Go recently hosted a workshop in Malta organised by the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association.
The workshop focussed on fraud, cybercrime and network security and was entitled Telecommunications Fraud and Security - On the Ground Issues and Long Term Evolution.
ETNO, of which Go is an active member, is a leading policy group for European electronic communications network operators. Over 40 delegates flew to Malta for the workshop.
The primary aim of the working group was specifically to provide a framework for exchange of experience and development of industry best practices in the domain of fraud prevention, detection and control, including enhancement of network security and minimisation of cybercrime.
The market-driven workshop held in Malta aimed to develop operational security and widen the scope of fraud management in the European telecom marketplace.
Speaking at the opening session Go CEO David Kay said: “Go has long acknowledged the importance of fraud prevention and detection and has invested in a set-up for this purpose.
Fraud costs carriers a substantial amount of money annually and is one of the prime leak-ages that contribute to a substantial percentage reduction in total revenues.
“Companies geared to combat and control fraud are less susceptible to the negative effects of fraud. Statistics show that a relatively well organised telecoms company is likely to lose one per cent to three per cent of its revenue in fraud”.
Ingrid Azzopardi, internal auditor at Go, said: “Go has, over the years, taken an active part in this workshop and the shared experience has resulted in an enhanced awareness on the part of Go vis-à-vis long-term strategies that the telecommunications industry should implement to counter fraud. This forum provides a spot on platform for networking among operators”.
The workshop included presentations by delegates coming from international telecom giants including Deutsche Telecom, France Telecom, Wind, OTE and Portugal Telecom.
With the primary scope of performing activities and reaching objectives, the working group maintains external contacts with the Council of Europe, the European Commission, ETSI, Eurescom, FIINA (Forum for the International Irregular Network Access), QSDG (Quality of Service Development Group), CFCA (Communications Fraud Control Association), EU CIP, ETNO Data Protection and Information Security Working Group as well as the GSMA Fraud Forum.