Improving SIM/Over-The-Air Roaming Provision

Starhome says that it is uniting Gemalto's SIM/OTA applications with it's server logic, to enable operators to build on existing inbound and outbound roaming services as well as offer enhanced capabilities for future services. Starhome has already incorporated Gemalto's SIM/OTA facilities into its Intelligent Preferred Network (IPN) solution, which lets mobile operators manage the subscribers' registration process as they roam in visited networks.

IPN allows operators to steer outbound roamers dynamically to an operator's preferred partner networks using one of three steering methods: SS7 signaling, SIM/OTA, or a combined hybrid solution. Driven by a GUI the operator simply configures the system with its steering policy. This in turn triggers the application to automatically generate and send appropriate SIM data files such as the preferred PLMN list to roaming subscribers based on their location as well as on their preferred services.

The handset then gives priority to the networks on the preferred network list so more roamers are redirected to partner networks.

With the addition of SIM/OTA Starhome can offer two media for steering of roaming - the OTA and the SS7. Operators can choose using over the air SIM control with or without integrating the SS7 rejection methods. Enhanced SIM/OTA capabilities such as in Gemalto's Smart Roaming, as well as advanced R.99 handsets give operators full remote control over their outbound subscribers.

"In this highly competitive market, it is no longer sufficient to have a single steering of roaming redirection method. In reality, factors come in to play that complicate the situation, such as 3G handsets, anti-SOR activities, excessive signaling and the user experience", commented Eran Gilad, Vice President Business Development at Starhome. "Adding SIM/OTA to the Intelligent Preferred Network service benefits both operators and users. For operators, it comes down to having total, real-time steering of roaming. Dynamic SIM updates driven by business logic provide operators with a powerful steering tool. The hybrid solution offers improved steering, while reducing a substantial amount of international traffic, so operators can better meet business objectives. It also enables operators to steer different subscriber segments to the networks that provide the specific services required, such as 3G or CAMEL. In addition, the SIM/OTA integration offers more robust immunity to Anti-SoR activities."

Posted to the site on 21st November 2007