[fahrradflucht]

I think the researcher is very much aware of these dynamics, so if he says they are doing something this time, I'm inclined he has reasons to believe that. Karsten Nohl was involved with and gave a number of talks on SS7 hacks over the years:

https://media.ccc.de/v/camp2015-6785-advanced_interconnect_a...

https://media.ccc.de/v/31c3_-_6122_-_en_-_saal_1_-_201412271...