In the news

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A Black Swan Solution Guide: The Value of an Authoritative Database of Global Telephone Numbers in Fraud Control

What if a Fraud Management System came along that could automatically detect and block 90% of IRSF and Wangiri fraud cases coming through your network — and even make accurate blocking decisions on numbers never-before-seen? Think how productive that FMS could make your fraud analyst team. Well, such a system exists, but it’s not really an FMS. Actually, it’s a database designed to work in tandem with an FMS. And it enhances the value of any FMS or fraud-fighting team that takes advantage of its intelligence.
Dec 17, 2019
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Telephony Industry Rises to the Challenge of Robocalls, With Legislation, Regulation and Enforcement Close Behind

WASHINGTON, December 13, 2019 – The industry group that is hammering out technical standards governing an anti-robocall framework announced Thursday that that the STIR/SHAKEN framework will launch on Monday, December 16, 2019. The launch of STIR/SHAKEN calling verification service won’t be final word in ending robocalls. But the much-anticipated milestone does represent a significant achievement for the creation of an entirely new framework governing authenticated telephony. Read more…
Dec 13, 2019
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Industry Solution to Detect, Mitigate and Deter Illegal Robocalling Reaches Important Milestone

The Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority (STI-GA) announced today that the nation's Calling Number Verification Service, which is based on the SHAKEN framework, will launch December 16, 2019. The launch is a critical step forward in mitigating illegal robocalling, the leading cause of consumer complaints to both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "Setting SHAKEN into action completes a major milestone in an initiative that brought the industry together through ATIS to find a solution to address the formidable challenge of illegal robocalling," said ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller.
Dec 12, 2019
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LFN Member Spotlight: iconectiv

George Cray, SVP of products at iconectiv sat down with LF Networking to discuss the role iconectiv plays in contributing to open source networking that will benefit the entire ecosystem. It is important that businesses and their customers access and exchange information simply, seamlessly and securely. iconectiv’s extensive experience in information services and its unmatched numbering intelligence helps them do just that. In fact, more than 2 billion people count on our platforms each day to keep their networks, devices and applications connected.
Nov 25, 2019
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SHAKEN/STIR: Finally! A Solution to Caller ID Spoofing?

Fraud and abuse in the form of robocalling, and more specifically illegally spoofed calling, is the No. 1 consumer complaint to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Nov 13, 2019
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The Rise and Fall of Robocalling

iconectiv’s CTO, Chris Drake participated on a panel at MWC Los Angeles discussing state of play for robocalling in 2019. Over the years, there has a been a growing problem for consumers with robocalling and spoofing phone numbers. On this panel, Chris discusses the state of robocalling in 2019 and what the solutions are for spoofing as bad actors continue to work around industry policies and implementations. He also discusses what consumers can expect from the private and public sectors, to help carriers mitigate the rise of robocalling.
Nov 4, 2019
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Businesses See a Sales Lift with Texting

As today’s younger generations move towards texting to communicate, companies are also shifting in that direction.
Oct 28, 2019

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.