Fixed-line services were the only source of income for telecom providers in the past. Since then, the sector has advanced significantly. Operators have created a variety of cutting-edge services that enable users to explore data applications other than voice and SMS, such as streaming video, maps, music, and many more. Operators for convergent charging and billing have jumped into new offerings thanks to the opportunities that have been generated for clients. Today, delivering a good customer experience is crucial to making money. Operators are motivated to provide timely, personalised offers and bargains at alluring price points in this era of customer-centricity.

Operators' billing platforms are under a lot of strain as service options increase. It is now equally important to sometimes increase network capacity as it is to improve the BSS stack's capabilities.

Why should update convergent charging and billing billing software?

Billing systems have taken centre stage in telecom operators' efforts to drive cost- and revenue-saving initiatives. Currently, telecom operators require a BSS stack that can accommodate consumers' changing demands.

Apart from apps, entertainment, and value-added services, several communication product prospects lead to a complicated combination of mobile and fixed products. This has just made the billing procedure more difficult. Flexibility and creativity in pricing have replaced flat-rate pricing as a competitive differentiation. As a result of the rising complexity of prices, operators have increased the capability of BSS systems to handle complicated billing and charging situations.

Mobile data services are in tremendous demand, but carriers struggle to make significant profits from them. Redefining rating standards is necessary under the new charge models, but a BSS stack with strong capabilities is also necessary to handle the ever-increasing event data records.

Another difficulty is the disparity in price between prepaid and postpaid services. Operators understand the necessity for a convergent charging and billing platform to handle the pricey and challenging procedure because separate systems are responsible for grading and billing these services. For instance, there are two separate systems that power pre-paid and post-paid billing. Operators have difficulties while utilising various systems for various network services as well as when older systems do not enable the introduction of new billing methods.

Additionally, there is a critical requirement to reduce time-to-market when introducing new services and establishing a competitive edge. A convergent billing platform is necessary to address these issues since it paves the way for a better customer experience, quicker market response, and lower operational expenses.

Why switch to a convergent billing system that is focused on the customer?

Customers are now the primary partner in the partnership since they form the foundation of the telecom industry. Fixed-line services are no longer offered along with a single billing. More corporate partners, such as content suppliers and resellers, have teamed up with operators to produce one bill for different services as a result of changing consumer needs. Customers who subscribe to services do so because they want access to more material.

By enabling operators to develop convergent offerings and market personalised services, in this case, a convergent charging system must adopt a customer-centric stance. Operators must be able to package services and meet consumers' individual needs using the system.

The 'ultimate' convergent billing system is...

Operators must search for the key characteristics listed below in a convergent billing system:

Real-time charging

Any prepaid/postpaid convergence system must impose real-time charging to enforce not just prepaid plans but also any intelligent postpaid plan with dynamic rates or limitations. A convergent billing system that enables customers to monitor their consumption is excellent. The technology not only notifies users of their use limitations through real-time alerts but also makes suggestions for better plans. To put it simply, reliable convergent billing systems guarantee that customers have control over end-to-end real-time services.

Arrangements with other systems

When the convergent charging system is connected with older systems, its true value becomes clear. Open interfaces and Service-Oriented Architectures, which assist in lowering integration's inherent complexity, can be used to achieve this. Additionally, a provider with a proven track record of effectively integrating with a variety of systems is essential to assuring integration success.

A variety of business concepts are supported

Over time, business models change. Previously, telecom providers billed business clients before extending their services to include private clients. Operators first connected with customers through direct selling before expanding their business by working with resellers. Convergent BSS stacks must adjust to new business models as they emerge because business models are changing.

A quick time to market

Modern items are not supported by the billing systems that are currently in place, and customising each product becomes time-consuming. Additionally, the systems cannot rate and modify scenario definitions as well as promote products and offer definitions. Convergent billing systems should make it simple and quick to add additional services.

Enables the addition of new charging models

The use of data services has risen to a new level. This results in more maintenance and network capacity investments rather than higher revenue growth. The billing system must make it simple for telecom providers to differentiate between different service types, personalise tariffs and services for users, and include innovative payment models.

Permit convergence on several levels.

Providers may provide invoices to clients in a form that makes sense to them because of multi-level convergence. Pre-paid and post-paid multiple services may be invoiced to a single account or broken down into sub-accounts. The customer's uncertainty is reduced since all contacts with the business reflect this common balance and account, making it apparent what services and value they are receiving.

Scalable and reliable system

To guarantee client pleasure, reliable service delivery is essential. A contemporary charging online system must be reliable and scalable to recover quickly from issues without affecting service revenues. The system must be able to manage a variety of transactions and guarantee system and data security to swiftly expand service offerings in response to market trends.

A paradigm shift in how consumers are billed is being brought about by changes in customer data towards convergent and personalised offers, much to how the focus on customer care is driving changes in the telecom industry. Convergent billing and charging systems are now necessary for telecom operators to succeed in the market as it is today and as it develops in the future, from harnessing the promise of data to reducing costs and earning income.