Eswatini Mobile overhauls and modernizes network with Alepo digital transformation

Eswatini Mobile overhauls and modernizes network with Alepo digital transformation

by | Nov 5, 2020

  • Using Alepo’s Digital Business Support System (BSS) and PCRF, the service provider has overhauled its network and introduced new advanced offerings
  • Alepo executed its digital transformation remotely, in phases, and within rapid time constraints
  • Alepo’s systems have solved network disruptions caused by legacy vendors and improved network availability
  • The operator will also enable 24×7 customer support using Alepo’s omnichannel self-care platform

Wednesday, November 4, 2020, AUSTIN  – Eswatini Mobile, a leading service provider in the Kingdom of Eswatini, has modernized its network using digital enablement software solutions provider Alepo’s Digital Business Support System (BSS). The new platform enables the operator to introduce a host of advanced prepaid and hybrid LTE plans, digitize customer experience with a modern web and mobile self-care, and fix network outages that were impacting its voice and data customers.

Eswatini Mobile’s legacy systems were causing network outages, making an urgent transformation necessary to improve customer experience. With Alepo’s BSS transformation, Eswatini Mobile has upgraded from its legacy multi-vendor setup to a single platform for all BSS functionalities. Along with the BSS, Alepo has deployed its PCRF, interconnect billing, roaming, self-care, and other modules. Under strict timelines, the entire project was deployed rapidly and remotely, in keeping with ongoing pandemic-related travel restrictions.

The platform has enabled Eswatini Mobile to offer its customers the flexibility of choice, having introduced prepaid as well as hybrid or cyclic prepaid plans that enable different tariffs to be applied based on peak and off-peak times of the day. The operator can now also manage dunning actions and has already seen a reduction in outstanding payments.

Eswatini Mobile now has access to business intelligence reports facilitated by the advanced analytics module, enabling targeted promotions and personalized plans and offers based on individual customer needs.

Alepo has also provided its web self-care and mobile app, which will enable Eswatini Mobile’s customers to access 24x7x365 support. In addition to facilitating swift issue resolution, it will also offer customers more control over their accounts, empowering them to view and manage their plans and data usage.

“Our primary objective is to offer superior customer experience and we’re consistently working on improving our services to meet our customers’ needs. Alepo’s phased approach to digital transformation has helped us bolster our network and services without disruptions. We intend to introduce a host of advanced and innovative plans in the future using the Alepo platform,” said Genius Sihlongonyane, Chief Information Officer, Eswatini Mobile.

Sihlongonyane added, “Our key business drivers for this project were migrating to a converged platform to ensure consistent support, and switching to an on-premise set-up to reduce network disruptions that we faced with our legacy system as it was offsite. We’re already seeing improvements in our processes as Alepo’s Digital BSS provides many automation features, improving our network availability and customer experience.”

Sameer Bhuttoo – Director of Africa at Alepo, said, “We share Eswatini Mobile’s vision to strive for the best customer experience and are happy to be their digital transformation partner. Alepo’s subscriber migration was completed in record time, and we look forward to working with Eswatini Mobile on further enhancements, optimizing processes, and ushering in a new network experience for their subscribers.”

About Eswatini Mobile Ltd.

Eswatini Mobile Limited (formerly known as Swazi Mobile Limited) was set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to apply for a license to build and operate a mobile telecommunications network in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The service provider offers a range of prepaid and postpaid voice and data services including roaming plans.

For more information, please visit https://swazimobile.com/

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Telecom Vanuatu Limited begins network modernization with Alepo solutions

Telecom Vanuatu Limited begins network modernization with Alepo solutions

by | Oct 17, 2020

  • Alepo has upgraded the legacy system to its Digital BSS and the latest version of AAA for the operator’s fixed data services
  • The upgraded system supports offers based on fair usage policies, as well as happy hours enabling Telecom Vanuatu to implement free nighttime browsing
  • Telecom Vanuatu’s customers can now easily purchase data add-ons

Friday, October 16, 2020, Vanuatu – Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) has begun modernizing its network using solutions by digital enablement firm Alepo, making significant improvements to its billing, charging, and authentication systems.

The modernization will be carried out in phases, through which TVL intends to digitize and automate its data service offerings on Alepo’s advanced platform. So far, the operator has upgraded from Alepo’s legacy business support systems (BSS) to its Digital BSS, as well as upgrading to the latest version of AAA, for its fixed data services.

The upgraded system supports fair usage policy offers and Telecom Vanuatu has implemented happy hours allowing free nighttime browsing. The operator has also introduced web support using Alepo’s Omnichannel Self-Care for its data-service customers. These customers can now easily purchase data add-ons.

“In our longstanding association with Alepo, they have always proven their reliability as a solutions provider. We were confident in their ability to rapidly deliver key requirements for this upgrade, and they have surpassed our expectations. We are equally excited about their systematic approach to fully digitize our service offerings,” said Thomas Bruce, CTO of TVL.

Vishal Mathur, Vice President – Solution Integration, Alepo, said, “We often recommend phased digitalization to our customers. First, we validate key use cases, allowing the customer to introduce new offers and build digital engagement channels. Then we perform a full transformation, providing advanced capabilities to automate all service offerings across the system.”

This modernization project adds to Alepo’s growing list of deployments in the Pacific Islands. The revenue management software provider has helped transform the telecommunications landscape for several nations in the region, including enabling the launch of LTE in three countries. In addition to digital BSS transformation, its key Pacific deployments extend to carrier WiFi, LTE enablement, data charging, and AAA transformation, among others.

About TVL

Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) was created in 1978 and is Vanuatu’s first provider for landline, GSM, internet, and 4G+ (mobile internet).

TVL is the largest corporate contributor to Vanuatu’s national economy – since 2002, it has paid more than 1.8 billion vatus to the government in fees, charges and taxes. A World Bank study shows that telecommunication prices in Vanuatu are among the cheapest in the region.

TVL has fixed lines on four main islands; Efate, Santo, Malakula, and Tanna, and 85 percent of the population is covered by their mobile network.

For more information, visit tvl.vu

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Alepo shortlisted for ETTelecom managed services offerings award

Alepo shortlisted for ETTelecom managed services offerings award

by | Sep 10, 2020

  • The award recognizes the leading managed services provider in successfully managing clients’ IT systems and network infrastructure
  • Alepo has been shortlisted for its Managed Service Offering (MSO) provided to Myanmar’s first 4G and data-only service – Amara Communications Co., Ltd.’s ananda
  • On service expiration, customers will automatically be redirected to the payment portal to increase renewal times
  • Winners will be announced at the ETTelecom Awards 2020 on September 18, as part of a two-day virtual summit
  • The summit will “bring top executives from telecom carriers, technology and infrastructure providers, and regulatory and government officials together to deliberate potential strategies and bottlenecks in India’s digital transformation”

Tuesday, September 1, 2020, AUSTIN – Digital enablement and revenue management software provider Alepo has been shortlisted for the prestigious ETTelecom Awards 2020 in the Best Managed Services Provider category. The core network provider has been recognized for its success in managing the IT systems and network infrastructure of Amara Communications Co., Ltd.’s data service.

The awards aim to “showcase the best telecom products, apps, services, technologies and initiatives” as well as recognizing innovators excelling in network technologies, operations, new implementations, products, and services.

Winners will be announced at the ETTelecom Awards 2020 on September 18, as part of a two-day virtual summit that aims to bring top telecom executives, technology and infrastructure providers, and regulatory and government officials under one roof “to deliberate potential strategies and bottlenecks in India’s digital transformation.”

A leading turnkey solutions provider, Amara Communications Co., Ltd. (ACS) entered the service provider market in 2018 with the launch of ananda, Myanmar’s first 4G and data-only service. Alepo helped the greenfield operator launch the high-speed internet services, first in Yangon and then in Mandalay, with differentiated and personalized offers to remain ahead in these highly competitive markets.

While facilitating rapid service creation and monetization, Alepo also helped build a foolproof business continuity plan to quickly adapt to market changes, ensure zero revenue leakage, streamline business and network IT operations, implement a disaster recovery plan to optimize its network functions, prevent data loss, identify pain points, and provide stopgaps.

Alepo’s Managed Service Offering (MSO) – provided by its always-available technical support team, Global Technical Assistance Center (GTAC) – enabled ACS to drive cost optimization, improve resource efficiency, streamline IT operations, and have a network that’s always up and running. It included hands-on training in managing the system and configuring promotions and plans; enabling POS within the system, saving ACS the cost of purchasing it from another vendor; and sending the MSO team to ACS stores to resolve technical issues.

Alepo continues to assist various ACS teams to ensure they can resolve day-to-day issues. A dedicated GTAC team ensures uninterrupted services by proactively monitoring risks.

GTAC extends instant, multichannel, multilingual assistance to ACS and all customers who enroll for professional and managed services and has a best-in-class ticketing portal. Operational 24/7/365, the ISO 20000-1 2011-certified department is run in-house to ensure quality checks at every level and follows ITIL-aligned processes.

“When we looked at our present as well as future needs, we found [Alepo’s solution] very scalable… As a greenfield operator, it opens a whole new world for the introduction of advanced data services in Myanmar,” said Aye Mya Mya Kyi, CEO, Amara Communications Co., Ltd.

Derrick Gross, President, Alepo, said, “Our internationally renowned GTAC is run by skilled and experienced support professionals and engineers, and we have worked extensively with leading operators globally. Our MSO has helped streamline processes for ACS, and we are thrilled that our work has been recognized by a prestigious body like ETTelecom.”

Read the full case study here.
About ETTelecom Awards
The ETTelecom.com Awards aim to recognize and showcase the best telecom products, apps, services, technologies, and initiatives in India.

The awards also seek to identify and celebrate innovative telecom companies and their inspiring leaders who have excelled in the field of network technologies, operations, new implementations, and innovative products and services.

For more information, visit www.telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/ettelecom-awards

About Alepo

Alepo makes next-generation data opportunities a reality, creating advanced software solutions and services that enable global communications service providers to accelerate revenue growth, market share, and business success on fixed and mobile broadband networks. For over a decade, Alepo has been the go-to technology partner for all things data at leading service providers.

Established in 2004, Alepo is a mature technology solutions provider based in Austin, Texas, with a presence in all regions of the world.

For more information, please visit www.alepo.com

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Envisioning Private 5G Success with Compact Core

Envisioning Private 5G Success with Compact Core

by | Jul 9, 2020

Envisioning private 5G success with Compact Core

 

8th of July 2020

 

 

 

5G is set to change the way large and small enterprises operate; from universities, ports, smart cities, factories, farms, and buildings, its use cases can meet all business needs. And the key network component that will enable all the unique features of 5G for these enterprises: Compact Core.

The Compact Core is an industrialized solution designed for enterprises that need carrier-grade network connectivity with a limited resource footprint to deliver services to their users. It is especially useful for those who want private network connectivity, whether it is over LTE or 5G. The deployment involves pre-integrated access and core network components for quick setup and less complex operations.

How the Compact Core benefits an enterprise

The Compact Core is a complete pre-integrated and self-contained solution that includes the network core and other networking infrastructure, which seamlessly works with end devices and the radio access network. It does not impact and is not dependent on external systems or organizations.

Swift deployment

In terms of time, Compact Core deployment is highly efficient. Enterprises can launch a private LTE or 5G network along with mobile broadband and voice services in a single project, saving on the time they would otherwise need to deploy these services individually. Since the solution is pre-integrated, no extensive development, customization, or testing is needed to go live.

Cloud-native benefits

The Compact Core is a modernized software solution that leverages the power of cloud, abstracting the underlying complex functionality. It is the smartest choice when upgrading from legacy telco infrastructure to modern, web-scale, 5G architecture. Capable of serving multiple enterprises, it uses SaaS-based multi-tenant architecture. Each tenant has a dedicated configuration, user management, and can self-service through web portals. This setup offers automated, cost-efficient, and hassle-free operations with dynamic provisioning of core capacity based on individual business requirements.

Flexible footprint

Whether the enterprise wants to deploy securely on-premise or on the public cloud, the modern compact core solution has a small resource footprint and flexibility of deployment modes. An in-memory database and ability to scale up and down sets it apart from legacy telco core solutions.

Role of Alepo’s Compact Core in private 5G enablement

Alepo is a software company that offers Subscriber Data Management and policy network functions for the Compact Core. It manages subscriber identities, service subscriptions, and is responsible for authentication, authorizing secure access to network services. It also includes the web-based Enterprise Self-Service (ESS) Portal that enables enterprises to self-manage SIM cards, end-to-end subscription and device lifecycles, and real-time connection and usage monitoring. Alepo’s pre-integrated partners bring the RAN, end devices, and other infrastructure needed to flip the switch and turn on the 5G network.

Ready for real 5G launch

The Compact Core equips an enterprise to launch its private LTE or 5G services. Essential services include enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), voice calls, and video calls. It can also include services such as push-to-talk or walkie-talkie. Further, users can get 5G benefits such as ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) for M2M and IoT applications.

Most existing 5G networks are powered by 4G core/EPC and 5G RAN (non-standalone 5G). They are dependent on the 4G core and therefore are not end-to-end 5G networks. Alepo’s new-generation Compact Core, along with the ESS Portal, is 5G-compliant. All elements are pre-integrated to rapidly enable enterprises to set up a new standalone 5G network with zero dependence on the 4G core.

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Nitish Muley

Nitish Muley

Senior Engineer

Nitish has spent years building mobile apps for technologies like VR, AR, IoT, and is currently working on Alepo’s newest products. Always up to speed with the latest in the industry, Nitish is a voracious reader – and fervent writer – about all things related to tech and wireless standards. After hours, he wears a traveler’s hat, pursuing his love for photography as he explores different countries.

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Alepo’s Digital BSS facilitates Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation’s next phase of modernization and convergence

Alepo’s Digital BSS facilitates Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation’s next phase of modernization and convergence

by | Nov 23, 2019

  • Alepo had initially deployed a billing solution for TTC’s LTE and WiFi services in 2017
  • On validating its success, TTC expanded its scope to a single convergent platform for all services
  • The unified convergent platform offers support for 3G, LTE, and fixed-line subscribers
  • Using Alepo’s web self-care portal and mobile app, TTC enables its customers to self-manage all their services – fixed-line, WiFi, and mobile – from a single web interface

Friday, November 22, 2019, Funafuti, Tuvalu– Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC) has completed the extension of Alepo’s digital BSS platform it deployed for LTE and WiFi services to support convergent billing and charging for all its telecommunications offerings, including previous generation fixed and mobile voice services.

TTC first launched data services on LTE and WiFi in Tuvalu in 2017 by employing Alepo’s expertise as an award-winning revenue management software provider, in partnership with Blue Arcus Technologies Inc. The success of this deployment validated the strengths of Alepo’s solution and confirmed the decision to converge all services onto the platform.

“On initial launch of LTE, our subscribers on previous-generation devices were still managed by our legacy system. On seeing the flexibility and capabilities of Alepo’s digital BSS and the strength of the team that delivered the solution, we decided to move ahead with one unified convergent platform for fixed-line, GSM, 4G, and WiFi services. Alepo’s single platform gives us modern capabilities while reducing our costs,” said Simeti Lopati, CEO of TTC.

TTC now enjoys increased flexibility and the ability to roll out convergent offerings. With Alepo’s web self-care portal and mobile app, TTC’s customers can self-manage all their services – fixed-line, WiFi, and mobile – from a single web interface.

As many of Tuvalu’s residents still use feature phones and previous generation 3G handsets, the new platform supports Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB), 3G, 4G, PSTN, SMS, and MMS. The system also creates a seamless upgrade path to support newer handsets as the market evolves.

Vishal Mathur, Vice President – Solution Integration at Alepo, said, “We often recommend that our customers take a phased approach to digitalization: deploy, validate, expand. Our deployment for TTC illustrates the benefits of this approach with seamless integration and migration along the way. We are among few vendors to have the portfolio and capabilities for validating key use cases and then expanding to a full convergent BSS.”

Naren Yanamadala, CEO of Blue Arcus, said, “We are pleased to complete our joint vision in providing a single convergent platform for mobile and fixed-line data, voice, and SMS services. Having moved from supporting next-generation mobile services to providing end-to-end management of all communication services is a big vote of confidence in Blue Arcus, Alepo, and our partnership. Alepo’s proven industry experience and expertise in providing BSS and converged billing solutions are reflected in this project.”

About Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation

Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) is a state-owned enterprise of the Tuvalu government and currently the country’s only operator. TTC provides fixed-line telephone communications and internet services to subscribers on each island. Mobile service is available in Funafuti, with plans to commence in the rest of the islands in 2020. Apart from a few services operated by the ICT department and other government agencies, TTC owns and operates most of the ICT and telecommunications infrastructure in the country. TTC is a reseller of Sky Pacific Satellite TV service, previously owned by Fiji Television Limited.

About Blue Arcus

Blue Arcus Technologies, Inc. is a California-based company that specializes in providing cost-effective mobile network solutions across the globe. The company also addresses telecommunications needs through its rural and remote community solutions, maritime and ferry solutions, tactical and emergency solutions, and mobile network solutions.

For more information, please visit www.bluearcus.com

About Alepo

Read more about Alepo’s growing presence in the Pacific Islands.

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