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

New Video: BEAD Program, Efficiently Harness Federal Funding for Connectivity for All

Unlock the full potential of $42.5B in BEAD funding with iconectiv® TruOps® Common Language®. Join iconectiv’s Bob Grant as he breaks down how to streamline reporting, auditing and compliance to supercharge rural broadband efforts.
Sep 19, 2024
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600K Ways Telcos Can Maximize Efficiency, Competitiveness, Customer Satisfaction Daily

iconectiv® TruNumber® Gateway LSMS extends real-time phone number porting data across all departments, empowering U.S. and Canadian CSPs and telecom providers to enhance operational efficiency, streamline billing and improve customer satisfaction without network disruption.
Sep 10, 2024
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Mobile Phone Numbers Are Core to Good Customer Experience, says iconectiv

Digital interactions define customer loyalty, mobile phone numbers have emerged as a secret weapon for businesses aiming to deliver exceptional experiences and protect against fraud. iconectiv’s latest market brief details how mobile numbers are powerful tools driving personalized service, reduce churn and boost revenue.
Aug 22, 2024
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Ericsson announces sale of iconectiv

Ericsson has agreed to sell its US subsidiary, iconectiv, to Koch Equity Development LLC. The transaction is expected to close in 2025. iconectiv, will continue to grow its numbering and data exchange services under new ownership.
Aug 16, 2024
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Koch Equity Development Signs Agreement to Acquire Telecommunications Solutions Leader iconectiv

Koch Equity Development LLC (KED) has reached an agreement to acquire iconectiv from Ericsson and Francisco Partners. iconectiv will continue to operate, independently, under KED, focusing on number portability and fraud prevention services. The deal is expected to close in 2025.
Aug 16, 2024
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Powering a Global Stand Against Robocalls: ATIS and iconectiv Collaborate with Bandwidth and Microsoft to Lead Industry-Wide Initiative

In a bold move to safeguard global communications, ATIS and iconectiv, in collaboration with Bandwidth and Microsoft, have launched an initiative to combat the growing menace of unwanted robocalls and fraudulent scams. This leading-edge effort seeks to extend the success of the SHAKEN protocol across international borders, ensuring that legitimate voice traffic is authenticated and protected, regardless of where it originates.
Aug 15, 2024
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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

Speaking Engagements

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

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

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.

speaking engagement

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.

speaking engagement

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.

speaking engagement

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.
Michael Iwanoff

Michael Iwanoff

Chief Information Security Officer

Michael Iwanoff, Chief Information Security Officer at iconectiv, leads the Global Information Security organization and is responsible for building and implementing enhanced security policies, standards and technology controls and establishing security strategy and direction for the company.

With more than 15 years of experience in IT Risk and Security, Iwanoff has successfully built and implemented comprehensive IT Security, Risk and Compliance programs for global organizations. His professional experience spans telecom and financial services at leading organizations including AIG, Barclays, Comcast and AT&T. Prior to his current position, he served as the Vice President -- Chief Security Officer for the Property Casualty division of AIG, a global financial business. Iwanoff is a member of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force.

Iwanoff holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology in Computer Science and is currently pursuing his Master of Science degree in Information Systems Assurance. He has also earned numerous security certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CISA and CRISC.

speaking engagement

Safeguarding the Enterprise Against Escalating Global Cyber Threats

iconectiv Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Michael Iwanoff, will participate in this panel discussion to give insight on cybersecurity emerging threats, cyber resilience, and what iconectiv does to stay cyber-secure. The other panelists include John McDonough, Cloud Architect/Cloud DevOps Engineer at Fortinet, Arvin Bansal, Senior Director, Cloud Security & Data Protection at AmerisourceBergen, and moderator Rocco Grillo, Managing Director – Global Cyber Risk Services & Incident Response Investigation at Alvarez & Marsal.
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.