African Operators tap into Next Generation Billing and Convergent Charging to Reduce Telecom Operating Costs

JOHANNESBURG, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Both the telecom companies and the consumer are set to benefit as superior billing capabilities already implemented internationally are entering the African market

For consumers and business users, convergent charging and billing provides full control of all communication costs as users have one point of contact and a single invoice for all their services. In addition it gives users access to the services they want, independent of their subscription type.

Convergent charging and billing provides consumers with real-time information on their spending and credit level, so that they never spend more than they intend to. Consumers can also be kept fully update on their bundled minutes, bonuses and loyalty rewards.

Fully convergent rating and charging consolidates the service provider's billing infrastructure and reduces operating costs dramatically. Thus the fully convergent billing platform, a central system for the billing of all services for all prepaid and contract customers, guarantees profitable growth for operators. Hosting all customers on one system and offering superior billing and rating capabilities makes the system a world class marketing instrument. Using a real-time convergent billing system, which handles all subscribers on one platform, provides operators with the necessary levels of billing flexibility, data quality and rapid service launch to make any of the services profitable immediately.

Cell C in South Africa has recently successfully deployed their New Generation Business Support System (NGBSS) solution. With this world class NGBSS solution going live, Cell C is now able to bill for its postpaid, prepaid and hybrid services in real-time, and in one single bill for all services. This provides Cell C with sustainable advantages of rapid time-to-market, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer experience in today's competitive environment.

According to Ron Reddick, Cell C CTO: "The process was executed to a strict time table, with the actual transfer of services only taking 5 hours leading into 6 hours of extensive post-migration testing. Cell C shops and retail outlets were back online doing business by noon on Sunday."

Ron Reddick will be speaking at Convergent Charging Africa Summit where telecom companies will share best practice and relate practical guidelines to the successful deployment of a convergent charging and billing solution.

About IQPC:

For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world's leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. The world's most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC's unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders.

For information about the Convergent Charging Africa Summit, 06 - 09 June 2011, Johannesburg, South Africa, please visit http://www.convergentchargingafrica.com or contact: Katia Andrejev, Marketing Manager, IQPC at katia.andrejev@iqpc.com or call +9714-446-2748.