subject: Comprehending The Sophistication Of Wireless Billing [print this page] Comprehending The Sophistication Of Wireless Billing
With new technology, what was once a phone company only application has changed drastically. One of the biggest adjustments has been in cellular lifeline and customer care requirements because of the addition of applications that were once only dreamed of. Despite the thrill for many that new technology has now gone mobile in a big way, there still is some confusion over statement issues.
Non-voice services have created one of the biggest problems in customer care and invoicing, but this can be eliminated with VoIP billing system. Typical of this problem are charges, management, new ratings and content settlement. Messaging services such as 3G, IMS, WiMax, and Content are now making more stringent requirements regarding efficient service, clientele care and billing issues. Because of the many complaints on this issue the Federal government developed a truth-in-billing law.
Many service providers are discovering the advantages of creating social network communities rather than relying solely on subscriber-based systems. One of the benefits to consumers is the fact they are no longer limited to single phone numbers and, in fact, can now have multiple identities even assigned to one device. To service providers, this creates a challenge in keeping track of, managing, understanding, and providing personalized plans.
In response to the increased demands of wireless systems like Mobile 2.0 and Web 2.0, infrastructures are incorporating unified data models designed to better handle customer billing and care. The older linear models were limited to smaller communities of three to five people but these new systems synchronize data in order to develop a complete view of customers through various access points.
Despite the sophistication of new mobile devices, there are still two main areas that are impacted the most by the new devices used. The first is handsets that now contain visually-based interfaces. These devices serve to reduce costs while increasing personal satisfaction. Since some people still have older devices and are communicating with those with newer devices, things like sharing photos may not be possible. Service providers are struggling with how to charge for these services and have built flexibility into programs in order to accommodate the types of problems that evolve.
Fortunately for consumers, service providers are now trying to find ways to keep costs down. One alternative is including advertising channels on cell phones. In this case, advertisers would be charged for services normally covered by subscribers. This option could also lead to discounts for subscribers. This is still in the experimental phase and how it will ultimately affect consumer costs is still unclear.
Traditionally, postpaid services have set the norm. However, today prepaid options are becoming more popular. One reason for this move is the fact it has many benefits over postpaid such as the fact that additional apps have increased service provider liability whose costs have been passed onto consumers. Despite this, real-time authorization and ratings are now helping providers to manage costs associated with content, meet customer expectations, and also use billing strategies that focus on marketing tools.
