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 24x7 customer support that can be contacted, if you come across any issues while using our versatile MVNO system.