This capability gains importance as carriers offer transaction-based services and consumers demand flexibility and choice in payment offerings. Enabling service providers to efficiently manage traditionally complex rating via simple subscriber offers is one more way that Telcordia is leading the transformation of the global telecommunications industry.
Virgin Mobile USA, one of the nation's leading Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), is the first wireless service provider to deploy the Advanced Rater capability. This expansion of Virgin Mobile USA's use of the Telcordia ISCP System, one of the technical foundations of its Pay As You Go offering, further delivers on its promise of providing value, simplicity and a hassle-free wireless experience.
The Telcordia Advanced Rating capability enables service providers such as Virgin Mobile to quickly set up billing for new services such as mobile games, offer customer rewards such as two-for-one ringtone downloads, support special promotions such as holiday calling offers, and enable multiple people within a family to access a shared account. It is also one of the technologies that helped enable Virgin Mobile USA to roll out its new Day2Day service offering.
"Our customers are savvy young consumers whose mobile phones are an essential part of their lifestyle. However they use their handsets, it's essential that we deliver each service quickly, reliably and cost-effectively," said Mike Parks, CIO, Virgin Mobile USA. "Telcordia's Advanced Rater assists us in offering special promotions that encourages our customers to try new services, keeping Virgin Mobile users engaged and active."
With the growing popularity of IP-based services and consumers' increasing use of mobile data offerings, pricing and flexibility are critical success factors for customer adoption of new services. Real-time charging, for which the advanced rater is a key component enables carriers to customize pre-paid service packages to compete more effectively and appeal to a broader customer base.
"Flexibility is increasingly important to wireless carriers who must offer and support various pricing offers and seemingly infinite combinations of services," said Scott Erickson, Group President, Wireless, Cable and Emerging Markets, Telcordia. "Telcordia's unmatched innovation and technical strength provides customers such as Virgin Mobile USA with the competitive edge required to anticipate customers' needs and ensure quick and accurate accounting for the services they use. This level of sophistication is essential to advancing the transformation of network operations and to meet the demands of today's wireless industry."
About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:
Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the nation's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and first wireless carrier exclusively focused on the youth market. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. In just two-and-one-half years, more than three million wireless users have rejected long-term contracts and taken control of their wireless spending with Virgin Mobile's Pay As You Go service. Virgin Mobile customers have exclusive access to VirginXtras and VirginXL- a suite of music, entertainment and fun lifestyle features, including *MTV mobile content created by our strategic partner MTV: Music Television. In addition, . Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile for providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" under its Certified Call Center Program(SM).
Phones are available at more than 20,000 locations nationwide, Top-Up cards are available at more than 57,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at .com or by calling 1-888-322-1122.
About Telcordia
Telcordia Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of telecommunications network software and services for IP, wireline, wireless, and cable. As the industry continuously evolves, Telcordia is focused on being the undisputed transformation partner for its customers. By delivering flexible, standards-based software solutions and consulting services that optimize complex network and business support systems, Telcordia helps customers transform their business while aggressively reducing costs and growing revenues. Telcordia is headquartered in Piscataway, ., with offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America. (.com)
