In the news

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Interview with CBS: Avoiding Holiday Text Scams

CBS Chattanooga’s Nick Hill reports on how fraudsters are taking advantage of the holiday shopping season through texting scams. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. CBS explains the concept of smishing: text messages that are designed to install spyware or steal other personal data. Cray advises viewers to beware of text messages with links and a sense of urgency. Hill describes the common situations these hackers will try to present, including verifying gift cards, falsely claiming delivery delays, or claiming they need more information to complete a delivery.
Nov 14, 2022
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Interview with CBS: TECH BYTE: Don’t Fall for Political Texting Scams

CBS Chattanooga’s TECH BYTE reports on how fraudsters are taking advantage of the election season through texting scams. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. Cray explains how Americans lost $86 million last election cycle from texting scams, and this year could be even worse. Money isn’t the only thing scammers are after, viewers are also warned to watch out for scammers spreading misinformation.
Nov 4, 2022
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Interview with CBS: Scammers cracking down, jumping into your phone with political texts as elections inch closer

Steve Sbraccia of CBS Raleigh reports on how scammers are taking advantage of the election season to steal personal information. iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, shares expert information on how to protect against these scammers. Cray advises viewers to be wary of texts with a sense of urgency and sent from 10-digit numbers. Real candidates and campaigns can undergo a vetting process to obtain a 5/6-digit number (a short code), making these numbers more trustworthy for voters.
Oct 28, 2022
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Tips for protecting yourself against political texting fraud

Terrence Lee of FOX Chicago reports on the increasing amount of text scams sent out as election season gets underway. In a live interview, iconectiv’s Senior Vice President, George Cray, provides expert tips on identifying scam text messages sent from fraudsters posing as candidates or campaigns. Cray warns viewers to watch out for requests for personal data, embedded links and messages with a sense of urgency. Cray also explains that text messages from 5/6-digit numbers (short codes) are more reputable due to the vetting process candidates/campaigns undergo to obtain the code.
Oct 24, 2022
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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

Press Releases

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

press release

Going on the offense at MWC Barcelona 2025: tackling fintech fraud in an AI and mobile-first era

iconectiv’s Michael O’Brien joins an expert panel at MWC Barcelona 2025 to tackle the global scam economy. Panelists will explore how cross-border call authentication, industry collaboration, AI and regulatory frameworks can combat fraud in fintech and telecom.
Feb 27, 2025
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iconectiv revolutionizes outbound voice communications with new compliance-centric TruOps TRA Telemarketing Data Source (TDS) solution

iconectiv’s new TruOps TRA Telemarketing Data Source (TDS) empowers businesses to enhance call efficiency while ensuring compliance with TCPA regulations. Featuring detailed data insights and seamless integration, TDS optimizes outreach strategies and minimizes costly compliance risks.
Feb 6, 2025
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iconectiv UK Limited provides SaaS software platform to b4b Group for the New UK Broadband Switching Mandate

iconectiv UK Limited is partnering with b4b Group to simplify broadband switching under the UK’s new One Touch Switch (OTS) mandate. As a registered Managed Access Provider, iconectiv provides b4b Group seamless solutions to meet Ofcom’s regulatory requirements, enhancing the customer experience.
Nov 12, 2024
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STI-GA Executes New Agreements with ATIS and iconectiv to Continue Advancing Industry Robocall Mitigation Efforts

STI-GA renews agreements with ATIS and iconectiv to bolster the U.S. SHAKEN ecosystem and combat illegal robocalls. ATIS continues as call authentication manager, and iconectiv remains the Secure Telephone Identity Policy Administrator, advancing secure and trusted communication.
Nov 7, 2024
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iconectiv Confirmed to Continue Serving as U.S. TRS Numbering Administrator

iconectiv has been reappointed by the FCC to continue as the U.S. TRS Numbering Administrator, ensuring seamless call routing for individuals with hearing or speech impairments. This renewal reinforces iconectiv’s commitment to accessible communication for millions across the nation.
Oct 31, 2024
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Strengthening Cyber Defenses: iconectiv’s Ongoing Commitment to Secure Communications During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

During Cybersecurity Awareness month, iconectiv reaffirms its commitment to robust security through ongoing assessments, trusted partnerships and certifications like ISO 27001:2022, ensuring businesses stay protected in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Oct 24, 2024
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Expanding Global Access to Argentina’s Porting Data: A New Weapon Against Fraud and Risk

Businesses can now access Argentina’s porting data globally through iconectiv’s new agreement with the Number Portability Committee. This authoritative data empowers companies to enhance fraud prevention, assess risk, and protect customer trust while optimizing business processes.
Oct 7, 2024

Speaking Engagements

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.
 

speaking engagement

Empowering Connectivity: iconectiv Attends Broadband Nation Expo 2024 to Drive Seamless and Secure Digital Transformation

Join iconectiv's Bob Grant, Sarah Halko, and JC Ortiz in Washington D.C. from October 9-11, 2024, as we proudly attend Broadband Nation Expo as a bronze sponsor. This premier three-day event unites industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to address the critical challenges of bridging the digital divide and driving broadband innovation.
Alberto

Alberto Apablaza

Account Director, LATAM at iconectiv

Alberto Apablaza is the Director of Account Manager at iconectiv. He 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.

Apablaza is a Computer Science Engineer with a master’s degree in management in Technological Entrepreneurships and more than 20 years of proven experience in the field of telecommunications. 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.

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iconectiv at Conecta Chile: Pioneering Connectivity and Innovation in the LATAM Telecom Industry

As proud gold sponsors, join iconectiv’s Shanmugavel Krishnan, Alberto Apablaza and Angie Ford at Conecta Chile from September 9-10, 2024, where we’ll be showcasing our expertise in number portability with solutions like TruNumber Finder and TruNumber Portability Clearinghouse. With a proven track record in supporting the Chilean telecom industry, iconectiv continues to drive innovation and success in the region, offering solutions that empower users and advance the industry.
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. 

Angie

Angelica Ford

Sr. Account Director

Angelica Ford, Global Senior Account Director at iconectiv, is responsible for the operations and implementation of number portability, number management, Common Language and more in the Latin America Region.

Angelica as a trusted business leader with more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications and sales, she has a demonstrated history of working worldwide. Previously, she worked in numerous management and expansion roles from sales engineering to new business development.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Howard University.

speaking engagement

Common Language and Cross Border Authentication at CABASE Internet Day

iconectiv’s Angelica Ford, Global Senior Account Director, and Bob Grant, Principal Product Manager, join other industry leaders at the CABASE Internet Day from May 16-17, 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to cover Common Language and Cross Border Authentication.
Mike

Michael O'Brien

Executive Vice President, Business Development

Michael O’Brien is Executive Vice President of Business Development at iconectiv. He is responsible for executing on the company’s strategy and driving new pathways of sustainable growth for the company.

An experienced industry veteran, O’Brien has more than 30 years of experience in the mobile communications industry. He most recently served as Group Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Syniverse, where he focused on product and geographic expansion to support the company’s strategic priorities.

O’Brien was recently named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in the Roaming and Interconnect Industry by Rocco Research. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree from the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

speaking engagement

VanillaPlus Webinar with iconectiv

iconectiv’s Michael O’Brien, Chief Product Officer, joins the VanillaPlus webinar with iconectiv, “Securing the Digital Frontier: Navigating Challenges and Best Practices in Digital Identity Verification,” on April 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. ET.
David Wilson

David Wilson

Vice President of Global Sales

David Wilson is the Vice President of Global Sales for iconectiv. He is responsible for leading go-to-market, business development and sales efforts. Through his work, enterprise solutions for messaging, compliance and identity verification are supported through the development and execution of sales strategies.

Wilson is an experienced executive in the telecommunications industry with more than 30 years of experience. He previously served as the Executive Director of Numbering Market Management for Telcordia Technologies, where he managed Technical Sales Support and Contract Administrator teams. He led the efforts to define and complete technical and commercial numbering solutions in multiple countries.

Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Notre Dame de Namur University.

speaking engagement

iconectiv Session During UK WISPA Spring 2024 Members Meeting

iconectiv’s David Wilson, Vice President of Global Sales, joins other industry leaders at UK WISPA Spring 2024 Members Meeting on March 20-21, 2024, in Birmingham, UK, for a panel to discuss the UK’s new era of broadband switching.
JC

Juan Carlos Ortiz

Principal for Corporate Business Development

Juan Carlos Ortiz is a Principal for Corporate Business Development at iconectiv. He is responsible for contributing to the continued product evolution within the TruOps platform. Ortiz has 34 years of experience in the Telecommunications sector performing work for customers worldwide. His expertise has focused on the analysis of the financial feasibility and risk profile of new communications service provider programs across a broad spectrum of domain areas. Ortiz holds a master’s degree in Operations Research and Decision Sciences from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. He is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute. 

Chris Bain

Chris Bain

Director, Common Language Services

Chris Bain, Director, Common Language Services at iconectiv is responsible for establishing and evolving the industry naming standards that comprise TruOps Common Language. His 40+ years of process automation experience include various aspects of inventory management and service provisioning. Additionally, he contributes to technical forums in support of the industry.

speaking engagement

CCA Webinar with iconectiv

iconectiv is hosting a webinar on October 25, 2023, with CCA featuring Juan Carlos Ortiz and Chris Bain, iconectiv's Principal for Corporate Business Development and Director of Common Language Services . The webinar, "Advancing Connectivity for All with a Common Language," will spotlight iconectiv®'s TruOps™ Common Language® and its role in unlocking connectivity opportunities for all Americans while assisting service providers.
Mike

Michael O'Brien

Executive Vice President, Business Development

Michael O’Brien is Executive Vice President of Corporate Business Development at iconectiv. He is responsible for executing on the company’s strategy and driving new pathways of sustainable growth.

A skilled industry veteran, O’Brien has more than 35 years of experience in the mobile communications industry. Prior to joining iconectiv, he served as Group Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Syniverse, where he focused on product and geographic expansion to support the company’s strategic priorities.

O’Brien was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in the Roaming and Interconnect Industry by Rocco Research in 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree from the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
 

speaking engagement

HIYA State of the Call

iconectiv’s Executive VP, Michael O’Brien, joins other industry leaders at the State of the Call Summit, presented by HIYA, in New York City on October 5, 2023, to discuss call authentication.