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What Carrier-Grade IMS Features Matter Most for MVNOs

What Carrier-Grade IMS Features Matter Most for MVNOs
Image Source: pexels

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) need Carrier-Grade IMS features. These features help with reliability, scalability, interoperability, and security. They also help with service differentiation and strong management tools. Cloud-native and managed IMS solutions help MVNOs launch services fast. These solutions also help lower costs. The table below shows how these solutions help with cost and service quality:

Feature Description Impact on MVNOs
Cloud-native launch and operations Faster deployment, lower costs
Full network stack and flexible billing Better service quality, personalized offers
Fast, no-code scaling Easier growth, less resource use

These features help MVNOs give high-quality service. They help MVNOs get more customers. They also help MVNOs stay competitive.

Key Takeaways

  • Carrier-Grade IMS features make networks more reliable. This helps MVNOs give steady service to their customers.
  • Cloud-native solutions help MVNOs start services fast. They also help lower the cost of running things.
  • High availability features like redundancy and failover keep networks working during problems.
  • Scalability and flexibility let MVNOs grow and change with the market. They do not need to spend a lot of money.
  • Interoperability lets MVNOs connect with many networks and devices. This makes the user experience better.
  • Strong security, like encryption and fraud detection, keeps user data safe. It also helps build trust.
  • Service differentiation with special branding and extra services helps MVNOs be different in tough markets.
  • Good management and analytics tools help MVNOs watch how things work. They can use data to make smart choices.

Carrier-Grade IMS Reliability

Carrier-Grade IMS reliability is very important for MVNOs. Reliable service helps customers stay connected. It also helps customers trust the network. MVNOs need systems that work all the time. These systems must keep working even when problems happen. Cloud-native and managed IMS solutions help MVNOs be reliable.

High Availability

High availability means the network works without stopping. MVNOs must stop downtime to keep users happy. Reliable IMS platforms use different ways to do this.

Redundancy

Redundancy keeps the network safe from failures. MVNOs use backup systems to help when something breaks. These systems have extra servers and network paths. If one part stops, another part keeps things working. Redundancy helps MVNOs give steady service.

Failover

Failover moves traffic to backup systems during outages. MVNOs need automatic failover to stop service breaks. Cloud-native IMS uses public cloud to make failover easy. This process moves users to working systems fast. Failover keeps calls and messages going.

Service Continuity

Service continuity means users stay connected during disasters. MVNOs must plan for things like power loss or hardware issues. Cloud-native IMS can move resources where needed. This keeps services online. Disaster recovery systems get tested often. This makes sure problems do not last long. MVNOs use these features to keep high availability and protect users.

Tip: MVNOs should pick IMS platforms with automatic failover and strong redundancy. These features help keep service working during outages and disasters.

The table below shows what high availability features do for MVNOs:

Feature What It Does for MVNOs
Redundancy Stops downtime
Failover Keeps service working in outages
Service Continuity Keeps users connected

Carrier-Grade IMS reliability gives MVNOs tools for stable and trusted service. Cloud-native and managed IMS platforms make these features simple and save money.

Scalability & Flexibility

MVNOs need networks that can grow fast. They also need networks that can change easily. Scalability and flexibility help MVNOs serve more people. These features let MVNOs launch new services quickly. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms give MVNOs these tools.

Elastic Architecture

Elastic architecture lets MVNOs change network resources. They can add more resources when needed. They can also remove resources if not needed. This helps them handle more users or new services. They do not need to make big changes.

Resource Allocation

MVNOs use cloud-native IMS to add resources. They can also remove resources when they want. They do not need to buy extra hardware. This saves money and time for MVNOs. IMS as a Service helps small MVNOs save money in many ways:

  • They do not need old 2G or 3G networks for voice.
  • They save money at the start by not buying lots of equipment.
  • They only pay for what they use, so spending is easier to control.

Subscriber Growth

MVNOs can get more users without worrying about limits. The network can grow when more people join. This helps MVNOs reach new places. It also helps them serve more customers.

Service Creation

Service creation means MVNOs can make new offers fast. Cloud-native IMS makes this easy and quick for MVNOs.

Rapid Launch

MVNOs can launch new services much faster now. Cloud-native IMS is quicker than old systems. The table below shows how they are different:

Metric Cloud-Native IMS Legacy Systems
Resources Required 70% less Higher
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Lower Higher
Deployment Flexibility High Limited
Automation Level High Low

MVNOs use fewer resources and spend less money. They also get more flexibility and automation.

Custom Packages

MVNOs can make special packages for different users. They can offer plans for families, businesses, or young people. This helps MVNOs stand out from others.

Tip: MVNOs should pick IMS platforms that help create services fast and scale easily. These features help MVNOs stay ahead of others.

Carrier-Grade IMS gives MVNOs tools to grow and change with the market. Cloud-native and IMS as a Service make these features easy and affordable.

Interoperability & Compliance

Interoperability and compliance help MVNOs work with many networks and devices. These features make sure users get good service everywhere they go. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms give MVNOs tools to connect easily and follow rules.

Network Integration

MVNOs need to link up with different mobile network operators. This can be tough because each operator uses its own systems and rules.

MNO Handover

MNO handover lets users switch networks without losing service. MVNOs face problems like different coverage areas, which change how well service works. Management portals and SIM setups are not always the same, so keeping service good is hard. Old systems in operators can cause protocol mismatches and make things not work together.

  • Different coverage areas change how well service works.
  • Management portals are not always the same.
  • SIM setups can change how good service is.
  • Old systems cause protocol mismatches.
  • Rules like permanent roaming restrictions can stop operations.

Roaming

Roaming lets users use their phones in other countries or networks. MVNOs must test if things work together and deal with high costs from old systems. Testing takes a long time because of these problems.

  1. Old systems cause protocol mismatches.
  2. Testing if things work together takes a long time.
  3. Old systems cost more and slow down service.

Device Support

Device support means users can use many kinds of phones and tablets. MVNOs must help both old and new devices, even ones with VoLTE and 5G.

Multi-Device

MVNOs need to make sure users can switch between devices easily. IMS platforms help by working with many device types and making sure services work on all of them.

VoLTE/5G

VoLTE and 5G support is important for good voice and data. IMS platforms help with VoLTE and VoNR, which make roaming faster and voice service better on LTE and 5G. Automation helps with real-time analytics to make things work better. Future-proofing makes sure voice services keep working with new network changes.

Feature Description
VoLTE & VoNR Enablement Makes roaming faster and checks IMS connections for voice on LTE/5G.
Automation Makes operations better with real-time analytics.
Future-Proofing Gets voice services ready for new network technology.

Regulatory Needs

MVNOs must follow rules to keep users safe and help law enforcement. These rules protect people and help governments.

Lawful Intercept

Lawful intercept means MVNOs must let law enforcement listen to calls if needed. Even if the operator handles routing, MVNOs must have ways to do this.

Emergency Services

Emergency services mean MVNOs must send emergency calls the right way. They also need to send correct location data to help responders. These steps help keep users safe in emergencies.

Note: MVNOs should pick IMS platforms that help with lawful intercept and emergency services. This helps them follow laws and keep users safe.

Carrier-Grade IMS platforms help MVNOs move from old systems to new networks. They help with connecting, device support, and following rules. These features make sure MVNOs serve users well and follow the law.

Security & Fraud Prevention

Security and fraud prevention matter a lot for MVNOs. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms give MVNOs tools to keep networks and users safe from threats. These features help MVNOs keep trust and stop losses.

Encryption

Encryption keeps data safe as it moves in the network. It stops hackers from reading messages or stealing information.

Secure Signaling

Secure signaling protects messages that control calls and texts. IMS platforms use different ways to keep signaling safe:

  • Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) makes strong keys for each user session. It uses special algorithms like 3DES or AES.
  • Asymmetric cryptography uses public and private keys. This adds another layer of security.
  • Generic Authentication Architecture (GAA) builds on old systems. It uses shared secrets and asymmetric keys for extra safety.
  • Digest AKA checks who the user is based on 3GPP rules. It works like the system in UMTS networks.
  • IPsec ESP protects signaling between devices and network nodes. It helps keep messages private.
  • UDP encapsulation of IPsec fixes problems with NAT in fixed networks.

These ways make sure only the right people use the network.

Identity Protection

Identity protection hides user details from attackers. IMS platforms use encryption to keep names, numbers, and locations private. This stops hackers from stealing identities or tracking users.

Tip: MVNOs should pick IMS platforms that use strong encryption for signaling and user data.

Fraud Detection

Fraud detection helps MVNOs find and stop bad activity. It protects money and keeps customers safe.

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring watches the network for strange actions. IMS platforms use AI-driven analytics to spot odd patterns. For example, Mobileum’s Roaming Fraud Protection checks for weird roaming use and suspicious call destinations. This helps MVNOs stop fraud before it causes big losses.

Automated Response

Automated response means the system acts fast when it finds fraud. IMS platforms can block risky calls or alert staff right away. Mobileum’s solution suite gives MVNOs tools for risk management, KYC/AML checks, and real-time anomaly detection. These features help MVNOs protect money and keep service quality high.

Security Feature What It Does for MVNOs
Encryption Keeps data and signaling safe
Identity Protection Hides user details from attackers
Real-Time Monitoring Spots fraud as it happens
Automated Response Stops fraud quickly and protects revenue

Carrier-Grade IMS platforms give MVNOs the security and fraud prevention tools they need. These features help MVNOs build trust and keep their business safe.

Service Differentiation

Service differentiation helps MVNOs get noticed in busy markets. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms give MVNOs tools to make special brands. MVNOs can offer unique services to attract new customers. These features also help keep current customers happy.

Branding

Branding is how customers think about an MVNO. Good branding builds trust and loyalty. MVNOs use IMS features to make their own style.

White-Label

White-label solutions let MVNOs use their own brand. They can pick logos, colors, and names. Customers see the MVNO’s brand, not the provider’s. This helps MVNOs make a special identity.

  • MVNOs pick their own brand look.
  • Customers know the MVNO’s name and logo.
  • MVNOs control how customers feel about them.

Custom Portals

Custom portals help MVNOs manage services and talk to users. These portals show the MVNO’s brand and let users check their accounts.

Portal Feature What It Does for MVNOs
Branded Dashboard Shows MVNO’s logo and colors
Self-Service Tools Lets users manage accounts
Support Access Connects users to help teams

Custom portals make it easy for users to check balances. Users can change plans or get help fast. MVNOs use these portals to make customers happier.

Value-Added Services

Value-added services give MVNOs more ways to help customers. These services are extra, not just calls and texts. MVNOs use Carrier-Grade IMS to offer new features people want.

Messaging

Messaging services let users send texts, pictures, and videos. MVNOs can offer safe and quick messaging. IMS platforms support group chats and sharing media.

  • Users send messages fast.
  • MVNOs give safe and private chats.
  • Messaging works on many devices.

RCS

Rich Communication Services (RCS) make messaging better. RCS lets users share clear images, videos, and files. MVNOs use RCS to give customers a modern chat.

Note: RCS has read receipts, typing signs, and group chats. These features make chatting more fun.

MVNOs use RCS to compete with big messaging apps. Customers get a better chat without extra apps.

Service differentiation helps MVNOs build strong brands and offer cool services. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms make these features simple to use and manage.

Management & Analytics

Management & Analytics
Image Source: unsplash

Management and analytics tools help MVNOs run networks well. These tools show what is happening right now. Teams can fix problems fast with these tools. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms let MVNOs see and control their services.

Monitoring

Monitoring tools help MVNOs watch their networks all the time. Teams can find problems before users notice anything is wrong.

Performance Dashboards

Performance dashboards show network health in one spot. Teams see call quality, dropped calls, and data use. The Invenio 4G/5G Operations Platform shows real-time network views, including IMS. This helps MVNOs find problems fast and keep service strong.

Quality Alerts

Quality alerts warn teams when something is wrong. Alerts pop up if call quality drops or there is a delay. Mavenir’s AI-driven tools use smart analytics to find issues and send alerts. Teams can fix things before users have trouble.

  • Real-time dashboards show network health.
  • Smart alerts warn teams about service drops.

Reporting

Reporting tools help MVNOs learn how users use services. These tools give facts that help teams make better choices.

Usage Insights

Usage insights show what users do on the network. Data analytics reveal what users like and do most. MVNOs use this to plan new offers and improve content. Teams can see which services are most popular.

Experience Metrics

Experience metrics show how happy users are. Teams track call quality and speed. Real-time revenue tracking helps MVNOs see money coming in and spot problems. Tracking the CLV to CAC ratio helps MVNOs know if spending is right for new users.

Provisioning

Provisioning tools help MVNOs add new users and services fast. Cloud-native IMS solutions make this process easy and quick.

Feature Description
Zero Touch Activation Lets MVNOs set up eSIMs and services right away, with no QR codes or manual steps.
Quick Transfer Across Devices Makes it easy for users to move service to new devices.
Frictionless Customer Experience Gives users a simple start, with almost no effort needed.

Provisioning tools cut wait times and make onboarding easy. Teams can add users in seconds, not days.

Tip: MVNOs should pick platforms with strong management and analytics tools. These features help teams keep networks healthy and users happy.

Cloud-native and containerized IMS solutions give MVNOs better control and faster work. These tools help MVNOs grow and serve users well.

Prioritizing Carrier-Grade IMS Features

Business Needs

MVNOs need to know what their business needs before picking IMS features. Every MVNO has its own goals. Some want to grow fast. Some want to serve special groups. Some want to save money. Teams use special methods to help choose the best features. These methods show what gives the most value and what needs the most work.

Framework Description
Value vs. complexity quadrant Shows which features give high value with little work. It helps teams see what to do first.
Weighted scoring Gives points to features based on importance. Teams use scores to pick the best ones.
Kano model Groups features by how much they make customers happy. Teams see which features make users excited.
Buy a feature Lets customers pick the features they want most. Teams learn what matters to users.
Opportunity scoring Ranks features by value and satisfaction. Teams find features that need to get better.

MVNOs use these ways to match IMS features with their plans. They look at what customers want and what helps them grow.

Tip: MVNOs should use a method to compare features. This helps teams focus on what brings the most value.

Cost vs. Capability

MVNOs need to balance cost and what features can do. Some features cost more but give better service. Some save money but may not have everything needed. Teams look at what each feature does and how much it costs.

  • Real-time billing helps MVNOs manage money and keep customers happy.
  • Flexible service offerings let MVNOs change plans to fit what users want.
  • MVNEs handle network jobs, so MVNOs can focus on customers and marketing.
  • Owning an Online Charging System gives MVNOs control over prices and new offers, but costs more at first.

MVNOs also use smart tools to manage costs and make service better:

  1. Real-time billing lets MVNOs change prices fast based on how much users call or text.
  2. Advanced routing helps MVNOs save money by sending calls in the best way.
  3. Reporting tools show which services make the most money and help teams plan better.
Feature Cost Impact Capability Impact
Real-time billing Medium High
Flexible offerings Low Medium
MVNE support Low Medium
Online Charging System High High
Advanced routing Medium High
Reporting tools Low High

MVNOs must decide what is most important for their business. They pick features that fit their budget and help them grow.

Note: MVNOs should choose IMS features that give strong abilities without raising costs too much.

Future-Proofing

MVNOs want IMS features that last as technology changes. Future-proofing means picking features that work with new networks and devices. Teams look for IMS platforms that support cloud-native setups and IMS as a Service.

Moving to modern IMS lets MVNOs offer new voice services without old network limits. For example, IXT picked ng-voice’s Hyperscale IMS for flexible services. This helps MVNOs meet changing customer needs and stay ready for new trends.

MVNOs also look at IoT use cases. IMS platforms that support many devices and fast changes help MVNOs serve new markets. Teams pick features that make it easy to add new services and connect with new devices.

Future-Proofing Strategy What It Helps With
Cloud-native IMS Fast changes and easy scaling
IMS as a Service Lower costs and flexible growth
Third-party management Focus on core business
Support for 5G and IoT Ready for new markets

MVNOs must pick IMS features that help them grow and change with the market. Carrier-Grade IMS platforms with cloud-native and managed options make future-proofing easier.

Tip: MVNOs should look for IMS platforms that support new technology and flexible service models.

Carrier-Grade IMS gives MVNOs many helpful tools. These tools help with reliability, scalability, interoperability, security, service differentiation, and management. Teams should pick cloud-native, managed, and cost-saving solutions for long-term success. They can use the framework in this blog to compare IMS platforms. This helps MVNOs stay competitive and serve customers well.

Tip: Teams that choose the best features can grow quickly and earn trust from users.

FAQ

What does Carrier-Grade IMS mean for MVNOs?

Carrier-Grade IMS gives MVNOs strong network tools. These tools help MVNOs offer good voice, messaging, and data services. MVNOs use IMS to keep networks working well and serve more people.

What makes cloud-native IMS important?

Cloud-native IMS lets MVNOs start services fast. They can add or remove resources when needed. This saves money and helps MVNOs change with the market quickly.

What features help MVNOs prevent fraud?

MVNOs use real-time monitoring and automated response tools. These tools find strange activity and block threats. Strong encryption keeps user data safe from hackers.

What is service differentiation in IMS?

Service differentiation means MVNOs make special offers. They use branding, custom portals, and extra services like RCS messaging. These features help MVNOs stand out from others.

What tools help MVNOs manage their networks?

MVNOs use dashboards, alerts, and reporting tools. These tools show network health and track user experience. Teams fix problems fast. Provisioning tools help add new users easily.

What does future-proofing mean for MVNOs?

Future-proofing means picking IMS features that work with new technology. MVNOs choose platforms that support 5G, IoT, and cloud setups. This helps them get ready for changes in the industry.

What role does interoperability play?

Interoperability lets MVNOs connect with many networks and devices. IMS platforms help MVNOs support VoLTE, 5G, and roaming. These features make sure users get good service everywhere.

What compliance features do MVNOs need?

MVNOs need lawful intercept and emergency service support. These features help MVNOs follow rules and keep users safe. IMS platforms make meeting regulatory needs easier.