Not too long, telecom operations had a limited scope. Voice and SMS were the staple services, and they were convenient to provision, monetize and deliver to the subscribers. But with passing time, the telecom processes have increased in their intricacy and level. It has become crucial to monetize services and provision them faster than others. The back-end legacy systems i.e. B/OSS is in a need of major overhauls. Right now, we are seeing an increased use of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Network (SDN) in telecom operations, but it is nowhere near where it needs to be. But as a telco, it is crucial to keep on innovating and staying ahead of the competitors. Therefore, telcos require billing and provisioning software that can make a difference.
The Requirement of One-Point Telephone Billing Software Given the complexity of modern-day telecom operations, it is very difficult to manage them by using separate prepaid, postpaid and broadband systems. There are many emerging requirements: Need for convergence A single-point OCS is the need of the hour. It can form an integral part of telephone billing software, and allow telcos to perform convergent billing, which will allow them to charge and rate every service at a single point. This will later help in creating a convergent invoices that reflects all service charges at a single place. Faster provisioning of service and self-care Telcos require the services to be provisioned as soon as an order is made. They cannot afford any delay without risking a customer turnover. The situation is significantly critical for small MVNOs who only have a small market to tap into. Therefore, a faster provisioning software is required. In today’s day and age, it is also crucial to provide a self-care interface that lets subscribers to build their own plans. Customer empowerment is the recipe to success these days. APIs for addressing unforeseen issues APIs allow telcos to add new functionalities into an existing billing system software without any need for customization and system overhaul. For example, a telco can add a new payment gateway, or corroborate with a new shipping vendor, and even access the entire NLAD database. Scalability for present and future The billing and provisioning software should be able to accommodate telecom services of the near and far future. A cloud-based platform that is made operational via a pool of datacenters is an essential requirement. Access SaaS-based solutions to stay futureproof and accommodate new services like IoT and 5G.
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Today’s telecom industry is seeing extreme competition from inside and outside. There are many real and virtual operators entering the market, and the competition is strong from Over the Top (OTT) vendors. The breakneck speed in the rise of competition is hard to manage, especially if you do not have the MVNO software solution that is already proven.
Why MVNO Software Solution is Important? As most MVNOs are not tech savvy and only have a passing knowledge of telecom technology, they need a conducive MVNO software solution that can make their tasks simpler. MVNO software solution providers like Telgoo5 offer intuitively designed software that have a simple front-end design, which can be learned by just about anyone. A simple software allows MVNOs to concentrate on their planning instead of the nitty-gritty in the back-end part of the platform. The software allows MVNOs in the following tasks: Create cross-product service bundles for attracting customers Modern-day real-time charging architecture allows MVNOs to charge every service at a single point. If you are using a cutting-edge MVNO software solution, then you will be able to stack up a range of services in the manner you desire. Attractive plans can be created this way, and they can be brought to the market quicker. Backed by APIs In the past, adding new functionalities into MVNO software solution meant expensive software customizations. The software was re-engineered to add the necessary functionality. Not anymore though. Top-notch MVNO software solution providers such as Telgoo5 offer APIs that can easily integrate with the current software you have and offer new functionalities. You can add a new payment gateway or access the services of a shipping vendor without paying an exorbitant charge. All you have to do is install a plug and play API. Secures customer information The Account Balance Management Function (ABMF) is part of the modern-day OCS, which keeps customer account records. As hackers are always on the prowl online, the account information needs to be protected with stringent encryption. A telecom software provider that is well-drilled in its responsibilities can offer you robust security and keep your telecom operations on the right track. Scale as and when required without any new investments With new technologies incoming, you need to scale and adapt to them. A top-class MVNO software solution allows you to accommodate new tech like 5G and IoT without any problems. This goes a long way in minimizing capital investments on a new software, which is very important for an MVNO. A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) needs to have a solid business strategy, if it wants to make new subscribers and sell its services. Due to a high competition between telcos, the profit margins have receded and keeping hold of customers has become an excruciatingly difficult task. But with the launch of IoT, MVNOs have an opportunity to transform their business and become favorite internet of things companies of the youth.
IoT Data is Crucial The youngsters want the fastest speed on their IoT devices. Whether it is a fitness watch or smart VR devices, they need to be powered with the right IoT data. By supplying a pertinent IoT platform for youngsters, MVNO can access a whole new profitable market for their business. Billing is Paramount Youth of today is not willing to pay a penny more for its IoT data. So, invest in a true real-time charging system that can account for every IoT transaction. If you can send accurate bills every time, you maximize your chances of keeping hold of your customers. IoT development is rampant today, and innovative IoT sensors and devices are on the rise. But so is the threat of hackers. To ward off hack attempts, MVNOs need to provide completely reliable and secure IoT services, and SecureIoTServices can help in achieving that. Convergent billing is the next big thing that has happened to telcos. With a convergent telecom billing solution, it is possible to charge each and every service at a single point, and provide detailed invoices to the customers. One of its biggest advantages is that it creates transparency in billing, and helps telcos win the trust of their customers.
Attractive Telecom Billing with Flexible Solutions As a convergent telecom billing system allows you to charge every service at the same point, it allows you to stack different services as part of the package. You can start attractive cross-product discounts, bring your services to the market faster and even launch pilot projects to gather customers’ reactions. If you are an MVNO looking for a convergent billing solution, then choose the services of a proven telecom billing service provider like Telgoo5. It can offer you complete reporting of every transaction, and provide you analytical insights as well. With Telgoo5 as your partner, you will get access to a host of APIs that can be used for launching new services. Telgoo5 keeps itself abreast of the changes happening in the industry (e.g. launch of new tech like IoT and 5G) and adapts its telecom billing solutions accordingly. Evolving MVNOs who want to be a part of change in the telecom industry have a lot of different requirements. Amongst other things, they need an OSS billing system that can provide a measure of control over their service delivery. Versatility and uniqueness are two of the most important USPs of a successful MVNO. And to achieve these traits, it needs OSS telecom billing solutions that are tailor made to its specific business model and modus operandi.
Get the Best OSS Telecom Software by Checking These Functions An OSS telecom software is only effective, if it has the required functionalities: Adaptability An OSS billing system should be able to adapt to the changes in the industry. For example, to monetize emerging tech like IoT, it needs to have an IoT billing system that can track, charge and bill a high volume of IoT transactions every day. Convergence and real-time billing The system should have a real-time OCS that can bill every service at a single point. This helps in achieving convergence and brings in transparency into billing. Reporting and analytics Understanding changing customer preferences is vital for conceptualizing successful business strategies. And for this, you need complete reporting and analytics. Attempting to keep your head above water in the mobile industry is no easy feat no matter what network you are administering. For Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), the industry has become very competitive - even really promising start-ups may wind up out in the cold.
To get your MVNO to the next level, you need to consider anything and everything that can be done to improve it. That leads to a very interesting discussion. On the surface, it would appear that price would be the most vital characteristic as all these types of operators exist to offer cheaper services in the first place. That said, with the vast array of platforms already available, there is only so low you can offer your services in order to stay in the competition. In today’s age, the focus of your brand should be prioritized on one word; value. Indeed, Value is More Important The pricing models that your wireless MVNO offers can drive traffic to your network and enhance the chances of it succeeding. When compared with value, however, they will not hold the same level of importance. One must consider - what can you do to increase the value of the offerings that you have in store? Many providers will deliver what are known as Value Added Services to their consumers. You see, your MVNO service is already going to include the core and primary service packages. By including Value Added Services, you can vastly improve the quality of your brand by making the overall experience more convenient for your consumer base. In addition to that, they will bring in more revenue per user. So, instead of simply scaling down your prices, you can offer unique and effective Value Added Services into the fold. Some added services can even place an increased demand on your standard services. What Types of Options Are Out There? The exciting news is there are a ton of different offerings out there and tons of unique software that you can invest in and provide to help both you and your customers. There are programs out there that will enable diverse communication between different types of mobile applications and various systems. This can allow for data to be reused and can help to streamline the entire communication process. On the customer end of things, you can invest in Value Added Services that allow for certain transactions and tasks to be possible. Again, this adds convenience and in the modern world of technology, that is what it is all about. When it all comes down to it, both price and value are essential but the latter’s importance continues to increase all the time. That makes it all the more important that you carefully consider what Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) you partner with. With our exclusive and top-of-the-line platform coupled with our vast understanding of the industry, you can feel confident partnering with Telgoo5. Our team is always happy to discuss how we can help your brand and answer any inquiries you may have. Most modern-day companies shy away from spending too much on side operations like call answering services. The pressure of managing a new department can be simply too much. Therefore, companies often miss out on opportunities to grow their business. Answering services and inbound call center can be really useful, especially after a promotional campaign or when you are looking for a receptionist.
The Real Value of Call Answering Services Unleashed with Outsourcing Call answering services outsourcing can become a real asset for your business. In this inbound call center blog, you would learn about some of the major advantages of these services: A worthwhile replacement for receptionist Hiring a receptionist for answering business calls is a good idea, but it is filled with hassles. The process of recruitment, paying monthly salaries along with benefits can put a dent in your pocket. But, by outsourcing call answering services, you are able to get the work done at a fraction of the cost. Also, if the call volume increases at some point, you have the option to increase the number of people answering calls. A professional way to answer customers An expert vendor with relevant experience in the field has already handled several call answering projects. It has veteran call center agents manning the phone stations who know exactly how to behave on calls. Inculcating the same etiquettes into new joiners in an in-house call center operation can take a long time. This is why; outsourcing call answering services is a great option for growing businesses. Access to the latest tech A pro call answering vendor can help you with tools like CRM and IVR. Also, it is possible to integrate an IVR menu that guides customers to the right department. Seeing such an advanced option leaves a positive impression on the customers who call in. Your business looks more established when you employ the services of a veteran call center company. No need to procure infrastructure Running an additional department for call answering services after a promotional campaign requires you to procure infrastructure. You have to vacate or buy extra space for the call answering team, invest in software, networking equipment, facilities for agents etc. But, when you outsource, you get the entire essential infrastructure without any major capital investment. Allows you to focus on core process With your call answering tasks performed by a vendor, you have all the time in the world to focus upon your core operations. This ultimately helps you grow your business. Option to run 24x7 call answering process When you outsource to a reputed company like Vcare, you can run your call answering operation round-the-clock. Such an outsourcing venture allows you to handle calls at any time of the day. It is especially beneficial for companies that work with offshore clients. If not for 24x7 answering service, you won’t be able to answer calls made by offshore clients living in countries with substantial time difference. Opportunity to exploit currency exchange rate Answering services and inbound call center can be outsourced to a country with weaker currency. This can be hugely profitable as you get to exploit the currency exchange rate. Case in point being, an American company can outsource to India and reduce the cost of operation by up to 2-3 times. Call center outsourcing companies have become a vital requirement of modern-day businesses. To achieve the desired results via an outsourcing venture, it is essential to check on their performance from time to time. In most cases, outsourcing vendors send periodic reports to companies with bifurcation of different statistics. But, due to a lack of time on their hands, outsourcers often fail to go through these reports. And, hence, they are unable to fix issues/problems on time.
Identifying the Statistics that Matter the Most In case, you don’t have time to go through the complete reports, you should focus on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that matter the most. Have a look at some critical KPIs: CSAT Customer satisfaction rating better known as CSAT is one of the most important call center KPIs. It needs to be high in order to ensure maximum customer happiness. Call center outsourcing companies that have agents who understand the pulse of customers are the ones who excel at maintaining high CSAT scores. FCR First call resolution (FCR) tells you a lot about the ability of agents to resolve issues. When an agent resolves customer query on the first call, it creates a positive impression. This impression goes a long way in fostering customer trust. When customers know that their issue will be resolved quickly, they are more likely to purchase your products and subscribe to your services. AHT Average handling time (AHT) has several implications in a call center operation. Call center outsourcing companies that prioritize AHT are able to reduce the traffic. Hence, customer wait times in queues are lowered considerably. The agents are not forced to expedite calls, and therefore, they are able to offer better overall customer experience. Call Abandonment There is nothing worse than calls been abandoned in a call center process. While it is very much possible that customers voluntarily disconnect the call for personal reasons, any mistake from your end won’t be tolerated. Maintaining a low call abandonment rate should be your priority, and you should always check it in the monthly reports. Sales per Agent This stat is exclusively for outbound call center processes. The sales agents are solely judged by their ability to make sales. So, if sales per agent are high, you can be rest assured that your call center operation is in good hands. Peak Hour Traffic Peak hour traffic and how it is handled tests the character of call center managers and team leaders. Always check this stat religiously and ensure that the call center outsourcing company you have recruited is allocating ample agents to meet the requirements at peak hours. After Call Work Time While this stat may not immediately impact the performance of a call center, it can play a huge role in the long-term. When ‘after call work time’ remains high for long durations, it ultimately starts to impact the productivity. Ensure that this time is kept to the lowest and you will see a gradual rise in productivity. Conclusion Maintaining a high level of service in a call center operation for a long time can be a difficult task. As most outsourcers do not have time to go through detailed reports, they might not be able to regulate the process appropriately. Hence, when you partner with call center outsourcing companies, at least observe the KPIs mentioned in this article for ensuring good results. The world of telecom is at war. The fight between operators is causing major fluctuations in service delivery. New schemes and plans are launched from all corners by operators big and small, real and virtual, and with varied capabilities. There is no guarantee of success even if you are maintaining a high level of service delivery.
Millennials are becoming the major consumers of telecom services, and quality alone is not enough for them. They want to be treated special, they want complete control over their plans, and most importantly they want something that is better than what their peers are using. Considering these requirements and an unpredictable nature of demand, it has become crucial to employ an online billing software solution that is flexible and can scale to the emerging requirements of telecom operators. This is the only way you can expect to fulfill the requirements of modern-day customers and gain a leg on your competitors. Essential Elements of Online Billing Software Online billing software solutions need to meet certain essential requirements of telecom businesses, in order to be worthwhile for a call center operation. Have a look at some essential elements of such software: Centralized platform for one-stop billing There are simply way too many services in the telecom domain that need to be accounted for by an operator, in order to bill the subscribers correctly. In the past, IN and OFCS (Offline Charging System) were utilized to charge prepaid and postpaid services respectively. But these systems simply cannot keep up with the major requirements of today. Modern-day operators have to account for a wide range of services like broadband, video streaming, IoT, 5G etc. The sheer scope of the new-age services is immense, and charging them via different platforms can create complete chaos in telecom billing. The best approach is to employ an online billing software solution that supports a centralized architecture with an Online Charging System (OCS). Convergent billing A real-time online charging system allows telcos to deliver a single invoice that reflects charges for each and every service used by subscribers. Not only convergent billing is convenient for subscribers, it also ensures that your customers and customer support representatives are on the same page. Convergent billing, when done right, prevents customers from exceeding their allotted quota of services, as it provides timely notifications. Therefore, the chances of disputes are minimized, and even if there is a dispute, it can be sorted out by referring to the reports generated by the billing platform. Flexibility in devising service bundles Exciting packages are what attract subscribers towards a particular operator. Hence, it is essential that you have a telecom online billing software solution that allows you to stack as many services in as many combinations as you want. At Telgoo5, we offer a flexible telecom services platform that not only helps you stack up different services (as you wish) and create exciting offerings but also enables you to provide discounts. A range of APIs for meeting ad hoc requirements For delivering telecom services that are always in sync with emerging customer expectations, you need to be prepared with Application Program Interface (API) solutions that solve ad hoc requirements quickly. Customizing or overhauling an online billing software solution is a costly endeavor; therefore, you need a telecom platform that supports a wide range of APIs. Telgoo5 is an amazing platform that is devised specifically to meet the ever-changing requirements of modern-day MNOs, MVNOs and MVNEs. Partnering with Telgoo5 is a recipe for success, a sure shot way to beat the competition. Telecom industry is riddled with excessive competition between companies. The situation is even more intense in the MVNO domain with several virtual operators vying for the same space and customer base. For these small operators, being different than their peers has become almost as important as being good at what they do. An ability to devise plans that appeal to different group of subscribers is a sure shot recipe for success. And, to do this consistently, an MVNO requires a billing system software solution that is scalable, flexible and convergent.
Why Convergence is Important? Convergence in telecom billing is the ability to charge and rate all services at a single point. It has become the most sought after attribute of a billing system because:
Nowadays, there are a myriad of services offered by telecom operators. Big players in the market i.e. MNOs, serve customers on a broader scale. As their services are not catered towards a particular group, it is possible that some customers might feel alienated. This is where MVNOs come into the picture. By devising service packages that appeal to certain groups, they are immediately able to sway such customers. In order to create subscriber-specific services, MVNOs need a billing system software solution that puts complete control of service creation in their hands. Below are some of its important characteristics: Complete reporting Billing system software solutions that come with complete reporting allows MVNOs to understand the market trends. The data present in the reports tells a lot about customer’s preferences and service usage. For example, you get to know about their preferred roaming zones, SMS usage, number of calls they make etc. By collating data through reports and analyzing it, it becomes possible for operators to direct their plans towards a certain group of customers. Allows MVNOs to mix and match different services Flexible billing system software allows MVNOs to stack different services in any way they want. This flexibility goes a long way in the creation of pertinent plans that appeal to customers. Cross-product discounts Cross-product discounts are a great way to create interest in your MVNO. Also, these discounts can be used to familiarize customers with a new service and increase the revenue at the same time. For example, if you have recently started a video-streaming service, you can combine it with a bestselling service like data. You can entice customers by providing the streaming service for free, if they buy a certain amount of data. This way, not only you will be able to sell more data, you will also be able to evoke interest in your video-streaming services, which they will start buying in the future. Self-service portal Modern-day customers, especially the millennials are extremely choosy when it comes to their telecom services plans. By providing them a portal from where they can create their own plans, you will be able to sway their interest in your favor. Telgoo5 is a cutting-edge telecom service platform that provides complete control to the MVNOs and allows them to differentiate themselves from their competitors. It also offers many APIs, which can be used to fulfill ad hoc requirements quickly. Apart from telecom billing, it covers every aspect of B/OSS systems. Telecom market is extremely competitive these days. What is popular today may not sell tomorrow and what sells tomorrow may not have any takers the day after. An innovation is only lucrative till the time subscribers are interested, and due to frequent launch of new tech that time window is really small. Therefore, MVNO Operators are in a situation where they have to constantly evolve.
Analytics and Reporting are Crucial As MVNO operators thrive on their creativity and reselling capabilities, they have to stay ahead of the game. Thus, understanding subscribers’ preferences becomes crucial. MVNOs depend on the MVNE and MNO for reporting. Every piece of information related with subscribers’ –preferred service packages, subscription preferences, roaming zone frequented, bill payment patterns – are essential to carve out plans that appeal to them. But, most large-scale operators keep this information to themselves, which impacts MVNO operators potential. Telgoo5 offers a slave database to its partnering MVNO that is directly updated by the master database. The MVNOs can run as many reports as they want, whenever they want. Apart from reporting, MVNOs also get access to analytics capabilities. The AI-based analyses provide timely insights, which can be utilized to design attractive service bundles that appeal to subscribers. Why MVNO Operators Require Convergence in Billing? Convergence in billing plays a huge role in MVNO Success. True convergence is implemented by a 3GPP compliant real-time charging system. Telgoo5 employs an Online Charging System (OCS) that charges every service offered by MVNO operators at the same place. The OCS has the ability to charge services based on events and sessions e.g. it can charge a call based on its duration and SMSes based on their number. One of the biggest advantages of OCS is that it overhauls the erstwhile Intelligence Network (IN) and Offline Charging System (OFCS), and provides a single point of contact for prepaid, postpaid, broadband, IPTV, IoT, 5G services etc. Telgoo5 OCS is secure, based on the cloud and has all the cutting-edge functionalities to support modern-day MVNO Operations. APIs for Accomplishing Ad Hoc Requirements Customization of Telecom Software is a costly affair. MVNO operators do not have the finances to constantly upgrade them; hence they need the power of Application Program Interface (API). Telgoo5 APIs are built to support new requirements and can be used in the following scenarios:
Conclusion Telgoo5 is a comprehensive platform specially designed for MVNO operators. It has a cutting-edge OCS that overhauls the erstwhile charging systems and brings in more flexibility in an MVNO’s operations. It also offers unique functionalities via APIs and makes MVNO operations cost-effective. Partnering with a platform like Telgoo5 is a sure shot way to quickly monetize services and launch them while they are still well-received by the subscribers. Telecom industry is always evolving. Whether it is technology, type of service or architecture; there is always something transforming, and most of the times changing for the good. Telecom architecture has also seen many alterations in the recent times. The revamping of Radius interface into the much improved Diameter interface has been at the forefront of the major changes that have taken place in the recent times. Diameter charging has become the status quo in the telecom industry, and essential for rightful operations of modern-day telecom operations.
Why Diameter Charging is better than Radius Charging? Radius was conceptualized for implementing fundamental authentication for dial-up internet connections. In a common Radius authentication case, a user of services supplies his credentials i.e. username and password to log into a server. The server then checks/authenticates the credentials against a central LDAP policy store. Although Radius has being effective in the past, it is not ideal for IMS, in which, a present-day service subscriber uses different types of automatically delivered Telecom Services. Compared to the Radius authentication method, Diameter Charging has the following advantages:
Leverage Diameter Charging with Versatile Telecom Platform Diameter charging is simply a part of telecom architecture. For complete success of a telecom operation, there are many elements that need to come together. Have a look:
Telecom operations of today have become more intricate than ever before. As staple telecom services like voice and SMS start losing their significance due to the establishment of OTT platforms (whatsapp, skype etc.), there is an emerging need to monetize telecom services in exciting packages that evoke subscribers’ interest. But even more important these days is to maintain a level of trust with your customers. An Online charging system (OCS) provides you the best of both worlds and lets you fulfill the most important requirements of subscribers with its true real time charging.
The Secret of True Real Time Charging True real time charging as per the technical specifications defined by 3GPP prevents revenue leakage. The secret to true real time charging lies in the rightful implementation of telecom billing architecture. The Gy diameter interface between OCS and Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) needs to transmit info in real-time for the platform to work as intended. Only when the interface is correctly implemented, you can expect proper functioning of the entire system. The Virtues of a Quality Telecom Charging and Billing System Apart from real time charging, a telecom charging and billing system needs to have the following attributes for it to be effective in today’s competitive telecom industry. Have a look at some of the essential virtues: Ability to generate single invoice for all services With so many services delivered by telecom operators these days, it would be inconvenient if you send separate invoices to customers for every service. A convergent real time charging system allows for the creation of a single invoice for all services like prepaid, postpaid, broadband, SMS, IPTV etc. This happens because the charging is done at single centralized point i.e. OCS, which charges services as they are used and rates them according to a pre-determined tariff rate. Safeguarding of subscribers vital information The subscriber information stored by telecom services provider needs to be protected from unauthorized access to ensure proper functioning of the billing system. Telgoo5 is a cutting-edge platform for MVNOs that are looking for complete safety of information from hack attacks. It employs robust encryption to prevent hacker entry into the system and ensures smooth and tension-free billing operations. APIs for fulfilling ad hoc requirements A telecom operation is always evolving and there is a need to amend the billing system for delivering new functionalities. At Telgoo5, you get a variety of APIs that can be installed at client’s end for incorporating feature such as vendor partnerships and database integration. For example, you can instantly use the partnership of your MVNE with a shipping vendor to deliver your SIM cards or access NLAD database for delivering telecom services to a unique group of subscribers. The use of API eliminates the need of buying new software and expensive customizations. Complete reporting functionality Reporting is crucial for an MVNO as it lets them visualize the data related with customers’ use of their services. At Telgoo5, you get access to a slave database that is directly updated by the master database, allowing you to run as many reports as you want using filters of your choice. For a very long time, MVNOs have remained an integral part of telecom operations. Their niche is to serve those customers who feel alienated by the services of MNOs in their areas. Most MVNOs run their operations on restricted budgets, but their strength lies in innovation and marketing strategies. As they buy call and data services from bigger players in the market at discounted prices, they are able to target specific group of customers e.g. lifeline customers in the US and attract them with their low-cost offerings. However, because MVNOs have a limited customer base, they cannot afford customer turnover. Hence, Customer Service and Support become extremely important for them.
Virtual Operations Need Real-Life Customer Service Agents Customers who use MVNO’s services can be very finicky when it comes to the support they get. They do not want to spend a penny extra than what they are obliged to pay. But, such is the nature of telecom operations that disputes do arise because of one reason or another. It is at these times MVNOs need to be extremely careful. To manage subscribers effectively, MVNOs should have a cutting-edge subscriber management system that is fast, responsive and efficient at the same time. On top of that, it should also feature a Customer Service and support platform that includes live agents who can solve even the toughest of customer issues with ease. The Importance of Operational Support System for MVNOs A quality Operation Support System (OSS) lays down a strong foundation for MVNOs to base their business upon. Some of the vital components of an OSS that play a huge role in day-to-day MVNO operations are listed below: Administration and Configuration Panel For effective user management, it is important to manage the number of users utilizing the shared resources. It is vital to create relevant plans, define permissions according to user hierarchy and stay in control of all services that are rendered to the customers. Sales Chain Management Managing the sales chain is a vital function of an OSS. The OSS should be able to manage sales chain based on the exact business needs of MVNOs. As a sales chain is directly related with revenue, it needs to be managed properly for ensuring high Returns on Investment (ROI). Management of Inventory The distribution of inventory units should be managed effectively for preventing financial losses. Also, it is imperative that inventory management component of an OSS allows for inventory status updates, reassignment along with reconciliation in case of a dispute. Analytics and Reporting Subscriber data needs to be analyzed for deriving relevant insights that can be used for forming business strategies. Telgoo5 is an exceptional OSS platform that provides a slave database, which is updated directly by a master database. The Value of Customer Service and Support in OSS-Related MVNO Operations There are multiple OSS functions that need to be performed effectively by an MVNO for maintaining a high level of service delivery and managing customers. To ensure maximum customer satisfaction, it is vital that an MVNO has a Customer Service and Support team that can help them with:
At Telgoo5, you get one of the best support teams with several years of experience in handling intricate client/customer issues. We are committed to the cause of our clients and go out of our way to ensure all OSS operations are performed exactly as per their expectations. Customers of today have become finicky. With access to Internet at their fingertips at all times (thanks to the smartphones), they are able to analyze products/services faster than ever before. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have transformed into information portals for customers. The wealth of knowledge derived from these platforms sways the decision of millions and shapes the fortunes of brands across the globe. For a business to prosper in the current times, it has become crucial to unearth customer interest and launch product/services accordingly. This is where Big Data analytics and stream processing applications come into the picture.
The Importance of Real Time Data Stream Processing Real time data stream processing can be put to good use in a number of scenarios. It is particularly useful in situations where data is in motion i.e. it is flowing either in or out of the system. User actions on websites, data generated by sensors and financial trades in stock exchange are prime examples of business situations where data is always flowing. In such cases, Stream Processing Applications can come in handy as they start working on the data as soon as it is generated. Below are some of its important benefits: Quick insight generation for devising business strategies A Real Time Data Stream Processing platform generates insights consistently. So, whenever there is a situation developing, companies are able to understand the trends fast and devise strategies accordingly to exploit the market conditions. Less money spent on storage of data For traditional data processing systems, large amount of storage space is required. These systems first store the data on HDD or SSD and then process them in batches. Hence, the money spent on storage systems is always high. Considering the modern-day requirements posed by new tech like IoT that generates massive amount of data, these systems are not cost-effective. On the contrary, an in-memory based real time data stream processing computes the data as soon as it arrives thus reducing the storage space requirements. Therefore, it is a better fit for newer technologies and emerging requirements. Critical Attributes of a Real Time Data Stream Processing Platform A real time data stream processing platform can only be useful if it serves the present-day requirements of business operations. Have a look at some of its essential attributes:
Modern-day operations in almost every field are going through quick transitions. As telecom industry expands and the number of subscribers increases, large-scale operators i.e. MNOs are trying their hardest to mold their offerings according to the interests of general public. But, there are several customer segments that have peculiar needs, which are too hard to be addressed by a limited number of MNOs. This is where virtual operators that go by the name of MVNOs come into the picture.
The Importance of Billing Software for MVNOs in the Telecom Industry Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) fill the spaces left by MNOs and serve those customers who MNOs can’t attract with their own services. Depending on their wherewithal and resources, MVNOs can be classified as skinny, thin, branded reseller and full MVNOs. Irrespective of the kind of MVNO that you run, the billing software utilized in the daily operations plays a huge role in the overall performance of work. Therefore, it is important for MVNOs to employ the best billing software that can help them with: Transparency in billing with complete convergence There are so many telecom services used by subscribers nowadays that sending different bills for each service would become very inconvenient. A better option is to utilize a telecom billing system that has a centralized charging system like OCS, which charges every service and allows for the creation of detailed and fully-bifurcated invoices. A true real-time interface between OCS and PCRF ensures that all services are charged correctly, which further down the line fosters customer trust and creates transparency in billing. Self-service option for customers Young and educated modern-day subscribers want self-service options that they can use for creating their own telecom services plans. Thus, it is important to select the best billing software that comes with this feature. Analytic capabilities The billing system is the place where a lot of data is ingested. It is the perfect place to embed analytics capabilities for deriving automatic insights that can be utilized for devising future strategies. Analytics can make you aware of ongoing trends. For example, you may get to know about your subscribers’ propensity to buy a router after upgrading their broadband connection. Thus, allowing you to package your own routers along with the broadband services that will ultimately help you boost your sales. Application Program Interface The best billing software providers like Telgoo5 offer their own APIs to address the ad hoc requirements of MVNOs. An API can be easily installed to access new functionalities that were not a part of the billing system originally. Case in point being, if some of your subscribers want a particular payment gateway that you don’t have, then you can install the relevant API and instantly make the new payment gateway available to your subscribers. Security of subscriber data No billing software can be considered the best billing software if it compromises on the security of subscribers’ information. Information like email address, postal address, account information, credit card details etc. are kept within the billing system. Hence, proper security measures in the form of robust encryption need to be implemented for preventing unauthorized access. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are small fish in the huge sea that is the telecom industry. For them to survive amongst the big sharks, it is important to have all the right tools that can make them competitive. The fact that MVNOs receive their frequency spectrum from MNOs lessens their burden, but access to spectrum alone is not enough. They still require a trustworthy and versatile online billing software solution that can help them monetize their services better and bring them to market quickly.
The Exigent Need for Intuitive Online Billing Software Intuitive is defined as something that is easy to operate. As MVNOs, generally the skinny and thin ones, do not always have the necessary expertise in the telecom domain, they require an online billing software solution that can simplify their operations. A perfect blend of necessary functionalities and ease of use is their most essential requirement. As an MVNO, you do not want to invest in something that takes considerable amount of time to be learned and put to real-world use. Online billing software solutions that can be understood by your B/OSS operators fast and put to good use quickly can be the difference between success and failure of your MVNO. The Best Characteristics of Intuitive Online Billing Software The selection of an online billing software solution needs to be done with great care, in order to improve MVNO operations. Below are some characteristics you should seek in your MVNO software:
Operation Support System (OSS) is an integral part of telecom operations. Along with Business Support System (BSS) and telecom billing platform, it performs vitally important functions for telcos and helps them achieve their periodic targets. To ensure that the OSS works as per the modern-day requirements, it needs to have cutting-edge features that are in line with today’s telecom operations.
The Evolution of Operation Support System OSS is not a new paradigm. Conceptualized in the early 1970s, it has shaped and evolved to match the requirements of telecom operators. Erstwhile operations of OSS were performed manually, but they later became automatic by the mid-1970s. Integrally, OSS has four vital parts:
Integral Functions of an OSS Platform for Leveraging Telecom Functions As the competition in the telecom industry increases, we are at a juncture where telcos need to be ready with state-of-the-art Operation Support System solutions to meet the pressing requirements. Have a look at some of the important functions of a telecom platform that can help you leverage telecom operations:
MNO, MVNO and MVNA have become an essential part of the telecom machinery. As customers’ preferences become harder to predict with each passing day, the need for differentiation and branding in services is at an all-time high. Bigger players in the market remain secure in the comfort that they have capital to throw at whenever there is a need to improvise. But, it is the smaller operators that feel the most uncomfortable when it comes to acclimatizing to the latest market conditions. Therefore, online billing software has become an important requirement of telcos as it lets them monetize complex services quickly, but the question is: Is that enough?
Online Billing Software Alone is not ENOUGH Even the best billing software alone is not good enough to overcome the obstacles faced by an MVNO during its complete lifecycle. There are operational- and business-related debacles that need to be overcome. And, this can only be done if you have a comprehensive telecom services platform that can meet the present and emerging requirements posed by new tech like IoT and 5G. Have a look at some of the most important features of such a platform: Quick monetization and launch of services Conceptualizing a service offering is only half the work done by a telecom operator. The real work starts in monetizing the services effectively. Cross-product offerings, innovative discounts and promotions only work when they are done at the right time. Therefore, it is essential to have a B/OSS platform and online billing software that ensures quick service launch. Convergence in billing with a centralized charging platform One of the most important things that every MVNO should expect from a telecom billing platform is convergent billing. Convergence in billing allows for the printing of all service charges on a single invoice. This makes it convenient for customers to analyze their service usage as they do not have to fiddle through multiple bills. Also, it becomes easier for the customer support to handle customer queries and complaints as they have all the bifurcated data ready when the subscribers call in. The overall transparency in billing activity is a key feature of convergent billing that makes it the most suited for modern-day billing. Integration with legacy systems If you are overhauling your current telecom services platform and want some of its features/functions to still work with your new system, then it is essential to find a platform that allows for such integrations. Telgoo5 is a revolutionary platform for telecom billing that can be integrated easily with an existing legacy platform of a telecom services vendor. The power of reporting and analytics Telecom B/OSS and billing system are the touch points where all subscriber activity is recorded. As the number of subscribers and services are quite large in number, it would be unreasonable to expect an entrepreneur to unearth insights by looking at the raw data. Therefore, it is essential to have comprehensive reporting functionalities for understanding customer behavior. Also, to make the insight-generation process fast, cutting-edge analytics functionality can be added. Ad-hoc APIs APIs are the unsung heroes of the modern-day online billing software and B/OSS systems. Telgoo5 offers many APIs that are built to meet the requirements of MVNOs, which can be used to add new functionalities into the existing platform at a moment’s notice. As the reach of telecom services increase, we are at a stage where MVNOs have become an essential part of the telecom industry. The fact that telecom operators are simply incapable of catering to the likes of every single customer in the market, an MVNO becomes the ideal choice for filling up this void.
There are other MVNOs in the market as well whose main objective is to improve the image of their brand. By offering telecom services under the flagship of its brand, an MVNO can maximize its exposure to its customers e.g. a bank can start an MVNO to build new bridges with its customers. However, these MVNOs are not inherently knowledgeable about telecom operations and may need help when it comes to monetizing and delivering their offerings. Therefore, it is important for them to know the role of BSS billing system and billing software. 5 Things Every MVNO Should Consider Before Launch An MVNO launch can be tricky, especially for those with no knowledge of the field. Below are 6 important points that every MVNO owner should consider before launch:
In the last few years, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have become an integral part of telecom operations. These virtual operators form a very important link between the MNOs and subscribers by serving those customers who look for services with a difference. As it is impossible for mega operators i.e. MNOs to cater to the interests of each and every subscriber located in a particular region, a window of opportunity opens up for these virtual operators.
The Importance of Compliance in MVNO Operations Although MVNO business is lucrative and has some perks, it also comes with many obstacles that need to be overcome for safe operation. The first and foremost requirement of MVNO and MVNE success is to create a differentiation in their services with respect to their competitors. And, equally important is their ability to follow the rules and regulations i.e. compliances that are laid down by the regulatory bodies. All telecom operations across the globe are controlled by the regulatory bodies e.g. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the USA. FCC lays down the compliances and has sovereign jurisdiction over areas such as fair competition, broadband access, radio frequency utilization, media operations, along with public and homeland security. Hence, it is fundamentally important for MVNOs to have the right OSS Telecom and MVNO billing solutions at their disposal, for which, it is crucial to have the right MVNE supporting your business. Essential Features of B/OSS telecom and MVNO Billing Solutions B/OSS telecom model of telecom operation keeps on evolving and so does the telecom billing. Hence, it is essential to employ a telecom services platform that comes with all the essential features to support modern-day telecom operations. Have a look at some of these features:
Currently, there is a proliferation of services on the internet. This has caused the need to develop solutions to manage consistent growing traffic. Diameter Charging is a solution that was developed as a signaling protocol to ensure the interconnection of servers in core networks is well managed. Before diameter, there was a protocol known as RADIUS. It worked well before the demand for increased use of networks worldwide. So why should you use diameter and what are its advantages?
Benefits of Diameter Initially, Diameter was used for terminal and dial-up PPP service access. Just as the name suggests, Diameter is twice the radius. Benefits of the system include, but are not limited to: 1. Extensibility – third parties like IETF working groups can start new services using Diameter. 2. Reliability – it uses reliable protocols like SCTP or TCP on port 3868. With hop-by-hop retransmission, Diameter can ensure you have continuity of traffic flow and reliability of transport. 3. Advanced processes – AVPs and error notification are part of diameter signaling. Application developers are allowed to include customizable controls, such as charging, using AVPs. This means a diameter application will allow you to customize how and when you charge your clients. Future of Diameter charging Subscribers are moving to IMS-based networks. These networks are best supported by diameter charging. As a result, the exponential growth of Diameter charging is expected. IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture is designed to offer mobile users IP multimedia. It works as a core network providing multimedia, text, and voice across large networks. With this in mind, diameter charging is growing by the day and its demand is consistently increasing. Today, IMS and diameter are employed to ensure there is consistency in control on increasing IP services. For example, components like HSS (Home Subscriber System), MME (Mobile Management Entity), PGW (Packet Gateway) and AS (Application Server) all use Diameter Charging. It works amazingly well in the integration of LTE and EPC networks. DevOps team efficiency and productivity are increased as a result of Diameter Charging. How does this happen? When these teams have easy access to advanced messaging collaboration, they thrive. One of the advantages of diameter charging routers is they can use dedicated PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function). PCRF is used to control bandwidth or roaming, charge based on usage or limit usage. Diameter is capable of interoperability with legacy networks like UMTS. The good news is any future networks can be integrated into diameter. For instance, any diameter architecture can function as translation agents, redirect agents, proxy agents or relay agents. Current and future Diameter Charging Protocols are versatile and capable parts of future modern IP networks. Its potential and scalability make the system an essential part of the exponential growth in the IP universe. This means further adaptations of the protocol are being developed for the future. Conclusion Diameter charging is here to stay for a long time. If you haven’t incorporated it into your telecom business, it is time you did. Contact us for more information on how we can help you incorporate diameter charging. |
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