BT, Vodafone, Interoute, Sprint, Tele2, Telia Carrier, Telstra and MNF Group including TNZI have signed an industry code of conduct on fraud in international telecoms. Each company that signs the code agrees to work together to limit the impact of fraud in the wholesale telecoms industry, says The ITW Global Leaders’ Forum (GLF) and i3forum, a non-profit body covering telecommunications.
The vode was launched by the GLF with i3forum in March 2018. It was developed to give telecom companies steps for protecting their businesses and preventing fraudsters from profiting from crim. Current participants to the code are A1 Telekom Austria, BICS, BT, Colt, Deutsche Telekom ICSS, Etisalat, Orange, PCCW Global, Telefónica and Türk Telekom International.
Daniel Kurgan, CEO of BICS, who leads the GLF fraud sub-committee, said: “Fraud costs our industry billions of dollars annually. It impacts all of our businesses and it is critical that we work together to fight fraud. Each organisation that signs the code of conduct is taking action that will benefit the entire Carrier ecosystem. It shows their commitment to creating healthy and sustainable carrier businesses that proactively protect their customers and partners.”
The code includes:
A commitment to monitor and report on fraudulent activity
Adhering to i3forum recommended processes to detect fraud
Blocking fraudulent number ranges and destinations
‘reasonable action’ to avoid payment flows to the instigators of fraudulent traffic
sharing information on fraudulent traffic flows with other teleco firms
Adopting standard contracting terms on fraudulent traffic management
Philippe Millet, Chairman of i3forum, said: “This is the first time carriers from around the globe have come together to actively fight Voice fraud in the industry with a code of conduct. It is a simple way to get involved in the fight against fraud and gives our industry a common goal. Every carrier should get in touch and sign the code of conduct. Together, we can have a lasting impact on the carrier ecosystem. Taking action could save you, and your customers and partners millions of dollars that are now lost to fraudsters.”
Read the full code and the list of firms at: www.itwglf.com.
