Telgoo5's Blog

Envisage Truly Valuable Services with Superior Telecom Billing System

Every telecom operator wants to improve the quality of its operations and does everything in its power to achieve that. One way to connect with customers is by offering them exactly what they need. To create truly brilliant telecom billing systems, one needs to have complete understanding of telecom billing system architecture. But that can be very difficult, especially if you are too involved in managing the infrastructure and hardware.

Reach the Heart of Customers with Transparent Billing

A telecom billing system that allows you to create relevant services for your customers gets you to the heart of your customers quicker.

By using an Online Charging System (OCS) that charges every service in real-time, it becomes possible to improve customer trust in your services:

OCS allows for the creation of itemized bills with every single service charge mentioned on a single invoice
Better enforcement of credit limits to prevent customers from exceeding data limits and incurring additional charges
Security of information is maintained as OCS manages the customer account balance safely
Allows for the creation of service plans that are in accordance to the interests of the customers

At Telgoo5, we offer a telecom billing system that is created after keeping the current requirements of telecom subscribers in mind.

Step into the New Dawn of Innovation with Superior IoT Data Connectivity

Internet of Things (IoT) is quickly emerging into a modern-day phenomenon. It has the potential to change the shape of industrial operations and human life. But one thing that forms the bottleneck for the evolution of IoT comes in the form of IoT data connectivity. For any business that wants to take it to the next level, the value of connectivity is second to none.

Modern-Day IoT Data Connectivity Requirements

As IoT tech evolves, IoT data connectivity has become more diverse than ever before. A dedicated IoT connectivity provider is needed who can usher an IoT-powered business in the right direction. Below are some common IoT requirements that need to be fulfilled:

NFC, RFID and Bluetooth: Ideal for short range connectivity. Mostly used in retail stores and warehouses for searching goods quickly.
Wireless, broadband and mobile data: The fastest speeds are needed for remote surveillance and other IoT use cases where vast amount of data needs to be streamed in milliseconds.
LoRA, SigFox: When it comes to prolonging sensor activity on a single battery charge, the dissipation rate of energy matters a lot. Although LoRA and SigFox are slower, they do not consume much power and allow sensor to operate for longer.

The Characteristics of the Most Efficient MVNO Software Solution

MVNO software solution is vital for virtual players in the market. It allows them to perform various intricate day-to-day operations, without getting into the complexity of the tasks. However, not all MVNO software solutions are equal. You need to find MVNO software solution providers that are accomplished in this domain, if you want to achieve the desired results.

Vital Attributes of MVNO Software Solution

Below are some essential attributes of MVNO software solution that can make a huge difference in the way MVNOs operate:

Intuitive and easy to use

As many MVNOs do not have the necessary technical expertise, they need a MVNO Software Solution that can be understood easily. An intuitive interface with a convenient dashboard is more important than you would like to believe initially. It becomes easier to train your new workforce on the software, if it has a simple and intuitive design.

True real-time convergence Many MVNO Software Solution Providers do not follow the 3GPP compliance and do not use the appropriate Online Charging System. It results in revenue leakage and throws the entire operation into chaos. Choose a meticulous and reliable partner like Telgoo5 and you can ensure zero revenue leakage and fast growth for your business.

Getting to the Bottom of 2020-21 IoT Platform Trends

As a proof of concept, IoT has been pitched in many board meetings of various business operations in the past. But it is only now that we are seeing actual implementation of IoT and its true potential unleashed. From rent-a-bike to home surveillance systems, IoT platform is frequently implemented in a range of different scenarios. However, its use is concentrated in the developed world and premium projects. But in 2020-21, it is all expected to change quite quickly.

The Reasons for Faster IoT Innovation

The biggest reason why IoT platform is expected to rise in 2020-21 is because of cheaper computing power and IoT sensors, speeding up of IoT development and lowering cost of IoT data. Along with that, we will see 5G data that will improve overall network connectivity required for IoT use cases.

These factors are going to give a boost to a rise in IoT innovation, which will gradually expedite development of new IoT trends.

Groundbreaking IoT Trends of 2020-21

Have a look at some of the most expected IoT platform related trends in 2020-21:

Move from cloud computing to fog and mist computing

Right now, we have cloud-based IoT solutions. But in the future, we will see increased use of fog and mist computing. The processing power will be kept closer to the IoT sensors as part of fog and mist-based solutions. Fog computing will put the processing power at the edge of the network and mist computing will have the processing power within the sensor and device. These technologies will make IoT use cases like real-time driving care even better. The delay time in receiving analytics from the server be reduced considerably.

Over the air firmware upgrade will become ubiquitous

Over the air (OTA) firmware upgrade is an essential requirement for sending updates to IoT sensors on a broad scale. As IoT development comes up with new definitions for security and improved solutions, they will be delivered via OTA. This step will lead to better security and improved performance of IoT sensors and devices.

Specialized IoT use cases In the present, we are talking about IoT sensors and devices in isolation. But in the future, there will be complete IoT solutions that will dominate the market. Smart microwaves will be replaced by smart kitchens, smart cameras will be replaced by complete surveillance systems. IoT will become a force to be reckon with in various industries especially healthcare and agriculture.

Bring your Thought Process to Life Quickly with Next-Gen MVNO Platform

As technology evolves, the telecom industry is changing quickly with time. Targeting small time markets has become the new norm for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Given the current state of affairs, it is crucial that an MVNO is always in sync with subscriber requirements and always ready to fulfill them. Hence, there is a growing need for a next-gen MVNO platform that lets them bring their thoughts to life quickly.

Deliver Better by Learning More

An MVNO can only reshape its plans if it knows what its target market wants. Therefore, accumulation of market data and analytics have become more important than ever before. A next-gen MVNO platform for MVNO and MVNE, MVNO does exactly that with the use of analytics. Big Data technology is implemented to find patterns in the way customer select and consume their services. This knowledge helps in coming up with better schemes.

Fast Conversion of Thoughts into Actions

A telecom billing system that quickly converts MVNO plans into actions is very important. It should provide greater flexibility in the charging and monetization of services. A modern-day OCS system charges every service at a single point; therefore, it allows MVNOs to stack different services in a single bundle. As part of a next-gen MVNO platform, an OCS is indispensable. It gives ample opportunities to innovate and even allows for short-term pilot projects to test the user response to new services.

Better Management of Vendor Partnerships

The MVNO model is based on the concept of vendor utilization. MVNO strategies require a vendor network for fulfilment. From acquisition of RAN (Radio Access Network) via MNO to technology procurement via MVNE, an MVNO is dependent on its partners. The same way it requires multiple vendor partnerships for other tasks like SIM delivery, payment gateways etc. In some cases, it might even need database access e.g. MVNOs in the USA use National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) via telecom support services provider. In the current times, new vendor partnerships can be accessed and managed through a cutting-edge MVNO platform that comes with APIs. For example, Telgoo5 is a telecom services provider for MVNOs that helps them in management of telecom operations like B/OSS operations, telecom billing and vendor management. It also provides complete revenue assurance along with timely reporting of every customer service usage. Partnering with Telgoo5 and accessing its MVNO platform is the sure shot way to success for an MVNO.

Get your OSS BSS Solutions Right to Meet the Challenges of Future

The telecom industry is in a state of flux and changing fast. With new and improved service offerings launched every other day, the challenge to monetize and provision them to the subscribers is becoming more difficult than ever. Therefore, every telco is on the look out for the best OSS BSS solutions.

Get a Convergent BSS Billing System for Proper Monetization

Monetization of services is one of the most important fundamental requirements for telecom operators. The moment a new technology is launched, telcos strive to monetize it in attractive packages. There is a race to be the first to the market, which is why the BSS billing system needs to be top of the line.

In today’s age, a convergent BSS billing system is required for effectively monetizing services. It is also crucial for enabling convergent billing. Some of the benefits of such billing and BSS telecom system are:

Easy to monetize complex service offerings

No longer you have to worry about different service types like prepaid, postpaid, broadband etc. A convergent platform charges sessions and events at the same place, and allows you to create completely itemized bills.

More transparency in billing

As the charge of every service is clearly mentioned in the bill, there is less chance for disagreement with customers. Both customer support and customers are on the same page, which leads to an increase in subscriber trust.

A Common Billing OSS and BSS Solution

Modern-day telcos want a comprehensive billing OSS and BSS solution that can let them manage their every function. While big telcos like Ericsson and AT&T having their very own systems, the smaller vendors like MVNOs also require intuitive platforms that let them stay competitive. This is where a top of the line solution like Telgoo5 can come in handy. It can provide a wide range of advantages to MNOs, MVNOs and MVNEs:

Intuitive and abstract platform

The MVNOs require an intuitive platform that is not too hard to learn. At Telgoo5, you get a complete yet simple OSS and BSS telecom solution that lets you perform various day-to-day functions without getting involved in the complexity of the technology.

APIs for additional functionalities In case, you need to add new functionalities into your telecom system, APIs can make your task easy. With APIs, it is possible to integrate new databases, forge new vendor partnerships and reuse the functionality of APIs in different applications.

Launch Innovative Services Before Competition with Best Billing Software

Every telecom operator understands the value of launching a service at the right time. Especially MVNOs understand this better than any other type of operator in the market. But they often undervalue the role of their monetization strategy, and do not always use the best billing software. This is a classic newbie mistake and before they realize it, they fall behind the competition. So, if you have recently launched or are planning to launch an MVNO soon, then prioritize billing software over everything else if you want to succeed in the extremely competitive telecom market of today.

The Value of Point of Sales and Inventory Management

Considering all things equal, inventory management and point of sales (POS) functionalities of your billing software can be the difference between success and failure of your telecom venture. Below are some reasons why:

A quality POS allows you to manage your inventory at the store
Lets you deliver a variety of complex services in a simple way
Improves the productivity of your representatives by providing them a simple interface that is easy to manage
Inventory management feature allows you to manage and track every aspect of your inventory
Helps you reconcile in case of a dispute

With all of its cutting-edge features, the best billing software solutions like Telgoo5 can add real value to your telecom operations.

Real-Time Billing Software for Best Monetization

The best billing software is based upon a real-time Online Charging System (OCS). An OCS lets you monetize prepaid, postpaid, broadband, streaming services etc. at a single point. A quality OCS, like the one offered by Telgoo5, enforces credit limits and eliminates the possibility of subscribers exceeding their allotted quota. You are able to send timely notifications to your subscribers about the exhaustion of their purchased data or voice calling minutes.

Real-time charging allows for convergence in billing. You are able to identify every service usage and send completely detailed bills to your subscribers. Hence, the transparency in your billing functions is always maintained.

Vital Features of the Best Billing Software

To be called the best billing software, it should have the following features:

Accurate taxation and discounting

The billing system should implement taxes and provide accurate bills to the subscribers. It should allow you to provide innovative discounts on services like cross-product discounts. In this day and age, you need a flexible billing system that fosters innovation and stays updated as per current industry standards.

Fully-functional APIs

Application Program Interface (API) is a key aspect of top billing software. A billing system that comes with ready-to-use APIs can simplify the daily operation of an MVNO. For example, if you need a new payment gateway (with the ability to manage the whole partnership) without any additional efforts, then an API provided by your vendor can let you do that. Telgoo5 offers some of the best APIs that can make your complex tasks easy. If you are an MVNO in the US, then you can screen your customers, remove redundancy in records and even connect the entire NLAD database via a simple API.

Security of subscriber data

When it comes to security, there cannot be any vulnerability in your billing software. The Telgoo5 system is secured with the latest encryption and keeps the hackers away. It is a multi-tenant software with access rights. The admin can assign different usernames and passwords to different parts of the software, and limit the user capability according to his area of work. Telgoo5 offers a simple yet functional billing software for MNOs, MVNOs and MVNEs. It has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for telcos to conceptualize their plans and monetize the services.

Rapidly Add New Services to Catalog with MVNO-Specific Online Billing Software

Customer acquisition is the name of the game in an MVNO business. An MVNO mobile virtual network operator has to compete with its peers and also major MNOs in the region. So, it has to think on its feet and deliver services quickly. Due to their technical shortcomings, many MVNOs aren’t able to add new services and implement aggressive marketing strategies. As a result, they fall behind in the race. So, it is vital that your MVNO has the right telecom support system for performing the daily operations.

The Need for a Dedicated Platform

MVNO/MVNE operations are very business oriented. However, business functions and technical operations can only be carried out correctly, if B/OSS and online billing software related requirements are met. An MVNO/MVNE support platform needs to incorporate the following to ensure consistent operations:

Operational support

Faster provisioning of services, maintenance of inventory and tracking of service performance are some of the most important aspects of operational support. The revenue needs to be captured correctly, so that there are no irregularities later. Responsive and efficient subscriber management is also a major requirement. The operational support platform should give full control to the MVNO, so they can define various permissions for the users and at the same time stack up different services to create attractive bundles for the subscribers.

Business Support

Everything from customer management to order management falls under the scope of BSS i.e. Business Support System. The best telecom services vendor provides an integrated B/OSS platform that manages business and operation support functions cohesively. As the technology is evolving, companies are moving to NFV and SDN for complete digitalization of telecom operations. So, always partner with a technically superior vendor like Telgoo5, which evolves its operation to meet the current industry requirements.

Telecom Billing

Online billing software forms the crux of today’s fast-evolving telecom operations. There is an exigent need for a centralized charging platform like an Online Charging System (OCS) that can charge and rate services at a single point. This allows MVNO mobile virtual network operator to send completely itemized bills to its subscribers with every charge of every service clearly mentioned on it. Convergent telecom billing enhances the transparency in billing and builds trust in the MVNO’s subscribers.

Quick Monetization and Service Launch

A single-point OCS allows for quick monetization of services, and lets your MVNO launch services quicker than the competition. So, if your marketing team has a new idea, you can quickly put into action and reap great results with your marketing strategies.

Revenue Assurance and Fraud Control

Every MVNO is looking to make money. So, it needs to bolster its operations and prevent any sort of revenue leak. Therefore, it needs a stable and fully-functional platform that audits transactions, reconciles carrier bills, detects frauds in their infancy and at the same time allows for data ingestion from different systems. No matter how good your online billing software is, if it fails at revenue assurance then you won’t succeed in the long-term.

API for Fulfilling Ad Hoc Requirements

A number of times MVNOs need to add new functionalities to serve their existing users. But they cannot go through the process of customizing software or buying a new one. In such cases, they need APIs that can bring in the desired functionalities. For example, they can add a new payment gateway or access the services of a shipping vendor by simply installing the relevant API. APIs and online billing software provided by a competent MVNO support platform like Telgoo5 can expedite the pace of service deployment. This allows you to reach your market fast and beat your competitors in the race of customer acquisition.

Simplifying Business and Operations Support System for MVNOs

B/OSS is an essential part of MVNO operations. The Operation Support System is equipped with software components, which allow MVNOs to monitor and analyze its services. Along with Business Support System (BSS), an OSS solution lays down a strong foundation for a virtual operator’s operations. While BSS is used in customer-facing operations, OSS is responsible for provisioning and delivery of services.

The Integration of BSS and OSS

OSS and BSS have linked functions in a telecom operation. They help in managing IP-based traffic and broadband services. An OSS even diagnoses faults and provides service assurance information. Along with telecom billing system, BSS and OSS form the crux of any MVNO’s modern-day operation.

Simplifying MVNO Operation with an Integrated Platform

Most MVNOs do not have a diverse operation like major Communication Service Providers (CSP). They are mostly bit parts players who excel at sales and marketing. Most of their hardware resources are procured by MVNEs and they get their Radio Access Network from CSPs. It is the MVNEs who help them get better deals. This allows MVNOs to price their services at an attractive price point and woo the subscribers.

Expecting an MVNO to run a full-scale operation on par with an MNO is simply too much. And, their understanding of telecom technicalities is also not too good, so they need a simple solution that can help them perform their daily tasks.

Below are some essential Business and Operations Support System functions and telecom billing operations that an MVNO simply has to perform:

OSS Functions

Provisioning of services
Activation of services
Tracking customer utilization of services
Revenue capture
Monitoring and evaluation of service performance

BSS Functions

Management of product and customers
Revenue management
Order management through various levels

Telecom Billing Functions

Billing of different services including IoT, fiber, ISP, prepaid and postpaid
Accounting and auditing of trails
CDR-based convergent billing
Attractive monetization of services
Discounts
Taxations

All this and more needs to be done for an MVNO to be competitive in the market. If you are an MVNO who is overawed with the list of tasks, it is better to partner with a vendor that can offer you an integrated telecom support platform.

Important Characteristics of a Comprehensive Platform

Real-time and convergent billing

When you are offerings several services together, you need a single centralized platform that can charge and rate every service flawlessly. This allows you to bring in convergence into billing, and deliver completely bifurcated and detailed invoices to your customers. Also, real-time charging ensures that every credit limit is enforced and customers never exceed their allotted quota. This is vital for telecom operators, especially an MVNO who simply cannot afford the possibility of disputes. With foolproof credit limit enforcement, the chances of disputes happening decreases considerably.

Assurance of revenue

MVNO’s profit margins are low, and it cannot afford to lose any money due to revenue leakage. A competent billing system that detects frauds and audits trails is essential for optimal MVNO operations.

Flexible APIs for adding new functionalities

An MVNO has to perform different functions, which may evolve over time. As it has limited capital resources, it cannot frequently overhaul its OSS solutions and telecom billing functions. Therefore, it needs APIs that can add new functionalities like integration of databases, payment gateways and partnerships with new shipping vendors. At Telgoo5, we offer plug and play APIs that can add new functionalities with a simple installation.

Intuitive interface Due to a lack of technical prowess, MVNOs require an integrated platform that is highly functional but easy to use. Telgoo5’s exceptional platform for MVNOs is designed while keeping the interface simple and easy to understand. We also have a 24×7 customer support that can be contacted, if you come across any issues while using our versatile MVNO system.

Skip Learning About OSS BSS Architecture and Start Your MVNO ASAP

A lot of MVNOs in the market are not very tech savvy. They might be very clever in sales and marketing, but their understanding of telecom technology, OSS BSS architecture and telecom billing is very limited. However, they have strong reasons to get into the MVNO business because they have the right amount of funding and an innovative idea.

So, if you are a budding MVNO that is apprehensive about the technicalities involved in the MVNO industry, then you would be pleased to know that there are telecom support services, which can help you skip the whole learning phase by giving you access to an intuitive and simple platform.

Exploit Industry Experience of Professional Vendors

An MVNO depends on an MVNE for acquiring network frequency spectrum from MVNOs. Multiple MVNOs represented collectively by an MVNE get access to the MNO services at a slashed price. But they still require telecom billing and OSS BSS architecture related expertise for sustaining their business.

Fulfilling the Needs of your Wireless MVNO

If you want to get established as a wireless MVNO, you need to work consistently well towards your goals. For that, you require the support of a vendor who can help you in:

Telecom billing with a convergent billing solution

A convergent billing system empowered by an OCS can help you charge every service in real-time. This not only allows you to bill your current services like broadband, prepaid, postpaid and IPTV; but it also prepares you for future technologies with immense potential i.e. 5G and IoT. A real-time billing system is not just a need but an essential modern-day requirement for MVNOs, if they want to stay competitive in the market. Also, another benefit of employing an OCS is that it enforces credit limits accurately and prevents customers from exceeding their allotted quota. Hence, there is hardly any dispute due to billing and customer satisfaction increases.

Intuitive tool and dashboard

As most MVNOs lack technical knowhow, they need the simplest of tools to create plans, launch their services and manage OSS/BSS functions. A telecom support vendor like Telgoo5 offers intuitive telecom solutions that your workforce can master in a short period. The learning curve is small, and the tool is good enough to manage all functions.

APIs for new features and functionalities

A small-scale wireless MVNO cannot afford to change his software platform often (because of high costs of customization and purchase). It needs APIs to fulfill ad hoc requirements. A competent vendor can help you with simple Plug and Play APIs that bring in new functionalities with a simple installation on your existing system. With Telgoo5’s APIs, you can add new databases e.g. NLAD system, associate with a shipping vendor or payment gateway in a few simple steps.

Secure platform

The hackers are always looking to break into telecom billing systems as they keep hold of vital account information of subscribers. Therefore, you need a secure platform that is fortified with robust encryption. At Telgoo5, we take great care of customer data and upgrade our systems from time to time, so as to counter threats of the future. We offer comprehensive reporting for each and every service delivered, so you can see your operations in great detail and analyze any vulnerability in the system. Our cutting-edge platform is powered by AI and can help you strategize your marketing strategies, so your wireless MVNO can stay competitive in the market.