|
The Telco (Alternative) Toolkit
Alternative Telco's betting on high profits face a highly uncertain future. They should focus on streamlining costs, maintaining a stable platform, remaining flexible, and selecting their service portfolio investments carefully.
Revenues from Telco's won't meet expectations of days gone past, but the players must remain engaged. Instead of pursuing a full suite of products and services, they should invest selectively in the services that have broad appeal.
What are the basic building blocks for Alternative Telco Operator (ATO)?
Network (MEDIO TX):
At a minimal, the ATO needs a network in order to provide services. The network can be that of a transit network covering a complete country, region or it may be a leased network from another service provider. The ATO's rely on interconnection to other networks in order to expand their service offerings. These services need to be optimised to provide the best pricing structure.
Intelligent service provisioning platform (MEDIO IN):
The platform provides the means by which the operator can deploy new services.
The key feature is that it must be flexible and adaptable to regionally desired services. The platform must allow the quick introduction of new services without the traditional extended product life cycle.
Operation and Maintenance control (MEDIO OMC):
From the OMC, vital network operations are maintained in order to provide instant access to the resources of the network, thus allowing flexible control. Configuration of new services is also handled from the OMC.
Customer Care and Operator assisted services (MEDIO ACD):
Supports the 'rules based' distribution of incoming calls to your customer care centre. Operator assisted services handle customer complaints, customer orders and customer-oriented services, etc...
Billing (FORIS):
Provides the service usage information necessary to provide customer billings.
Supports the call details and services used information, which is later used for calculation of charges and then passed along to the end user.
How do they implement the services quickly?
Need for speed:
By creating a close relationship between the network operators, the TSP (telecom service provider) and IT service groups. This proven solution, the 'Strom convergence' approach, shortens the life cycle for deployment and permits the development of standard and non standard solutions, thus placing the alternative network operator one step ahead of their competitors.
Need for a Reliable Platform:
The core requirement for all products and services is a need for modular based design built on an open architecture that is reliable. Like that of an intelligent network, the MEDIO suite is a toolbox for combining and integrating components into cost effective revenue generating options. This flexible approach to development and implementation permeates throughout each of our products because of the modular design. This distinguishing factor provides real value for the network operators who need to deploy new services quickly and profitably.
What services should the 'Alternative Telco' offer?
The operators are demanding tailored solutions that provide a distinguishing value to both the consumer and the operator.
One of our very successful applications showing a broad range of platform capabilities is the STROM calling card system. Implementations can use the traditional debit accounting (prepaid calling card), or be configured to use credit vouchers, gift campaigns, post billing or credit cards. Additionally, it provides a host of feature rich service options and is built using an open modular design supporting the limitless opportunity of future functionality for the creative network operator who intends to stay ahead of the competition. We've incorporated into the traditional calling card services the addition of loyalty programs that differentiate the standard product into a new service that fosters continued use and re-generation of loyal customers.
 Top of Page
|
