In the news

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The Genius is Within: Real Innovation Begins by Listening to the Right Voices

Throughout the nearly four decades Richard Jacowleff has spent in the telecom industry, he’s witnessed and been a part of extraordinary changes, from the breakup of AT&T in 1983 to the ubiquitous use of smartphones. Rising through the ranks from technician to director, executive director, vice president and now president and CEO of iconectiv, he’s always considered himself a builder rather than a manager. Whether putting together brilliant teams or technology solutions, it is a matter of wanting to improve things by doing better and inspiring others to do the same.
Apr 22, 2020
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Member Spotlight | April 2020

At iconectiv, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the ever-changing communication landscape. New technologies have revolutionized the way brands and consumers connect and engage with one another. This has given rise to unforeseen challenges, such as a rise in illegal robocalling and caller-ID spoofing. As a result, confidence in the communications industry and new technology is declining. Our TruReach platform features four unique products to simplify processes and help you maintain consumer confidence at a time when trust in communications is wavering.
Apr 2, 2020
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The PKI Guy examines how to end robocalls with Chris Drake of iconectiv

Currently over 75% of calls are left unanswered when it comes from an unidentified or unfamiliar number. This is due to the spike in illegal robocalls. In October 2019, Americans were inundated with more than 2,000 robocalls every second, which is enough to put the annual total over 49 billion. Given this, the situation has progressively gotten worse and people are not trusting that what they see on the caller ID is correct. The SHAKEN/STIR framework aims to verify calling number information between networks.
Mar 31, 2020
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Robocalling faces a new Robocop with US TRACED Act

Robocalling has been an intrusive annoyance to millions of people on a day-to-day basis to the extent that they no longer pick up their phones to calls from outside their contact lists. Fortunately in the US, which saw more than 48 billion robocalls in 2018, regulation has been enacted to stamp out the practice. New legislation, called The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED) could see robocallers fined up to US$10,000 per call by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Mar 30, 2020
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Companies face fresh security risks from people working from home

Millions of people are working from home around the world as the coronavirus pandemic spreads and authorities plead for people to stay at home to slow the rate of contagion. Though people staying and working from home helps stop the spread of the virus, it increases the likelihood of companies getting hacked through weaknesses in employees’ home networks and misuse of VPN.
Mar 23, 2020
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Black Swan Solution Guide: Getting Porting History and Carrier Data to Verify Identity and Mitigate Account Takeovers

Not all risk intelligence sources are of equal value. Some are so important that ignoring them might prove disastrous. One intelligence source of increasing importance is getting real-time notice of changes to telephone number ports and the carrier-of-record. There are good reasons why this intelligence is so vital. Indeed, checking on the security and stability of the smartphone account is now considered critical by enterprises and identity aggregators in banking, e-commerce, insurance,…
Mar 6, 2020
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iconectiv Enables Consumers to Trust Calls, Text Messages and RCS Interactions

iconectiv developed the TruReach platform to give service providers a convenient, streamlined way to identify legitimate voice, SMS and RCS communications attuned to how those enter their network in a variety of ways. This verification is particularly valuable for businesses that have multiple service providers because they have operations around the U.S.
Feb 18, 2020

Press Releases

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

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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
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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

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. 

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.

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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.

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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.