In the news

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A Common Nomenclature Enables Faster Rollouts of 5G and New Business Models for IoT and More

5G’s expansion has been going at full force for some time now. But still some service providers aren’t as up to speed as some of the others. Certain providers have taken up the business model of capitalizing on 5G, MEC and NVF to maximize scalability, flexibility and operational efficiency while enabling new services and revenue streams. In this article iconectiv’s director of product management, Sharon Dileo, discusses how proper business models could help rollout 5G in a timely manner.
Aug 11, 2021
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The world can be SHAKEN: Service providers and regulators move to tackle the robocall challenge

Robocalling is a global epidemic that affects every corner of the world. In 2020, North America and Europe received a total of 157.4 billion robocalls. This year, American consumers alone have received nearly 22 billion in the first five months, with this number expected to reach more than 52 billion by the end of the year. In this Q&A with Vanilla Plus, iconectiv’s Chief Product Officer Michael O’Brien discusses the multiple measures being taken to tackle the global spread of robocalls and other frauds.
Aug 4, 2021
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Legitimate Businesses, Telephone Companies Now Have More Options to Present Verified Caller ID to Consumers

Spam and illegal robocalls have caused consumers to stop answering calls from numbers they don’t recognize. This poses a significant challenge for legitimate businesses trying to reach consumers by phone with important or timely updates and information. This Yahoo! Finance article discusses the latest effort to combat robocalls through the expansion of the SHAKEN protocol, allowing businesses an opportunity to register their numbers through the industry-backed program, Registered Caller. This move is intended to help business connect with customers and restore consumer confidence in consumer calls.
Jul 26, 2021
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Legitimate Businesses, Telephone Companies Now Have More Options to Present Verified Caller ID to Consumers

Legitimate businesses that rely on voice calls to reach their customers got a much-needed boost this week following the announcement by the Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority (STI-GA) that they are expanding how trusted caller information can be established. This APNews.com article discusses how this policy change gives voice service providers that plan to use Delegate Certificates when implementing a STIR/SHAKEN framework the opportunity to have business customers register their telephone numbers with Registered Caller—the nation’s industry-backed centralized telephone number registry.
Jul 26, 2021
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STI-GA Announces Policy Changes to Support Delegate Certificates and Toll-Free

Characterized as a major breakthrough in the conflict with illegal robocalls, the Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority (STI-GA) announced two policy changes in the SHAKEN ecosystem. The set of first policy changes will allow delegate certificates to be used by third-party callers as well as companies originating calls from toll-free numbers to also provide SHAKEN authentication. The second set of policy changes are designed to authorize Responsible Organizations (Resp Orgs) to access Service Provider Code tokens.
Jul 26, 2021
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Who is calling and why? T-Mobile enhances caller ID in proof-of-concept

Aiming to boost customer confidence in picking up phone calls from unknown numbers, this Fierce Wireless article discusses how T-Mobile and partners completed a wireless call that used authenticated caller ID and showed details like company branding to provide more information about who was calling and why. The call, which the partners believe to be a first, was completed in partnership with iconectiv, First Orion, CTIA, Everbridge, NetNumber, Numeracle, and Twilio.
Jul 20, 2021
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T-Mobile US brings rich call data to caller ID for more protection against scammers

T-Mobile US recently announced it has completed what it says is the first wireless call to combine authenticated Caller ID and Rich Call Data (RCD), powered by the STIR/SHAKEN framework and protocols to protect consumers from scammers. The call was performed with a premier group of tech firms, messaging industry stakeholders and voice service providers including iconectiv, First Orion, CTIA, Everbridge, NetNumber, Numeracle, and Twilio. When widely used, RCD will empower consumers with more call information, so they can make the right choices in the moment, stay safe from spam and scammers, and still get important calls.
Jul 19, 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

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.
 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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.

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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.

speaking engagement

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.