The growing usage of data services among mobile subscribers has led to the surfacing of a brand new problem that operators worldwide have to face – the so called ‘bill shock’. Comarch’s response is an addition to the broad scope of its offer for telecom operators – the Comarch Bill Shock Prevention solution.
‘Bill shock’ is a term describing a situation, in which a subscriber receives a bill significantly higher than usual, typically as a result of using data services when roaming. Mobile users are often not aware of the fact that some applications connect to the Internet automatically upon launching. Furthermore, even if they know that they are using the Internet abroad, the subscriber is often oblivious to the exact charges that apply to certain forms of web activity. This is also a novel and substantial problem for operators’, as such situations often lead to user complaints. And although the applied charges are in accordance with the service agreement, subscribers may become distressed, so much so that they decide to switch their mobile operator.
Comarch Bill Shock Prevention is designed to enable mobile operators and MVNOs to prevent the ‘bill shocks’ from occurring. The solution has been designed using Regulation (EC) No 544/2009 of The European Parliament and of the Council of 18th of June, 2009, which regulates, among others, how telecommunication operators should allow users to control their roaming bills.
– We felt it was important to enhance our telecom portfolio with a solution that would control voice, data and SMS services in real-time, and work for both local and roaming services. This is how we came up with Comarch Bill Shock Prevention. – explains Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, BSS Product Manager, Comarch SA. – The solution enables the operator to set service usage limits, and whole end users can specify whether the limit is expressed in megabytes, minutes or with a monetary value. When 80% of the usage limit is reached, they are informed of this and must confirm that they accept the continuation of the service and charging. In the case of a lack of confirmation received from the user, the service is automatically disconnected and blocked. Depending on the service and business model, the methods for interaction with the end user include SMS and email.
To learn more about the solution please visit Comarch’s website.
About Comarch
Comarch is a leading supplier of business-driven software solutions and services for telecommunications service providers, including convergent billing, interconnect/wholesale billing, SaaS billing, CRM and self care, as well as inventory, configuration management and network planning, in addition to network and service assurance. Comarch’s portfolio also includes service quality management software and the development of mobile applications and services. With 17 years of experience, Comarch is an expert with regard to the design, implementation, as well as integration of its solutions and services. Comarch works with customers from four different continents, including some of the market’s largest players, such as T-Mobile International, E-Plus Germany, Vodafone Germany, Telefónica O2 Germany, as well as MVNO operators, such as Auchan Telecom, France.
Comarch’s solutions for telecom operators are intended for Fixed and Broadband Operators, Cable Operators, Mobile Operators, Wholesale Departments, MVNO/MVNE Operators, M2M Business, ISPs and VoIP Operators, Content Providers and IPTV Operators and Satellite Service Providers.
More information can be found at: telecoms.comarch.com.
