In the news

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Be Careful, Those Political Texts Could Be a Scam

Kim Baldonado of NBC 4 LA reports on political text messaging fraud. She warns that scammers pose as political candidates or campaigns and use this ruse to get money and personal information from voters. In an interview, iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, explains how consumers can protect themselves – listing red flags to watch out for. For example, Cray warns that text messages sent from an unknown 10-digit number asking for personal information are likely from fraudsters.
Oct 21, 2022
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Telecom heroes unite! – iconectiv joining forces with a legion of fraud fighters

In this post, CFCA encourages their members to identify themselves as a trusted communications superhero. Learn how the Fraud Fighters and Identification Verifiers can protect consumers’ money and identity with the help of iconectiv’s tools TruNumber Protect, PortData Validate, TruReach Certify and TruReach Intel.
Sep 30, 2022
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CSPs look to ramp up revenues with origin-based rating

In this report, Vanilla Plus explores how communications service providers will achieve trust and benefit from origin-based rating. This article highlights how to take advantage of the substantial revenue opportunity from OBR by using iconectiv’s TruNumber Protect.
Sep 21, 2022
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Why Rich Call Data is Key for Thwarting Fraudsters and Building Consumer Trust

In a world where consumers are more reluctant than ever to answer calls from unknown numbers, Rich Call Data (RCD) helps legitimate businesses separate themselves from fraudsters and spammers by allowing those businesses to share their name, logo and why they’re calling. This crucial process is done through Registered Caller, a centralized phone number registry developed by iconectiv and CTIA with input from various experts, service providers and industry leaders.
Sep 8, 2022
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Well done, Fraud Fighter. I Now Promote You to Superhero of Trusted Communications

Exactly how do you explain your telecom fraud fighter job to someone at a cocktail party? That’s a tough task! The trouble is it may take time to explain the context – describe how telecom services are delivered and paid for, then show how criminals steal money by corrupting the process. A faster path is to use an analogy and say, “My job is be a kind of detective of crimes committed against telecom providers.” That analogy works, but iconectiv has come up with an even better one. Why be…
Aug 19, 2022
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iconectiv launches Trusted Communications Superhero campaign

The way in which consumers and businesses communicate and how societies operate is a key reason why companies are anticipated to spend US$2.8 trillion on digital transformation globally by 2025. A new infographic from iconectiv breaks down the various obstacles that the communications industry faces and the special powers each of these superheroes possess to combat these challenges.
Aug 1, 2022
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Changing your cell phone company without changing your number is now a right

With the development of mobile telephony, cell phone users in Argentina are increasingly using their mobile phones and telephone number as an identifier. That’s why it’s important that consumers are allowed the option to seamlessly change service providers while keeping their original phone number. iconectiv was recently included in an Argentine news article as a trusted number portability authority. iconectiv is proud to offer number portability in over 20 countries across the globe, including Argentina.
May 2, 2022

Press Releases

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

press release

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
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The Common Language of Telecom Helps Rural Service Providers Close the Digital Divide

iconectiv’s case study highlights how rural service providers can use Common Language to efficiently evaluate network infrastructure, enabling faster and more affordable broadband expansion to tackle the persistent issue of limited internet access in rural areas, benefiting a wide range of service providers in rural America.
Apr 11, 2024
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UK Broadband Service Providers: Are You Ready for a New Switching Process?

iconectiv’s David Wilson will discuss how UK broadband service providers can prepare for the upcoming "One Touch Switch" deadline at the UKWISPA Members Meeting, addressing challenges and offering insights. His session will cover certification of Managed Access Providers, readiness factors, adherence to standards and best practices.
Mar 20, 2024
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iconectiv Recognized for Its Commitment to Simplifying Network Planning and Operational Efficiencies Across Telecom Ecosystem, and Its Support for Streamlining 5G Network Deployments

iconectiv's TruOps Common Language platform received six Merit Awards for Telecom and Wireless, recognizing its role in seamless interconnection among service providers and highlighting iconectiv's commitment to operational efficiency in the evolving 5G services landscape.
Feb 23, 2024

Speaking Engagements

Chris Drake

Chris Drake

Chief Technology Officer

Chris Drake, SVP 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, and board member for the SIP Forum. 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.

speaking engagement

Identity in Messaging Solutions are Emerging – how will the industry change?

Sender identity is the root of much of the concerns on fraud and customer experience but changing an established technical framework has proven difficult. Regulatory pressure and solutions are now driving new approaches to limit such as smishing and Spam/unsolicited communications.
Johnathan Shulman

Jonathan Shulman

Vice President, Business Development, iconectiv

Jonathan Shulman, Vice President, Business Development at iconectiv, is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities and future revenue streams across iconectiv’s secure, interconnection solutions with global mobile network operators, telecom regulators, technology and industry partners. He also leads engagement with product and engineering teams to represent the voice of the customer and translate insights into test cases and proof of concept before market launch.

Shulman has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience at world-class telecommunications, digital, advertising, mobile and technology companies where he has built and led high-performing global sales, marketing and channel teams. Prior to joining iconectiv, he served in high-level positions at Facebook, Lucent Technologies, Nokia and LG Electronics Mobile.

Shulman graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in psychology. He also holds a master’s degree in law and diplomacy from Tufts University, as well as an MBA from the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College.

Harold Salters Headshot

Harold Salters

Technology Consultant, CTIA

Harold works as a technology consultant for CTIA – Everything Wireless. He has been a regular participant on the Joint ATIS/SIP Forum IP-NNI Task Force, as well as the ATIS Non-IP Call Authentication Task Force, since November 2016 and June 2020, respectively. As CTIA’s representative on the SIP Forum Board of Directors, he’s well-versed on STIR/SHAKEN and the commercial and ecosystem drivers for enterprise engagement that are addressed by Registered Caller.

Prior to his work with CTIA, he was T-Mobile’s Director of Federal Regulatory Affairs for 14 years working on a broad range of wireless technical public policy issues, including cybersecurity, homeland security, network reliability/survivability and disabilities access. In those roles, he represented T-Mobile at DHS’s National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center, the FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability & Interoperability Council, and ATIS’s Network Reliability Steering Committee and Interim Non-Voice Emergency Services Incubator. Prior to that, he was Sr. Director for Government Relations at PCIA, predecessor to the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), and worked at two DC law firms and the FCC on private land mobile and microwave issues. At the FCC, he was a charter member of the Future Public Safety Telecommunications Requirements Task Force.

He’s a graduate of Queens College (CUNY) and has an MBA from Cornell University.

speaking engagement

How Verification is Helping Maintain the Integrity of Voice Calls

Studies show that in the U.S., 76 percent of calls from an unidentified or unfamiliar number are left unanswered. While the deployment of the STIR/SHAKEN framework is helping mitigate spoofing and robocalling, some legitimate business calls may consequently be mislabeled as spam, even if they are not.
Jon

Jonathan Herttua

Senior Director, Information Solutions, iconectiv

Jon Herttua is the Senior Director, Information Solutions Business for iconectiv. He is responsible for sales of fraud mitigation and prevention solutions for communication service providers and Fintech.

Herttua is an experienced executive in the technology industry with more than 30 years of experience. He previously served as the Vice President for AetherPal Inc. where he acted as an evangelizing change agent to deliver new secure software solutions for management of mobile devices to Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, EE, Vodafone and enterprise customers.

Herttua holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Carolyn Knight is a Senior Account Manager for the United States Local Number Portability (LNPA) team at iconectiv

Carolyn Knight

Senior Account Manager, United States Local Number Portability (LNPA), iconectiv

Carolyn Knight is a Senior Account Manager for the United States Local Number Portability (LNPA) team at iconectiv. As the LNPA, iconectiv manages the nation’s Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC). Knight is responsible for managing customer relations and communications for the LNPA’s only authorized solution for fraud mitigation and risk assessment in using phone number porting data.

Knight is an experienced executive in the technology industry with more than 30 years of experience. She began her telecommunications career at Bellcore. Prior to iconectiv, she held positions at Verizon Wireless and Telcordia Technologies managing software development and quality assurance teams.

Knight holds Masters of Science degrees in Computer Science and in Computer Systems, Networking and Telecommunications from Stevens Institute of Technology.

speaking engagement

Protecting the Mobile Wallet: Why Number Portability is Critical to Safeguarding Mobile Banking

The Global Mobile Money Market is booming. Originally valued at USD $3.4 billion in 2019, it is expected to grow to USD $25.76 billion by 2027, as more consumers than ever before are turning to their mobile devices to conduct banking transactions via SMS and RCS. And while the opportunity for the burgeoning mobile money market is great, it does not come without challenge. One of the biggest is around the mobile wallet itself. Since users’ mobile wallets are associated with their mobile…
john hayes

John Hayes

Senior Director, iconectiv

As Senior Director at iconectiv, John Hayes is responsible for leading the company’s global product cost analysis efforts, fixed asset management and regulatory compliance and reporting initiatives. With over more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications, Hayes has led strategic campaigns to improve network operations for global carriers centered around new investments, utilization and fixed operations. He has also advocated for effective regulatory compliance and reporting and spearheaded financial strategies to reduce carrier expenditures and increase cost savings.

Eyad

Eyad Alqadi

Regional Sales Director, EMEA, iconectiv

Eyad Alqadi is the Regional Sales Director, EMEA, at iconectiv. He is responsible for spearheading the company’s expansion in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a focus on sales strategy, customer relations and consultation and establishing channel partner relationships.

With more than 20 years of experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, Alqadi has worked successfully with organizations to leverage various technology solutions to generate value and improve operations, efficiencies, productivity and ultimately their bottom lines.

Alqadi holds a Bachelor of Engineering from New Mexico State University and a Master of Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School.

michael carroll

Michael Carroll

Editor, GSMA

Michael doesn’t want to admit that he has been a journalist and editor for close to 20 years covering a diverse set of subjects including shipping and shipbuilding, fixed and mobile telecoms, and motorcycling. He joins Mobile World Live as editor following several years as a freelancer, during which time he worked as the managing editor for Fierce Markets’ European wireless newsletter and editor on TelecomsEMEA.net (published by Questex Asia), and produced a range of feature articles and reports covering sectors including connected cars, IP Exchange (IPX), premium rate services and mobile ticketing for companies including Telecom Asia, mobileSquared and Netsize. Michael previously held various roles as reporter and editor with Informa Telecoms & Media, and as a reporter on Motorcycle News (MCN) – the UK’s largest and oldest weekly motorcycling newspaper.

speaking engagement

Driving Financial Decisions and Compliance with Fixed Asset Management

This session will explore the role of a universal Fixed Asset Management (FAM) structure in the deployment, interconnection and management of service providers’ physical and virtual assets. 
David Estes

David Estes

Principal Solutions Engineer

Dave Estes is a Principal Solutions Engineer on the iconectiv global sales team. He is responsible for providing technical subject matter expertise for iconectiv’s TruNumber platform, which provides accurate phone number data that operators need to offer seamless portability, detect and diagnose issues quickly, and help combat telephone fraud.

Dave is a wireless industry veteran and before joining iconectiv worked at T-Mobile USA and managed the Roaming Business Operations team, responsible for testing & launching roaming services, fraud, steering and inter-operator issues. Dave also worked at Syniverse Technologies where he held various management roles in Product Management, Account Management and Sales Engineering. Dave has extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in data clearing, financial clearing, fraud and roaming for telecom operators and has participated in many industry and user groups.   
Dave holds a BA in business administration/marketing from the University of Puget Sound.

speaking engagement

Protect Your Customers from One-Ring Scams: Trusted Tools to Fight Fraud

During the panel session, “Protect Your Customers from One-Ring Scams: Trusted Tools to Fight Fraud,” iconectiv telecom fraud expert David Estes discussed how CSPs are upgrading their existing call-blocking analytics to identify calls from high-risk and unallocated number ranges and suspicious premium-rate numbers.