In today’s dynamic telecom landscape, mobile network operators (MNOs) and MVNOs face the challenge of catering to a wide spectrum of user demands, from high-usage subscribers requiring unlimited plans to low-usage customers preferring extended validity and simple usage-based pricing.
The prepaid billing system offered through Primal Technologies’ OCS/PCRF platform is designed to meet these diverse needs with precision, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. This system enables operators to deploy monthly, weekly, daily, and usage-based plans with real-time rating and charging capabilities.
How is it different from the postpaid billing system?
Unlike traditional postpaid models, the prepaid billing system ensures lower operational costs by automating subscription management, top-ups, and billing cycles electronically. It also supports bucket-based add-ons for voice, SMS, MMS, and data, which can be activated via USSD, SMS, IVR, or web-based self-care portals.
The architecture is built to accommodate granular zone-based rating, dynamic bucket creation, and automatic periodic charges, all of which enhance marketing agility and subscriber satisfaction. Moreover, the system integrates seamlessly with various network interfaces such as CAMEL, DIAMETER Gy, Sy, and Ro, enabling robust control over call and data sessions. For 5G standalone deployments, the platform includes a containerized CHF supporting the Nchf interface, ensuring future-proof scalability. Operators benefit from full PCI compliance for secure credit card top-ups, flexible voucher/card usage, and XML-based provisioning for subscriber lifecycle management.
The system also supports tiered policy control and traffic-type policy enforcement, allowing for intelligent data throttling and restoration based on spending thresholds. This comprehensive solution empowers operators to maintain competitive voice, messaging, and data packages while optimizing cost structures and enhancing user experience.
Key Capabilities of the Prepaid Billing System
To improve readability, here is a consolidated view of the system’s core features:
- ▪ Real-time rating and charging for all media types
- ▪ Automated subscription and top-up processes
- ▪ Support for monthly, weekly, daily, and usage-based plans
- ▪ Dynamic bucket creation for voice, SMS, MMS, data, and promotions
- ▪ Zone-based rating and automatic periodic charges
- ▪ Multiple recharge mechanisms via web, IVR, USSD, SMS
- ▪ Responsive self-care portals branded for operators
- ▪ PCI-compliant credit card top-up functionality
- ▪ Voucher/card integration for bundle purchases
- ▪ XML compatibility for provisioning and lifecycle management
- ▪ DIAMETER interworking with third-party and native SMS/MMS servers
- ▪ Sy interface support for spending limit notifications and data throttling
- ▪ MVNO hosting capabilities
- ▪ Tiered and traffic-type policy control via PCRF
- ▪ Interworking with PCEF/DPI solutions for app-specific data rating
Frequently Asked Questions
A prepaid billing system charges users upfront for services, allowing real-time control over usage and eliminating the need for monthly billing cycles. It reduces operational costs and enhances flexibility for both operators and subscribers.
Yes, the system includes a containerized CHF that supports the 5G Nchf interface, making it suitable for standalone 5G deployments. This ensures compatibility with next-generation network architectures.
Using the DIAMETER Sy interface and 5G N28 support, the system can notify the PCRF/PCF when spending thresholds are reached. It then enforces throttling and restores full speed upon recharge, maintaining service continuity.
Absolutely. Operators can configure multiple buckets, apply zone-based rating, and offer promotions tailored to specific usage patterns. This allows for targeted marketing and improved subscriber retention.
The system supports CAMEL, DIAMETER Gy, Sy, Ro, and interworks with various PCEF/DPI solutions. This ensures seamless integration with legacy and modern network components, enhancing operational efficiency.