AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Unveil First-Look at Future of Mobile Authentication

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mobile Authentication Taskforce, comprised of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, gives a first look at its authentication solution that is less dependent on passwords to secure user accounts. The demo of the taskforce's solution debuts today at Mobile World Congress Americas 2018.

Developed collaboratively by the four largest U.S. wireless carriers, the prototype reveals the taskforce's approach to multi-factor authentication, which combines the carriers' proprietary, network-based authentication capabilities with other methods to verify a user's identity. Once the user signs up and provides consent, the solution then generates a device-based ID that serves as the user profile at the center of the authentication process.

"This initiative expands upon our global operator initiative, Mobile Connect, to bring standardized authentication and identity services to the US market," said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. "The solution aims to deliver a seamless experience for service providers from many sectors, helping to drive rapid adoption and scale."

The demo features three test apps for Mobile World Congress Americas attendees to experience at the GSMA Innovation City. The authentication solution demo showcases the experience within mock-up banking, photo and social media apps. The three-day show is taking place in Los Angeles from Sept. 12-14, 2018.

Addressing user authentication-related risks could help safeguard consumers from attacks designed to acquire login credentials and mobile phone numbers for use in fraudulent schemes such as phishing and social engineering. It could also help provide businesses and consumers with extra layers of protection from identity theft, bank fraud, fraudulent purchases and data theft.

In conjunction with the prototype's unveiling, the taskforce also launched a website to engage and onboard developers at www.mobileauthtaskforce.com. Additionally, the four carriers are exploring opportunities to offer other products that could use this authentication technology.

For more information and guidance on joining the taskforce's community of developers, please visit www.mobileauthtaskforce.com. Experience a demonstration of the prototype at GSMA's Innovation City at The Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, S1346.

About AT&T

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation's largest and most reliable network and the nation's best network for video streaming.** We're building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With DIRECTV and DIRECTV NOW, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve over 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.

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About Sprint

Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 54.6 million connections as of June 30, 2018 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About T-Mobile

As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. Our advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to 75.6 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, generated $126 billion in 2017 revenues. The company operates America's most reliable wireless network and the nation's premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary reaches people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.; Sprint; T-Mobile; Verizon

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