In a move to tackle the rising threat of spoofing and other types of fraud, T-Mobile and O₂ have launched a joint system to check calls between their networks. This new security measure is available at no cost to customers in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Vodafone is also expected to join the system soon, further strengthening protection.
Last year, T-Mobile introduced its “Firewall 2.1” system in the Czech Republic, aimed specifically at fraudulent calls. O₂ followed suit this summer with a similar solution. The key development now is the integration of a shared system that detects fraudulent calls between both networks. This means that calls originating from an O₂ number to the T-Mobile network, or vice versa, will now be thoroughly checked. This bidirectional system ensures a larger portion of phone traffic is secured, while the updated “Firewall 2.2” has been rolled out across both countries, including Slovakia via Slovak Telekom.
One of the most common fraud methods targeted by this initiative is spoofing, where criminals impersonate a third party—often posing as bank officials or government representatives—to gain access to sensitive information, such as online banking credentials. According to Jakub Ludvík, T-Mobile’s Security Manager, the firewall can detect whether a phone number is falsified. “Since the firewall was implemented, we’ve seen a significant reduction in spoofing cases. Now, with our collaboration with O₂, we’re taking customer protection to the next level,” Ludvík said.
Radek Šichtanc, Head of Security at O₂, added: “We filter out more than 100,000 fraudulent calls every day. This measure proves we’re on the right track to safeguarding our customers.” Vodafone Czech Republic is also set to join this anti-spoofing system in the coming months, aiming to fully secure Czech mobile numbers.
Alongside these technical defenses, T-Mobile is heavily focused on prevention and education. Its Magenta Experience Center offers cybersecurity courses, especially tailored for schools and senior citizens. Customers can also find useful safety tips in the “My T-Mobile” app or on the “Klik pro klid” project website.
By joining forces, T-Mobile and O₂ are sending a strong message in the fight against digital threats, reinforcing their commitment to protecting customers from fraudulent calls.
