Fraud, Routing Challenges & Number Intelligence: Insights from XConnect Operations

Telecom operators face increasing challenges from fraud, inaccurate routing decisions, OBR exposure, and outdated numbering data. As global telecom networks become more complex, access to accurate, real-time number intelligence is becoming critical for routing optimisation, fraud prevention, and trusted communications.

In this Q&A, Simon Freeman, Head of Commercial Operations at XConnect, shares insights into the operational challenges facing the telecom industry and explains why valid, up-to-date numbering intelligence plays a key role in reducing risk and improving network performance.

Simon has been part of the XConnect team since 2007 and leads the onboarding and operational management of customers across XConnect’s numbering intelligence and telecom data services. With deep experience across telecom operations, fraud prevention, and customer delivery, Simon works closely with operators and service providers to help improve network accuracy, trust, and performance.

Key Takeaways

• Inaccurate or outdated numbering data can lead to incorrect routing decisions, increased operational costs and OBR disputes.

• Real-time number intelligence helps telecom operators improve routing accuracy and reduce operational uncertainty.

• Telecom fraud prevention depends on valid, continuously updated numbering and CLI data.

• Accurate number validation and routing intelligence help restore trust in voice communications.

• Automated numbering intelligence services enable operators, carriers and CPaaS providers to reduce fraud exposure and improve network efficiency.

• Global telecom networks require reliable, real-time data to support smarter routing and compliance decisions.

Q&A with Simon Freeman

• What is OBR risk in telecoms and why is it increasing?

Traditionally, within wholesale telecoms, a call is charged based on its destination.

Origin-Based Rating (OBR) is a mechanism that bases the charge of a call based on its destination (B Number) AND its origin )A number. Therefore, a call to the same destination will have different pricing depending on where it has come from.

Additionally, OBR can also be applied based on the validity of the A number, meaning that the origin charge will be different if the A Number is not valid or not present. This can include A Numbers that are invalid, unallocated, spoofed, wrongly classified, or associated with the wrong country/operator/type

• How does Global Number Range (GNR) help reduce OBR risk?

GNR allows an operator to check if the A Number is from a valid range for a specific country and is formatted correctly – specifically the number length.

• Why does number range intelligence matter for international routing decisions?

Without the specific knowledge provided by GNR, the operator has significant exposure on each call that passes through their network. Call charges are usually in the sub 0.01 cent price range and the OBR charge can be in the cent range, meaning that without properly verifying calls, an operator can be invoiced many thousands of dollars more than expected.

For example, a call may cost 0.005cents per minute with an OBR charge of 20 cents. If a 10-minute call costs 5 cents, then the operator will lose 15 cents. This quickly adds up.

• What are the most common causes of incorrect routing in telecom networks?

The short answer is any of:

• Wrong routing data
• Inability to analyse A number – and make a routing decision with the data
• Lack of up-to-date information on number ranges
• Inflexible routing engines
• Inability to update system

• How often should operators update numbering intelligence and routing data?

Weekly would be ideal.

• What happens when telecom providers rely on outdated number range information?

They either end up with massive supplier disputes or blocking calls through their network as a safety net.

• How can inaccurate routing data create operational or financial exposure?

As mentioned above, without the specific knowledge provided by GNR, operators can face substantial financial exposure on every call routed through their network. Standard call charges are often fractions of a cent per minute, while OBR charges can be significantly higher.

• What role does routing intelligence play in telecom fraud prevention and cost management?

It provides operators with multiple data points to allow them to make the correct routing decision from a safety and cost management perspective.

• What are the operational benefits of accurate numbering intelligence?

Ultimately, it provides their customers with a better service. More calls that should complete will complete and the operator incurs fewer unexpected charges, meaning they have a better chance at meeting financial targets and do not need to pass on unexpected costs to customers.

• What should telecom operators do today to improve routing accuracy and reduce OBR exposure?

Each operator has different specific needs and abilities. A consultation with the Xperts and XConnect will help us tailor a solution that works for them.