Telecom operations are always evolving. There is always something new coming into the industry that needs to be monetized and delivered to the subscribers. The onus of doing this task rests on the shoulders of MNOs and MVNOs. In most cases, MNOs are self-sufficient to deal with any new dynamic as they have the resources and finances to meet any new demand. It is the MVNOs that feel the pain because of their limitations. Even the best telecom billing systems need to be updated to meet a new requirement. Therefore, MVNOs require a flexible solution that can accommodate for minor changes without any need for a complete overhaul.
APIs to the Rescue
The best way to integrate new features and functionalities into an existing billing system is via APIs. Partner with telecom billing companies who are specialists in their domain. Many telecom services and support companies offer APIs that add new features without any excruciating effort. For example, you can integrate a new database, a new payment gateway or access a partnership with a new billing vendor by a simple installation of the relevant API. The most important use of APIs is in reusing the existing resources across different platforms. There is no need for building a new app when you have the relevant API at your disposal. Although APIs cannot fulfill every requirement, they can be of great help in many situations.
The Need for Catalog-Driven Approach for Faster Service Delivery
A catalog-driven approach can bring in unprecedented agility into a telecom operation. It allows for faster monetization of services and lets you adapt to a change in technology in a convenient manner. Below are some benefits of catalog-driven approach in telecom billing operations:
- Overcomes the challenge of tracking revisions and changes in BSS and OSS ecosystem
- Allows you to track product performance data, which can be later used for conceptualizing new offers and schemes
- Lays down a strong platform for 5G service delivery as it allows MVNOs to experiment with their plans. The successful plans can be kept for future use and the failed plans can be discarded.
- Allows you to provide the most essential telecom services to the subscribers in times of crisis e.g. in the time of pandemic, telcos can zero-rate essential services faster and fulfil the demand
Essential Virtues of the Best Telecom Billing Systems
If you are in the market for the best telecom billing systems, then ensure that they meet the following criteria:
OCS for convergent billing
A centralized charging architecture has an OCS (Online Charging System) in the middle. The OCS acts as a vital cog in telecom billing operations and allows MVNOs to perform completely convergent billing. All the services are charged and rated at a single point based on events and sessions. Hence, completely bifurcated and detailed invoices can be sent to the customers, which list every single service charge accurately. This brings in more transparency into billing and helps you gain your customers’ trust.
Powerful and scalable
Partner with telecom billing companies that can offer you a powerful platform equipped with fast servers that have a high storage capacity. This will allow you to perform millions of transactions without any risk of failure. Also, your billing operation will become more scalable i.e. you will be able to accommodate new customers without any danger of system going down.
Security of customer information
As a subscriber entrusts you with his/her critical information, you should be able to provide him dependable security. A secure billing platform like the one offered by Telgoo5 can keep your customers’ info safe from unethical and notorious hack attempts.
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