectiv

Alberto Apablaza, Account Director, LATAM at iconectiv, is responsible for the operations and implementation of the Number Portability in Chile and Argentina including managing new initiatives in the region. As a trusted business leader, Apablaza has demonstrated history of working in the Telecommunications Industry from the beginning of his career in Chile and then in South America. He has been involved in the Chile Number Portability from its conception where he led the project program in one of the most prominent carriers in Chile. Apablaza is a Computer Science Engineer with a Master Degree in Management in Technological Entrepreneurships.

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NUMBER PORTABILITY, TELEPHONY: Update and Challenges

Join iconectiv’s Alberto Apablaza, LATAM Account Director, on May 17 as he hosts the NUMBER PORTABILITY, TELEPHONY: Update and Challenges session at Internet Day 2023 in Argentina.
john hayes

John Hayes

Senior Director, iconectiv

John Hayes, Head of Solutions Engineering at iconectiv, is responsible for leading the company’s activities that enable carriers to economically meet their rollout objectives and cost effectively support their service portfolio.

With more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications, Hayes has led engagements to improve network operations for global carriers centered around optimizing new investments, utilization embedded capabilities and leveraging carrier interworking.

He has also advocated the need for carriers to focus on establishing a robust data infrastructure that is consistently used across the business to obtain reliable insights that permit effective operational and capital efficiencies to be realized.

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The 5G playbook – What Do you Need to Deploy 5G?

5G may already be available in most of the U.S., but there are still many small operators that are in the beginning of their 5G transitions.  This panel discussion will talk about the spectrum, regulatory challenges, infrastructure needs and investment requirements to build a 5G network. In addition, it will discuss some of the unknowns that we are still learning about 5G, such as why operators have failed to fully monetize 5G at this point.
Bob Grant

Bob Grant

Principal Product Manager at iconectiv

Bob Grant, Principal Product Manager at iconectiv, is responsible for setting the strategy, roadmap and feature definition for TruOps TRA and TruReach Certify. His role entails working collaboratively across all functions within the organization to ensure strategic and tactical alignment of goals and resources.

Grant has more than 20 years of experience managing products in the telecommunications industry. Before joining iconectiv, Grant served as Channel Operations Director for Avaya.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Montclair State University and a Master of Business Administration in international business from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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Superheroes Unite: Protecting and Defending the Communications Ecosystem

In the ever-expanding telecom universe, there are villains trying to corrupt the communications ecosystem. Fortunately, a legion of Trusted Communication Superheroes—each wielding unique special powers—are laser-focused on keeping people connected, businesses running and commerce flowing by identifying and verifying legitimate callers so that their voice traffic receives the proper authentication and is not inaccurately categorized as potentially suspicious or illegal. Get ready to take your place among the legion of Trusted Communication Superheroes who are mitigating suspicious activity and protecting businesses, communication providers and consumers every day.
Bob Grant

Bob Grant

Principal Product Manager at iconectiv

Bob Grant, Principal Product Manager at iconectiv, is responsible for setting the strategy, roadmap and feature definition for TruOps TRA and TruReach Certify. His role entails working collaboratively across all functions within the organization to ensure strategic and tactical alignment of goals and resources.

Grant has more than 20 years of experience managing products in the telecommunications industry. Before joining iconectiv, Grant served as Channel Operations Director for Avaya.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Montclair State University and a Master of Business Administration in international business from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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Cloud Comms Summit US

The Cloud Comms Summit is the leading and largest vendor-agnostic event for service providers focused on the Cloud Communications industry. Established by Cavell, the summit offers key findings from the latest Cloud Comms Market and Enterprise Insight Research Reports to help you understand the market.
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Not All Numbers Are Created Equal: Finding the Right Messaging Solution for Your Business

The business messaging landscape is constantly changing as new entrants disrupt the ecosystem. Nearly 70% of consumer brand interactions shifted to messaging during the pandemic, and this trend is expected to continue as nearly 65% of the global population send and receive SMS messages.