HOT TOPIC - NRTRDE |
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Certainly within the roaming world, NRTRDE is a subject which is on everyone’s lips and on the minds of all global operators.
Bilateral testing
Are you aware that you can bilaterally test between networks without liability before updating your roaming agreements?
Swisscom and TDC are certainly aware of this and are leading the way forward. The world premiere of bilateral testing has now gone ‘live’ between the two network operators. To initiate the testing between Swisscom and TDC, a Testing Agreement was drawn up between both parties. This Testing Agreement was also kindly provided by Swisscom and TDC to the GSMA for optional use by other operators.
"Timing and mutual interests made Swisscom and TDC enter a NRTRDE Testing Agreement. This made it possible to bilaterally exchange data without changing any existing procedures (e.g. financial liability)", comments Anders Bækgaard, Fraud Manager at TDC Mobil Denmark.
“It was important for TDC to initiate the implementation and testing of NRTRDE well in advance of October 2008 for several reasons. IT delivery roadmap planning requires early input and specification. Testing the physical exchange of data requires planning and interaction between many parties. Setting up internal processes to deal with NRTRDE is another important task. TDC’s general conclusion is that we are developing a lot of valuable experience as we go along. This is very beneficial as opposed to learning NRTRDE ‘the hard way”, continues Anders Bækgaard.
On the importance of bilateral testing, Tommy Bertling from Swisscom’s Roaming & Interworking Propositions department says, “Early planning for NRTRDE is very important as it involves a large administration task which will consume resources and take time. MACH has really led the way for us and MACH’s Frank Jacobsen, who is very knowledgeable of NRTRDE, has been instrumental in guiding Swisscom through the process. It’s important that we get a community of operators who are pioneers in NRTRDE. Bilateral Testing Agreements can help with setting up procedures and identifying any potential loopholes between systems and processes, to make implementation and compliance as easy as possible.”
Avoid budget delays
Although 1st October 2008 seems a long way away, budgets need to be committed now. The GSMA’s Commercial Implementation Handbook recommends a project timeline of 26 weeks - however delays do happen. Starting along the road to compliance as early as possible is advised.
Internal project kick-off
The objective should be to split the main responsibility and budget allocation between the Roaming department and the Fraud department. You should ensure that there is a common understanding of the GSMA requirements. It’s also important that you know how to manage incoming NRTRDE files after normal business hours as well as the incoming File Delivery and Error Reports, which will be arriving around the clock all week long. Investigations/analysis need to be made to check if all recommended information can be provided from your network, and that it will be timely enough.
Preparation Pack
MACH can help you with your NRTRDE planning now. Here is all of the useful information that you need:
1. Test Your Readiness Now: Find out how ready your organisation is for the switch to NRTRDE prior to initial discussions with roaming partners. To take part in our quick and easy questionnaire, please click here.
2. Testing Agreement and NRTRDE Commercial Implementation Handbook: These documents are available from the GSMA Infocentre (https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/home.cgi) or by contacting ff@gsm.org
NRTRDE assistance
MACH is moving rapidly to help operators and their roaming partners find an easy and swift path towards NRTRDE establishment, operability and connectivity.
Tommy Bertling from Swisscom’s Roaming & Interworking Propositions department comments, “We are really happy that MACH contacted us and pointed out the need for early preparation and testing. We also appreciate that MACH have listened to us and our views regarding what services we need in addition to NRTRDE and the overall synergies and benefits for Swisscom as an operator. We are confident that MACH is aware of all of the issues and requirements of NRTRDE and will take us through this process successfully, and that we will be compliant with NRTRDE on time.”
Anders Bækgaard, Fraud Manager at TDC Mobil Denmark mentions, "In parallel, TDC has entered a MoU for a NRTRDE Pilot Project with MACH. The Pilot Project is aimed at generating experience on the Operational Interface between SP/DCH and Client".
For further information on how MACH can help, please see our MACH Data Express and MACH Fraud Management solutions. Alternatively, please e-mail info@mach.com
