Ulticom's Signalware software provides solutions to accelerate development and deployment
of network elements that enable prepaid services. Signalware incorporates GSM Mobile
Application Part (MAP), TIA/EIA-41, CAMEL Application Part (CAP), and a complete
SS7 protocol suite. Signalware also offers an unparalleled combination of scalability,
global interoperability, fault resilience, and standards-based Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs) on open computing platforms. Signalware has accelerated the development
of both Service Control Point (SCP)-based prepaid application platforms and switching
network elements, such as the softswitch-based Class 4 switches and Gateway GPRS
Support Nodes (GGSN) that use these applications.
The Essentials of Collecting Money
Payment for both wireless and wireline network communication services involves a
variety of services, such as billing, as well as post-paid and prepaid voice and
data. The prepaid payment market is experiencing the largest growth. Wireless subscribers
for both voice and data have quickly adopted this service, while prepaid cards for
wireline calls have risen in popularity. Penetration of prepaid wireless service
is already over 40 percent worldwide. The vast majority of mobile subscribers are
prepaid users in areas such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Prepaid requires payment from the subscriber before the operator extends service.
Using a real-time billing system, the service provider debits the prepaid subscriber's
account as services are used, preventing the subscriber from exceeding the
account's balance. Basic implementation includes an application platform, prepaid
service logic, database, rating engine, balance management, and an Interactive Voice
Response (IVR) unit. Prepaid applications typically reside in service nodes or enhanced
service platforms using ISUP, or in SCPs using TCAP interconnectivity with voice
and data switches through the SS7 network.
Access to prepaid services while roaming is critical for the success of this service.
Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN IS-826) and CAP are the standards used to offer
prepaid service to roaming subscribers in TIA/EIA-41 (CDMA and TDMA) and GSM networks,
respectively.
Prepaid application platforms could even evolve into a generic prepaid policy server
that would serve many clients. Operators can leverage existing prepaid infrastructure
and billing models to deploy next-generation services, such as Internet access,
gaming, Location Based Services (LBS), and mobile commerce. Prepaid systems evolve
to support more flexible, real-time charging policies based on types of content
rather than on session time. Service providers will likely enhance and leverage
their existing prepaid resources hosted on the SS7 network.
IN- Based Prepaid Architecture