Putting an end to TAP leakage!

As the world's telecommunications operators prepare for the exchange of increasingly complex and diverse billing data to deal with vast array future wireless/fixed services, they must continually ensure they can meet the requirements of an industry-wide standard for the exchange of billing information – the transferred account procedure, or TAP.

Although the first implementation of the TAP data Record dates back to 1996, the TAP standard has continued to evolve from TAP 1 to TAP 2, and then TAP 2+ as operators billed for new services. TAP3 is the current standard in use today, and it continues to be developed. In fact TAP files created on or after 1st May 2008 must conform to release version 11 (TAP 3.11).

The problem is that unless the validation of a TAP 3 file conforms to applicable industry rules, billing files can be rejected due to erroneous call data. Just a few years ago the operator community saw the introduction of a new automated, standardised method for handling erroneous TAP files (RAP),, but in spite of this, operators continue to suffer from rejected call events data on an almost daily basis.

The presence of erroneous billing data can result in a significant losses of revenue to operators, and this is one of the biggest preoccupations they face today as the industry evolves towards real-time roaming data exchange (NRTRDE for example). Given the complexity of the TAP process, very often operator-side technicians are unable to repair problem files in order to quickly recoup roaming revenues from partner networks.

Valid billing data enables

  • The collection of all revenues accruing to both Home Networks and Visited Networks;
  • Home Networks to bill their subscribers in good time;
  • Networks to avoid a costly reclaims process, simplifying invoicing, and facilitating future net settlement requirements;
  • Non-standard validation checks which may have been agreed bilaterally between roaming partners;
  • Reduced administration costs previously involved in error handling.

TAP3 is a flexible procedure designed to cater for all the future demands placed upon it. This worldwide standard supports and encourages the implementation of new pricing plans and supporting billing for new service offerings. Efficient and accurate billing is essential for operators seeking to offer next generation services and applications, and allowing the industry to grow.

To ensure that operators can continue to generate accurate billing information, XINTEC has dedicated its resources and capabilities towards the conception of tools and solutions which meet even the most challenging needs of operators in the roaming billing chain. In addition, the XINTEC team of professionals are fluent in the languages of the industry, and can relate with ease to IT and billing operatives around the world.