MNOs have long utilised TAP to ensure accurate inter-operator settlement of roaming charges, but change is coming. The industry needs to get ready. Understanding this change, the motivation behind it – and how to prepare – is essential, so..
- If terms like Usage Data report, Billing Statement Report and Detailed Data Record seem promising but unfamiliar..
- If you really want to get into MIoT, but can’t see how TAP file-transfer can cut it there..
- Love the idea of 5G roaming, but can’t see how to bill for it..
- If your customers were to introduce new billing and charging models for new services..
…then you need to get on board with the evolution in roaming settlement: a next-gen standard that will set you up perfectly for 5G, IoT and other new advanced connectivity mobile commercial services.
What we’re talking about here is what GSMA has been quietly cooking up for us: BCE, the next step beyond 20-year old TAP technology. TAP’s done a superb job for the sector and helped grow the roaming market into what we know so well today, but mobile operators know that it lacks the flexibility to support the next stage in connectivity – in particular, IoT and 5G roaming services.
BCE is the answer, and the reality is that it’s an answer that we all have to embrace: TAP’s further evolution has been canned, and BCE is the new standard. Put simply, TAP won’t support new IoT and 5G roaming service opportunities, so the transition to BCE is inevitable. Given the breadth of new things we can do with it, that’s not a problem, but getting set for it, ideally maintaining your TAP process and not disrupting customers in any way as you upgrade, might just be.
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