The number of global LTE deployments is rising sharply as operators now recognize that LTE is an inevitable part of the foreseeable future and the single way forward to tackle the rising use of smart devices. Still, not all operators are rushing to deploy LTE.
Until there is full global deployment, today’s networks will remain a heterogeneous blend of multiple network domains, layers and technologies such as 3G, WiFi and islands of LTE. To fully support roaming interconnection and interoperability between networks, operators will need to upgrade their roaming solutions with LTE-compliance.
Starhome’s LTE Solution
The Starhome® LTE solution provides upgrades and new capabilities for migration to LTE. The solution optimizes performance, generates revenue and maximizes network resources.
Included are four LTE ready products to ensure you maintain top-line revenue at all times:
- Steering of roamers: NG-IPN-4G and GLR-4G
- Campaign management: Sparx™
- Contextual dialing function: ICA (Intelligent Call Assistant) for local/home number support while in roaming
- Data: Local Roaming Data and Roaming Control
NG-IPN-4G, GLR-4G– Wholesale Solution for effective Steering of inbound and outbound traffic
To fully manage and optimize wholesale roaming discount agreements, operators must have the tools to control the network in which their outbound subscribers are roaming. Starhome’s steering solution steers outbound roamers, based on their device and network capabilities, to preferred roaming partners via SS7 signaling, OTA/SIM or a combination of the two.
The powerful traffic steering tool steers outbound traffic for 4G LTE networks. And, combined with other Starhome products, will enable operators to leverage service functionality to gain additional revenue and benefits.
Operators can enhance the value of their IPN services with Starhome’s OMNYX™ solution. OMNYX is a real-time integrative roaming management and innovation system that presents the roaming manager with essential roaming traffic information. OMNYX effectively analyzes collected information, and, using its unique analytical and decision making tools, empowers the roaming manager with important data to meet their goals and targets and to make better steering decisions.
IPN provides the operator with a comprehensive toolkit for its outbound roaming management.
The toolkit includes:
· Intelligent configurable application for implementing revenue or business objectives
· A user-friendly web-based GUI - Allows easy control over network selection for any subscriber or handset provisioning interface
· Reporting, including on-line and off-line revenue and roaming reports
Quality of Service (QoS) is also maintained as different steering preferences are defined based on various factors as such roaming agreements, subscriber needs and network technology, including GSM, GPRS, CDMA and LTE.
Included in NG-IPN-4G is the Starhome® Gateway Location Register service (GLR). GLR provides a comprehensive and flexible set of tools, allowing the visited operator to control its inbound roaming community in the most optimal way while reducing signaling costs. The service activates operations to keep the visitor in the network as long as possible, and complies with GSMA recommendations.
Marketing – Campaign management (for local and roaming)
For effective marketing campaigns in a diverse roaming environment, the Starhome® Sparx™4G solution is best of breed. Sparx is a real-time micro-segmented campaign management tool that generates dynamic, personalized messages based on subscriber profiles and usage history. Sparx employs a triggering mechanism that can be based on many different scenarios, for example, the roamer’s location or time, as well as feedback from previous campaigns. The solution can also be deployed to target subscribers in the home environment.
Sparx4G employs micro-segmentation to send the correct message to a particular segment, based on the subscribers’ profile. Sparx takes into consideration subscribers’ devices, the network in which they are roaming and the network technology. Sparx promotes true high speed data access in cities and locations where LTE is available to roamers with heavy data usage patterns.
Sparx enables mobile operators to differentiate themselves in competitive markets by initiating a unique, friendly and informative dialogue with international travelers. The solution promotes new revenue growth and delivers a significant improvement to the user experience.
VoLTE Contextual Dialing Function (local/home number support while roaming)
The Starhome® VoLTE Contextual Dialing Function™ overcomes international dialing difficulties by analyzing numbers in the local dialing format to determine if the number is associated with the visited network (geo-local) or home network (home-local). The solution then automatically corrects or completes local numbers and converts short codes into long numbers.
The VoLTE Contextual Dialing Function uses a comprehensive global database of numbering plans (for mobile and fixed) and special algorithms for translation. Operators are therefore able to complete more calls for inbound roamers visiting their network and support their outbound roamers abroad, improving customer satisfaction and also roaming revenues.
LRD-4G – Local Roaming Data
Smart device users receive lower priced packages with high speeds for data while in their home network, but have also come to expect the same attractive data packages while roaming.
The Starhome® Local Roaming Data™ solution enables operators to offer lower-priced, high speed data roaming data packages for visitors with LTE-compatible devices.
The solution enables the VPMN to differentiate its offering from their competition and create a new communication channel with inbound roamers.
The local roaming data solution can be used as part of the new 2014 eu regulation for local break operator (lbo). it will allow a visited network operator or a global provider offering local breakout (lbo) to sell local data services to inbound roamers.