In the news

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How the U.S. response to one-ring ‘Wangiri’ robocall scams affects non-U.S. service providers

Wangiri is a global scourge that costs service providers $1.82 billion annually, making it one of the top five fraud types. In this Vanilla Plus article, iconectiv’s principal solutions engineer director John Haraburda discusses how iconectiv is taking steps to help service providers protect their customers and their bottom lines against one-ring fraud.
Mar 22, 2021
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Michael O’Brien of iconectiv: “Having a recognized centralized resource for providing this trust is essential”

The telephone changed the way people communicate all over the world, and then email and text messaging took it to the next level. In the latest Thrive Global article, iconectiv’s Chief Product Officer Michael O’Brien explores the future of communication, his career and what led iconectiv to create their cutting-edge and innovative communication technologies.
Mar 8, 2021
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GSMA’s ISAG Group adds iconectiv’s CTO to help oversee global telecom industry

To help telecommunications technologies work better together while maintaining security, the Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) provides global industry specifications—guided by industry leaders—to help the ecosystem navigate these challenges. Last November, GSMA launched the Industry Specifications Approving Group (ISAG) as the oversight and approval body for all Industry Specification work. Chief Technology Officer for iconectiv, Chris Drake, has been appointed as one of a limited number of non-service provider members of the group. The ISAG is made up of senior representatives in the industry and includes service provider and non-service provider GSMA members.
Mar 8, 2021
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Top 10 Emerging Technology Trends For Retail Industry

Digital transformation, cloud services, networking, and messaging are some of the ways that retailers are reinventing their stores. With 96% of American’s owning a mobile phone and the average U.S. citizen increasing their time spent on their phone by an additional 23 minutes per day, retailers must become increasingly savvy to successfully engage with new customers. In this recent iFour Technolab article, iconectiv’s senior director of product management Cliff Holsenbeck discusses short codes as an emerging technology trend that will benefit the retail industry.
Mar 8, 2021
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The Future of Communication Technology with Michael O’Brien

In this recent Authority Magazine article, iconectiv’s Chief Product Officer Michael O’Brien discusses the next generation of communication technology and how iconectiv works to re-establish trust in communications platforms. He dives into what led iconectiv to build their innovative technologies and how they plan to impact the world of communication.
Mar 3, 2021
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How Text Message Short Codes Help Retailers Boost Sales and Engagement

Today, roughly 20% of American adults are “smartphone-only” internet users, meaning they own a smartphone but don’t have home broadband service. In this RIS article, iconectiv’s Cliff Holsenbeck explores how retailers and other businesses use text message short codes as a powerful tool to engage customers. Short codes are ideal for engaging consumers who use a smartphone as their primary or only connection to the internet. Businesses that embrace short codes text messaging make it easy for consumers to act on a retailer’s advertising and marketing.
Feb 22, 2021
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An Interview with Mr. Jonathan Shulman, Vice President, Business Development iconectiv

Consumers have become increasingly wary of robocalls and have stopped answering their phones for unknown numbers. Communication channels are constantly being infiltrated by scammers and people are losing trust in these channels. On this episode of Enterprise Talk podcast, iconectiv’s Jonathan Shulman discusses the importance of trust in communications and networks across the global service provider and telecommunications ecosystem and how RCS can improve customer engagement for contact centers.
Feb 17, 2021

Press Releases

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

press release

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
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Steve Tang joins NMG: bridging the digital divide with FWA

The latest Network Media Group video explores the 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market and the impact of federal funding from RDOF and BEAD. With insights from iconectiv®’s Steve Tang, the discussion highlights how tools, like iconectiv TruOps® Common Language®, are improving network connectivity.
Oct 3, 2024
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“We’re on a Mission,” says new iconectiv Operativ Task Force

Meet the iconectiv Operativ Task Force, tackling the toughest global communications challenges. From fraud prevention to digital identity, these agents use real-world expertise to deliver trusted solutions. Explore their missions and see how iconectiv keeps industries connected and secure.
Oct 2, 2024
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Authoritative Mobile Phone Number Data Amps Up Fraud Prevention in the Finance Industry

See how leveraging authoritative mobile number data is transforming fintech fraud prevention. Insights like SIM tenure, porting history, and line type give financial institutions the edge in detecting scams, enhancing verification, and safeguarding customer transactions from fraud.
Sep 24, 2024

Speaking Engagements

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.
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.

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.

speaking engagement

SIPNOC 2023

Chris Drake, iconectiv’s SVP of Corporate and Business Development, and Bob Grant, iconectiv’s Principal Product Manager, are speaking SIPNOC 2023, which will be held September 12-13, 2023 in Herndon, VA. Their sessions include: “The Future of End to End Branded Calling Using Authentication" and "Cross-Border Authentication."
Alberto

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.

speaking engagement

Telco Transformation LATAM

As a platinum sponsor, four members from iconectiv’s team will attend CONECTA LATAM's Telco Transformation LATAM, including Alberto Apablaza, Director of Account Manager, who will be speaking on August 30th. The two-day conference that will bring together industry experts to discuss the impact of 5G and AI.
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.

speaking engagement

NMG: Towers, Neutral Hosts and Data Centers Session with iconectiv

In this discussion, iconectiv’s Senior Director, John Hayes, and The Network Media Group’s Publisher, Abe Nejad, discuss neutral hosts, data centers and their role in Telco and 5G rollout with other industry experts.