Tecore Networks - iCore OTA Prepaid Roaming MSC

iCore OTA Prepaid Roaming MSC

A challenge for GSM network operators in developing or remote markets and regions worldwide is enablement of services for users that roam into their network. In instances where roaming agreements have not yet been established between the user’s home network and the local operators, users will experience a loss of service, and operators have lost revenue opportunity. Typically the only option for a mobile user is to purchase a local SIM card for his mobile phone.

The iCore Over-the-Air (OTA) Prepaid Roaming MSC provides an avenue to capture these potential subscribers via a dynamically allocated prepaid service profile. OTA Prepaid Roaming leverages the capabilities of the existing prepaid system and SMS to provide temporary services to roaming subscribers from operators that do not have local roaming agreements in place. The benefit of OTA Local Prepaid Roaming is continuity of services to roaming users. It can be leveraged by operators in developing regions and by new operators that are still in the process of developing their roaming agreements.

OTA Prepaid Roaming avoids the problems created by the inherent limitations of conventional prepaid services to address these subscribers. By and large, the prepaid systems deployed in GSM networks today are CAMEL-based and typically require previous knowledge of the subscriber and coordination of profile and services with the Home Location Register. OTA Prepaid Roaming is an extension of the standard prepaid system offered by Tecore to address these subscribers who would otherwise be denied service.

How It Works

When a roaming user first enters the local network and attempts to perform a location update, rather than being rejected, he is allowed to access the system. He is then allocated a temporary number (MSISDN) which is sent to the user via SMS as part of a “welcoming” message. Once the user receives this message he is able to receive inbound calls to the assigned number. To enable the use of outbound calls and other services, the user would purchase a Top-up card from a local retailer and apply it to their account. The service supports wireless and wireline calling, including origination, termination and short message services.

OTA Prepaid Roaming enables roaming in cases where roaming services would not otherwise be provided to users, thus improving the overall experience of the mobile user. The simplicity of the OTA Prepaid Roaming allows the network operator to leverage its own prepaid system and Top-up cards to localize service delivery. The feature is integrated with Tecore’s mobile core network systems, and does not require the operator to deploy any additional equipment or systems.

Further, the service does not interfere with any existing roaming agreements that the network operator has in place. In cases where there is a roaming agreement between operators, the user would be authenticated on the network and the OTA feature does not activate.

Recognized as the Best Roaming Product or Service at the 2007 3GSM Congress, Over-the-Air (OTA) Prepaid Roaming is a patent-pending offering that facilitates prepaid access to subscribers homed in networks that do not have roaming agreements in place with the serving operator. The system automatically activates prepaid accounts and services for qualifying subscribers, provides the users with a new local phone number, and notifies them of service activation via text messaging. It is an effective solution for those new operators still in the process of developing roaming agreements. By enabling roaming in cases where such a service would not otherwise be available, the OTA Prepaid Roaming feature improves the mobile subscriber experience while simultaneously providing the network operator with an incremental stream of revenue.

Unique capability for GSM network operators to provide service to visiting users in the absence of roaming agreements between carriers

Improved subscriber experience: continuity of service

New revenue opportunity for network operators

Service does not require previous knowledge of subscriber or coordination of profile and services with HLR

Roaming subscriber is assigned a temporary number via SMS to receive inbound calls; and can purchase a top-up card to make outbound calls

Does not interfere with existing roaming agreements