We discuss the following topics in this blog:
- Robust Partner Management System help CSPs Ensure Profitability.
- Sterlite Tech’s Partner Management System.
- Role of CSPs While Partnering with Different Service Providers
In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:
- What is WiFi?
- What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
Contents
How Robust Partner Management System helps CSPs Ensure Profitability?
With the increasing use of smart devices and high-speed internet, consumers are accessing an extensive list of online services that are impacting and redefining the way they perceive day-to-day activities. The changing digital landscape and the increasing demand for converged services are pushing the Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to change their traditional approach and realign themselves to the new requirements. Omni-channel approach and real-time engagement are what customers are primarily looking for.
To expand the scope of services offered, CSPs need to extend collaborations with telcos, OTT service providers, payment gateway providers, mobile virtual network operator/enabler (MVNO/E), content providers, internet service provider/multiple system operator (ISP/MSO), cloud partner, leased line & fibre wholesale partner and digital IoT partner. When multiple partners are involved, ensuring profitability and retaining the collaboration become very crucial for a balanced long-term growth.
This is where a robust partner management system like Sterlite Tech’s Partner Management System is required to process a huge amount of information, onboard multiple partners, ensure faster claim settlement, effectively manage disputes and automate the entire process.
What is the Role of CSPs While Partnering with Different Service Providers?
To understand the possibilities of partner management systems, we need to get more clarity on the role of CSPs when they partner with different service providers.
Virtual Operators: Virtual operator allows small entrepreneurs to acquire bandwidth from CSPs and re-sell it as data. CSPs can charge different tariffs while leasing spectrum to aggregators. These aggregators may not deploy their infrastructure as they rely on CSPs for billing support.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Providers: Free Wi-Fi access is provided at airports, clubs, cafes, hotels, hospitals, shopping centers, and railway stations to upsell or improve customer experience. Based on the agreement, customers can access CSP’s Wi-Fi hotspots for a subscribed period.
Online Gaming: According to Nasscom’s global study, India ranks fifth in game downloads and it is likely to improve with the increasing 4G services and availability of affordable smartphones. CSPs can partner with developers who host the game on dedicated servers. CSPs can also play an important role in addressing the challenges related to monetization, billing and refund.
Online Content and Entertainment: The demand for subscribed content has opened the doors for new monetization avenues for CSPs. By entering into strategic partnerships with over-the-top (OTT) service providers, CSPs can bill, manage refunds, provide analytics support and predict user behaviour for the content provider.
Supermarket Chains: Supermarkets are becoming Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) and offering customers loyalty support. The MVNO subscribers get loyalty points and discounts on in-store purchases. To manage the customer’s loyalty program and discounts, CSPs require partner settlement systems to minimize complications and disputes with partner MVNO.
Mobile Money: Digital transactions routed through smartphones provide a great opportunity for CSPs as they can administer mobile payment services. In line with the regulatory and security obligations, CSPs can monetize their billing services to the subscribers.
Interconnect Services: With the development of technology, the world has come closer. The proportion of people who travel from one part of the world to another has increased and they utilize telco services seamlessly. This is possible due to the interconnect agreement/business contract between CSPs.
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT): According to Gartner, there will be 8.4 billion connected things in 2017, setting the stage for 20.4 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices to be deployed by 2020. This shows the tremendous partnership potential between IoT players and CSPs, where CSPs will not only provide such devices with connectivity but also charge for such services.
From the service offerings mentioned above, it is very clear that CSPs need to gear up for the new opportunities by extending their partnerships. Selecting the right partner settlement system is all the more important as it helps them sail smoother. Sterlite Tech’s partner management Systems offer an end-to-end automated partner management system that bill, rates and handles entire partner lifecycle requirements.
Right from quick partnership agreements for new-generation content to superior reach via a partner network, Sterlite Tech’s Partner Management System helps in reducing time to market. It offers wholesale business information bifurcated into voice and content; thereby helping operators to make informed decisions.
FAQs
What is WiFi?
Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.
To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).
What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
An optical fibre cable is a cable type that has a few to hundreds of optical fibres bundled together within a protective plastic coating. They help carry digital data in the form of light pulses across large distances at faster speeds. For this, they need to be installed or deployed either underground or aerially. Standalone fibres cannot be buried or hanged so fibres are bunched together as cables for the transmission of data.
This is done to protect the fibre from stress, moisture, temperature changes and other externalities. There are three main components of a optical fibre cable, core (It carries the light and is made of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) with dopants such as germania, phosphorous pentoxide, or alumina to raise the refractive index; Typical glass cores range from as small as 3.7um up to 200um), Cladding (Cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core, it is also made from the same material as the core; 1% refractive index difference is maintained between the core and cladding; Two commonly used diameters are 125µm and 140µm) and Coating (Protective layer that absorbs shocks, physical damage and moisture; The outside diameter of the coating is typically either 250µm or 500µm; Commonly used material for coatings are acrylate,Silicone, carbon, and polyimide).
An optical fibre cable is made up of the following components: Optical fibres – ranging from one to many. Buffer tubes (with different settings), for protection and cushioning of the fibre. Water protection in the tubes – wet or dry. A central strength member (CSM) is the backbone of all cables. Armoured tapes for stranding to bunch the buffer tubes and strength members together. Sheathing or final covering to provide further protection.
The five main reasons that make this technology innovation disruptive are fast communication speed, infinite bandwidth & capacity, low interference, high tensile strength and secure communication. The major usescases of optical fibre cables include intenet connectivity, computer networking, surgery & dentistry, automotive industry, telephony, lighting & decorations, mechanical inspections, cable television, military applications and space.
