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
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