Syniverse Technologies (NYSE:SVR), a leading provider of
technology and business solutions for the global telecommunications
industry, announced today it is working closely with the GSM
Association (GSMA) to define and implement a new standard that will
reduce the incidence of roaming fraud and revolutionize global
operators' abilities to combat roaming fraud.
The GSMA is encouraging all its operator members to replace the
current High Usage Record (HUR) anti-fraud standard with an
interoperable Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange (NRTRDE) standard
by October 2008. To help operators successfully meet this GSMA target,
Syniverse has developed Syniverse DataNet, a robust, cost-efficient
NRTRDE platform that provides immediate access to the critical
information needed to combat roaming fraud.
NRTRDE is superior to HUR because NRTRDE specifies that roaming
data records be exchanged between the visited and home operator within
four hours rather than the current HUR requirement of 36 hours. The
shorter timeframe will reduce the ability of fraudsters to exploit the
delay in the exchange of records and give operators the ability to
detect and act upon fraud more quickly. Adoption of NRTRDE as the new
standard is expected to reduce the incidence of roaming fraud by up to
90 percent.
Syniverse recognizes that roaming fraud and International Revenue
Shared Fraud (IRSF) are well organized criminal activities, and
operators must now improve their ability to effectively combat this
threat to the profitability and security of their existing
subscribers.
The company works closely with the GSMA in a number of capacities,
including serving as chairman of the GSMA Transferred Account Data
Interchange Group (TADIG), which is responsible for NRTRDE technical
specifications; as chairman of the NRTRDE Interworking Group (NRTIG),
which is responsible for NRTRDE interworking procedures between
vendors; and as a member of the NRTRDE Steering Committee, which is
responsible for the overall commercial and technical guidance on
NRTRDE. Syniverse also is the official author and editor of TD.35,
TD.63 and TD.64, key technical specifications that ensure NRTRDE data
can be quickly and easily actioned by operators eager to reduce fraud.
"Syniverse is pleased to be supporting the GSMA in its drive to
reduce fraud and maximize the profitability of its operator members by
enabling them to stay ahead of organized fraudulent behavior," said
Christer Gullstrand, Director of GSM Standards at Syniverse and GSMA
TADIG chairman. "Syniverse has been involved in defining NRTRDE since
its inception based on our unique experience in developing systems for
operators worldwide that accurately manage data and financial
transactions. We are privileged to be asked by the GSMA to help drive
the adoption of NRTRDE, and we have had a very positive response from
operators who understand the advantages of NRTRDE and wish to
implement it and benefit from the GSMA's recommendations."
Martina Kurth, Principal Research Analyst, Gartner, Inc., agrees
that roaming fraud is a serious concern among operators.
"Roaming fraud is a very real and present danger for operators the
world over, and it is impacting their bottom lines," Kurth said. "Any
initiative that enables operators to minimize roaming fraud is,
therefore, a strategic business issue on which operators must act if
there is not to be further erosion into their profitability."
About Syniverse
Syniverse Technologies (NYSE:SVR) makes it possible for over 350
communications companies in more than 50 countries to address market
changes and demands as they deliver everything from voice calls to
sophisticated data and video services. By ensuring that disparate
technologies and standards interoperate, Syniverse allows operators to
provide seamless, interactive mobile services to their subscribers
wherever and whenever they need them. Celebrating its 20th anniversary
in 2007, Syniverse is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, U.S.A., and has
offices in major cities around the globe. Syniverse is ISO 9001:2000
certified and TL 9000 approved, adhering to the principles of customer
focus and quality improvement practices. More information is available
at www.syniverse.com.
