WHOLESALE
HOTSHOTS Magazine - The third edition
Welcome to the third edition of HOTSHOTS Magazine! In this issue, we’re excited to spotlight fifteen industry experts tackling some of the biggest challenges in the wholesale industry. From emerging trends and fresh opportunities to ground-breaking innovations, we explore the future of voice, SMS, and the crucial task of restoring trust in telecoms. While the future looks promising, addressing issues like fraud prevention is key.
Get exclusive insights from the industry’s movers and shakers - all in one place. Plus, don’t miss our special feature on the recent recipient of the Top Dog Award. And watch out - Isabelle’s on the hunt for her next victim, and it could be you!
Did you know you can watch our HOTSHOTS Magazine? It’s a unique way to experience the industry, allowing you to sit back, relax, and hear directly from the stars of telecom. Enjoy!
Shelley Wright Head of Content and Marketing, HOT TELECOM
In this powerful interview, Eli Katz, CEO of XConnect, tackles one of the telecom industry’s most urgent challenges: restoring trust in communications. With widespread security breaches and relentless fraud, confidence in both voice and messaging channels has plunged globally, creating an urgent need for action.
Eli discusses key industry efforts, highlighting impactful initiatives from organizations like the i3 Forum and MEF. With programs such as the Restore Trust Initiative and the Trusted Messaging Working Group, these associations are rallying carriers, operators, vendors, and regulators to establish robust frameworks and best practices, aimed at reinforcing trust across all channels.
ELI KATZ CEO AT XCONNECT
Restoring trust in telecom
Eli Katz is dedicated to rebuilding trust, while addressing security and fraud issues.
These initiatives focus on collaborative efforts between carriers, operators, vendors, and regulators to implement best practices and architectures to bolster trust in communications.
As the CEO of XConnect, Eli stresses the company’s commitment to providing authoritative sources for trusted information, essential for restoring faith in communications. He emphasizes the power of unity, where one plus one equals three, signifying the collective strength of industry stakeholders working together towards a common goal.
With compelling insights and a call for collective action, the interview offers a glimpse into the challenges facing the industry and the promising steps being taken to overcome them. Watch the video version of the interview, if you are keen to understand the crucial role trust plays in shaping the future of communications.
“For us to build trust, both the voice and messaging industries need to undergo significant efforts and changes.”
A decade of innovation
Ankit Agarwal discusses B’yond Platforms’ rebranding, CPaaS market growth, cybersecurity challenges, and the importance of automation in digital communications.
In this interview, Ankit Agarwal, CEO of B’yond Platforms, sits down with Isabelle to share a bold new vision for the future of digital communications.
Just ten years in, B’yond has rebranded and transformed its mission from being a virtual number provider to a comprehensive communications platform with ambitions
to conquer messaging, CPaaS, and cloudbased connectivity.
As Ankit explains, the company’s journey goes beyond the conventional, embracing a future where the global CPaaS market is projected to skyrocket to $120 billion by 2030.
ANKIT AGARWAL
CEO AT B’YOND PLATFORMS
But the path isn’t without challenges. Ankit highlights the increasing complexity of multi-vendor cloud solutions and the urgent need for automated systems to combat cybersecurity and fraud – the very obstacles that could impact revenue in this booming space.
Peering into the next five to ten years, Ankit envisions B’yond at the heart of a clouddominated world where 90% of businesses leverage CPaaS.
His message to viewers? “Believe in your dreams and keep working hard until you achieve them.”
“Believe in your dreams and keep working hard until you achieve them.”
This is more than an interview – it’s a call to action for anyone eyeing the future of digital communication.
Catch this compelling conversation to witness the future unfold with B’yond.
Future-proofing connectivity
Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange Wholesale International, discusses network resiliency, the network-as-a-service model, and the new Content Delivery Boost solution.
In this bold interview, Isabelle sits down with Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange Wholesale International, to unpack the forces reshaping global connectivity.
Emmanuel doesn’t hold back, pointing to two powerful shifts disrupting the industry. First up is resiliency: as cable cuts and outages challenge network stability, he warns that yesterday’s infrastructure can’t keep up with today’s AI and clouddriven demands.
EMMANUEL ROCHAS CEO AT ORANGE WHOLESALE INTERNATIONAL
“Network-as-a-service provides a cloud-like connectivity experience, which is a must have for our customers.”
His vision? Unbreakable, always-on connectivity that meets users wherever they are, whenever they need it.
But the real game-changer, according to Emmanuel, is Network-as-a-Service (NaaS). No longer just a buzzword, NaaS is a revolution in the making, giving connectivity the same instant, adaptable feel as cloud services.
Orange Wholesale is ahead of the curve, layering APIs across its entire network to bring this model to life, delivering tailormade solutions at the speed of demand.
Emmanuel also introduces Orange Wholesale’s new Content Delivery Boost (CDB) solution - a fully European, telconative CDN that brings unprecedented security and synergy by operating within Orange Wholesale’s own network.
For Emmanuel, CDB isn’t just a product; it’s a security-first, market-defining leap forward.
This interview is a wake-up call for the industry. Don’t miss out on how Orange Wholesale is reengineering connectivity for the future.
Our solution is called Content Delivery Boost - CDB -
Forward thinking messaging
Vladimir Smal, CEO and CoFounder of AVISO Messaging discusses the innovative value his company brings to the messaging market.
This conversation with Vladimir Smal, CEO and Co-Founder of AVISO Messaging, unveils his mission to shake up the messaging world. AVISO, a joint venture with industry veteran 42com, is positioned to offer a trusted alternative in a landscape plagued by fraud.
With a focus on competitive pricing and fraud prevention, Vladimir’s company aims to build a secure and reliable
“Deal with people and trust in the are dealing with.”
people you trust people you with.”
messaging ecosystem that customers can count on.
He doesn’t mince his words about the challenges of combating fraud, a perpetual battle in an industry with high cash flow and quick gains that attract fraudsters. His solution? A united front: “If the majority of players adopt common anti-fraud measures, our industry would be a better place.”
Having already struck deals with multiple partners within months of launch, AVISO is on a fast track to success. Smal’s final message is a reminder of his core philosophy: “Deal with people you trust and trust the people you deal with.”
VLADIMIR SMAL CEO & CO-FOUNDER AT AVISO MESSAGING
“Right now, many of our customers are dealing with fraudulent traffic. We assist them by customizing tools to help reduce these risks.”
Alexis Segal discusses carriers’ challenges, IDT Global’s strategy against fraud, and the company’s focus on innovation and growth
The wholesale frontier
ALEXIS SEGAL, SVP AT IDT GLOBAL
In this interview with Alexis Segal, SVP at IDT Global, we explore the current challenges and opportunities facing carriers in the telecom industry. With over 25 years of experience, Alexis sheds light on the pressures carriers face to stay competitive while reducing costs and maximizing performance.
Despite these challenges, IDT Global has seen promising results, with a focus on adapting to market demands and expanding their product offerings.
Alexis also highlights the importance of addressing fraudulent traffic and emphasizes IDT Global’s commitment to assisting customers in mitigating these risks through customized solutions.
Moreover, he discusses the company’s ventures into new services such as SME partnerships and innovative platforms, showcasing a dedication to diversification and growth.
With insightful perspectives and a natural presence on camera, Alexis delivers an informative and engaging dialogue that offers valuable insights into the telecom landscape.
Don’t miss out on this illuminating interview - watch it now to stay informed and inspired!
Exploring LATAM trends
Catherine Brighenti discusses bridging traditional practices with evolving technology trends and iBasis’ proactive approach to meeting clients’ needs in LATAM’s changing telecom landscape.
CATHERINE BRIGHENTI SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER AT
IBASIS
Isabelle sat down with Catherine Brighenti, a rising talent in telecom and Account Manager at iBasis, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities young professionals face in the industry. For Catherine, the path forward is clear: embrace challenges as growth opportunities. “You have to take the bull by the horns,” she says. “Every challenge faced with a client is a chance to build future opportunities.”
“As a young talent, I help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern approaches in our industry.”
As a young voice in telecom, Catherine brings a fresh perspective and adaptability to her role. This adaptability is crucial in an industry often bound by traditional practices, allowing her to bridge gaps and bring new insights to her clients.
Focusing on the Latin American market, Catherine sees demand for solutions around quality, OpEx savings, and antifraud protection. iBasis is positioned to address these needs with a broad range of solutions tailored to client expectations.
For Catherine, it’s all about balancing tradition with innovation, staying adaptable, and supporting partners with forward-thinking solutions.
As the industry evolves, young leaders like Catherine are paving the way for a more dynamic and resilient telecom landscape.
Forward thinking innovation
Sanjeev Verma discusses how Squire Technologies uses agility and adaptability to drive innovation and shape the future of telecommunications.
Consumer brand loyalty is low, adaptability
crucial
innovation
Sanjeev Verma, CEO of Squire Technologies, shared his bold vision for driving innovation and differentiation in an industry constantly in flux. “Change is the only constant,” Sanjeev asserts, referencing the relentless pace of technological evolution in telecom.
With the rise of 5G, AI, and immersive technology, networks are under pressure to adapt to new demand - bringing challenges like network congestion and signaling storms. For Sanjeev, the real test lies in how networks meet these challenges head-on to create an unmatched user experience.
He didn’t shy away from calling out the industry’s “mammoths” - the mega-
SANJEEV VERMA CEO, SQUIRE TECHNOLOGIES
vendors whose sheer size slows down their ability to innovate. “Today’s consumers switch providers quickly, and loyalty is low. Slow adaptation is a big problem,” he says, pointing to the rise of agile, full MVNOs as proof of market demand for flexibility.
Squire Technologies stands out by offering what these mega-vendors can’t: compatibility across 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, and the ability to pivot fast.
Sanjeev’s message is clear: in a world of constant change, Squire Technologies is the agile partners you need to stay ahead.
Special Feature Article
Top Dog Awards
The Gentleman
Excited to announce the latest recipient of the Top Dog Award: Nick Ford!
Why Nick?
Nick is a true game-changer in the telecom industry. His exceptional qualities - integrity, intelligence, and empathy - set the gold standard for all of us.
Award Category
As a result, Isabelle is honoured to give him ‘The Gentleman,’ Top Dog Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to our great industry.
Top Dog Title
Plus, his skills on the racetrack earn him the Top Dog title of: Nick ‘Evel Knievel’ Ford!
Join us in celebrating Nick’s amazing achievements. Stay tuned, because the next Top Dog Award might just have your name on it!
NICK FORD PRESIDENT AT IDT GLOBAL
The only transatlantic link between Norway and Denmark. Harnessing corridor’s renewable and scalable Powered by
between the US, Harnessing the Northern scalable energy.
OSS neutral messaging vendor
Fabrizio
Salanitri, CEO of Horisen discusses messaging needs, vendor neutrality, and scalability, emphasizing the importance of:
“Making money while having fun”
In a bold, no-nonsense interview, Fabrizio Salanitri, CEO of Horisen, delivers a compelling vision for the messaging industry. With years in the business, Fabrizio doesn’t sugarcoat what today’s messaging customers need most: vendor neutrality, a one-stop-shop solution, and rapid scalability.
In an industry where rivals often disguise themselves as partners, Horisen’s neutral stance is a breath of fresh air. And its all-in-one approach? It’s designed to make
FABRIZIO SALANITRI CEO AT HORISEN
vendor
life easier, offering every tool businesses need under one roof, with a streamlined interface that lets clients focus on what truly matters - growth.
But Fabrizio doesn’t stop there. Scalability is the ultimate game-changer. “When you’re scaling fast, you want a system that grows with you.” Horisen’s platform is built to handle explosive growth without technical headaches, so clients can maximize profits without hitting roadblocks.
His closing message to the audience? “Make money. Simplify everything. Earn fast.” Watch this electrifying interview to see how Horisen is rewriting the rules of messaging and empowering businesses to make money - while having fun!
Addressing the wholesale challenge
Chuck Parrish discusses Telarix’ rebranding, industry challenges, and innovative solutions for wholesale interconnect and telecom growth.
Chuck Parrish, General Manager of Telarix, joined Isabelle to discuss the rebranding to Telarix. This change isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a clear message to the market. “We want our customers to know we’re laser-focused on this industry.” With backing from the Lumine Group, which supports a buy-and-hold strategy, Telarix is set on staying agile and responsive.
He highlightes the current challenges in the telecom space, from managing complex price lists with inconsistent formats, to adapting to the new rounding on origin-based destinations. Meanwhile, the shrinking of international voice minutes, due to VoLTE roaming, is pressuring operators to pivot toward new revenue streams.
Telarix is stepping up to support this shift. Their platform now goes beyond wholesale voice services, adding support for SMS, A2P, cloud numbers, and virtual numbers, helping operators tap into the enterprise space.
For operators ready to adapt, Telarix promises a future of growth and new revenue possibilities.
CHUCK PARRISH GENERAL MANAGER AT TELARIX
“Telarix is unwavering in its commitment to help customers find solutions that drive business growth.”
The messaging landscape
Franck Zaïre discusses messaging industry challenges and Annecto’s innovative approaches amid rising traffic and prices.
Franck Zaire, CEO of Annecto, shared insights into the biggest challenges facing the messaging industry. Rising costs and shifting traffic patterns are putting pressure
on providers, especially in delivering one-time passwords (OTPs). “We’ve seen significant price increases impacting our clients,” Franck explains, noting that businesses are now exploring alternatives like RCS and, surprisingly, returning to e-mail, a channel once considered outdated.
Annecto’s approach to these challenges is straightforward but effective: stay close to clients, adapt to emerging technologies, and embrace innovation.
“As an aggregator, it’s crucial for us to work hand-in-hand with customers to deliver solutions that meet their evolving needs,” says Franck. Annecto is increasingly focused on AI and machine learning, particularly in tech-forward regions like Asia, to stay ahead of market demands.
However, Franck believes Annecto’s real strength lies in strategic partnerships.
FRANCK ZAÏRE CEO AT ANNECTO
“It’s about focusing on our core strengths and relying on experts,” he emphasizes. By fostering long-term partnerships, Annecto delivers sustained value to clients, helping them navigate an industry in constant flux.
For Franck, the key to success is clear: adapt quickly, focus on strong collaborations, and turn industry challenges into new opportunities.
Voice and messaging cost-saving innovations
Jeri Wait discusses how Orca Wave helps carriers manage data and costs with innovative routing solutions.
Against the backdrop of PTC in Hawaii, Jeri Wait, Founder of Orca Wave, addressed a pressing problem in telecom: the rising operational costs and growing complexity due to mergers, acquisitions, and fraud threats.
“The challenge today is managing all this data while also keeping costs down,” Jeri explained. Her message was clear- carriers need smarter tools to keep pace with a rapidly transforming industry.
Traditionally, carriers have handled everything in-house. But with the increasing demands of telecom, expertise from specialized providers like Orca Wave is becoming essential.
Jeri highlightes Orca Wave’s threepronged approach, with a focus on routing, as a game-changer for carriers. Their technology shifts routing from broad, country-based decisions to highly specific, data-driven ones, allowing carriers to maximize efficiency and profitability.
JERI WAIT FOUNDER AT ORCA WAVE
“Our goal is to keep carriers at the top of their game.” In an industry where new products, acquisitions, and fraud threats constantly emerge, Orca Wave provides carriers with the technological edge to stay ahead, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
messaging innovations
“Carriers must look for expertise outside of their business, as the industry gets more complex and fraud escalates”
“Blockchain is bringing a major shift in the way telecom, retail, manufacturing, any industry operate”
The Blockchain revolution
Raghav Hunasgi, Co-Founder and CMO of ZEEBU discusses blockchain’s transformative impact on industries, particularly telecom, emphasizing decentralization and innovation.
Raghav Hunasgi, Chief Marketing Officer at ZEEBU, is making waves with a bold vision for the future of telecom.
Blockchain, he argues, is far more than a buzzword - it’s a revolutionary technology poised to disrupt entire industries.
Raghav highlights how blockchain is transforming financial transactions in telecom. With an industry potential of US$120 billion, traditional banking systems are burdened by telecom’s vast transactions.
But blockchain and decentralization
offer a groundbreaking solution: imagine instant, cross-border payments at the click of a button.
ZEEBU is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift. With a mission rooted in innovation, the company is leveraging blockchain to accelerate growth for large telecom carriers and beyond.
With ZEEBU leading the charge, the future of telecom is decentralized, agile, and filled with opportunity - where the click of a button brings the world closer together.
The future of voice and SMS
Marcin Rączkiewicz discusses telecom’s future, emphasizing niche markets, adaptation, and the persistence of voice and SMS services.
MARCIN RĄCZKIEWICZ FOUNDER AT GLOBUS TELECOM
Marcin Rączkiewicz, founder of Globus Telecom, sat down with Isabelle to share his insights on the future of the telecom industry.
In Marcin’s “crystal ball,” the next five years are all about adaptation. “Voice and SMS aren’t dead yet,” he says, highlighting that these services still hold relevance despite shifting communication habits. As younger generations embrace messaging over voice calls, telecom providers must evolve to stay relevant.
“To me, what’s most important is the value you provide. Therefore, everyone has to understand their niche and segment in the market.”
For carriers to remain successful, Marcin emphasizes the importance of finding a niche. The market is segmented - B2C dominated by mobile carriers, B2B largely by office solutions. But the real growth lies in CPaaS and call center solutions, areas where mid-sized carriers have room to carve out unique value.
Globus Telecom is embracing this evolution by helping Polish contact centers offload telecom infrastructure, offering reliability and honesty as their unique value. “This isn’t just about generating cash,” Marcin explains. “It’s about creating lasting partnerships and having fun in the industry.”
In a landscape where niches are shrinking, Marcin’s advice to carriers is clear: know your value, adapt quickly, and embrace change. Globus Telecom’s journey reflects this philosophy, and Marcin’s vision is one of resilience and reinvention.
Combating fraud
Discover how Stefi Jolobceastai and Betatel are tackling telecom fraud, focusing on combating AIT and flash calls.
Stefi Jolobceastai, Global Sales Director at Betatel, shares insights into the telecom industry’s growing battle against fraud. With scams like “wangiri” and flash calls siphoning an estimated US$1.8 billion annually from operators worldwide, the stakes are higher than ever.
Stefi explains how flash calls are replacing traditional two factor authentication, driving significant revenue loss and underscoring the need for proactive defense.
Operators are losing around US$1.8bn globally
are around
Betatel is addressing this threat head-on with a 24/7, real-time anti-fraud system designed to block suspicious calls before they impact revenue.
“Our real-time system demotivates fraudsters by denying them a business case,” she said, emphasizing that Betatel’s approach makes telecom fraud less appealing and harder to execute.
She also advocates for partnerships with agile tech companies that can adapt quickly, leveraging AI to keep operators one step ahead of criminals.
This commitment to innovation sets Betatel apart.
By providing telecom operators with the tools to protect revenue and maintain trust, Betatel is helping shape a safer future for the industry.
Stefi’s message is clear: in the fight against fraud, only proactive, real-time solutions can secure the telecom landscape for the years ahead.
“Telecom fraud, especially AIT and flash calls presents significant challenges on a global scale.”
STEFI JOLOBCEASTAI
GLOBAL SALES
AT BETATEL
DIRECTOR
