Comfone deploys flexible next-generation IP-based signaling solutions to advance the reach of their network.
QUESTION:
To stay competitive in today’s business environment, Comfone faces the continuing challenge of expanding their reach to new operators. What do you see as some of the hurdles that operators face today as they look to reduce their roaming coverage costs?
ANSWER:
Operators expect a roaming service provider like Comfone to offer roaming solutions which enable them to increase their revenue as well as the effectiveness of their roaming business, while at the same time reducing their costs. They want expert know-how regarding all elements of roaming such as signalling and clearing, and, additionally, they need innovative solutions which anticipate their future challenges, as is the case with data roaming at the moment.
QUESTION:
As a leading provider of roaming, signalling and value added services; can you speak about the importance of providing your customers a variety of access options for their signalling needs?
ANSWER:
It is certainly very important to offer a variety of access options to a mobile operator. Based on their infrastructure and their technical requirements, they want a customised solution, one which fulfills their specific needs. With Comfone, mobile operators have the choice of Signalling Access over Public Internet, Signalling Access over private MPLS or via dedicated access with a leased line to one of Comfone’s Meet-Me-Point Telehouses. Signalling Access over Internet (SAoI), an innovative solution provided by Comfone, offers a quick and cost-effective access method to connect operators to Comfone’s infrastructure. This freedom of choice is an important competitive edge for Comfone.
QUESTION:
Can you elaborate on Comfone’s innovative signalling access offerings that allow mobile operators to take advantage of next-generation signalling – Signalling Access over Internet (SAoI)?
ANSWER:
One of Comfone’s primary goals is to offer its customers reliable, high quality services and solutions. In order to guarantee this, Comfone has enhanced its network to IP-based signalling infrastructure, by means of introducing SAoI and SIGTRAN. This step is a cost-effective alternative to choosing traditionally more expensive circuit switched facilities.
Lowering the infrastructure costs results in more competitive pricing for Comfone, which is also a benefit for our customers. The wide reach of the Internet also allows Comfone to extend its service offerings to a broader range of mobile operators – from the smallest to largest operators and in some geographically remote locations.
QUESTION:
While Comfone has embraced a next-generation IP-based signalling infrastructure as a means to controlling transport costs, how is Comfone able to cost-effectively offer service to mobile operators who have not yet made the transition to IP signalling?
ANSWER:
This does not pose any difficulty because the Mediation Devices (MDs) positioned at both the mobile operators’ premises and at Comfone are simultaneously able to establish a transparent virtual SS7 link over IP. With this solution mobile operators are able to achieve the cost benefits from IP Signalling without costly upgrades to their equipment. The deployment is virtually plug-and-play with the mediation devices remaining transparent in the network, with no Point Code and requiring no hands-on maintenance once configured by the technical engineers of Comfone.
QUESTION:
Comfone offers signalling over the public internet. Given the requirement for a high quality connection and the criticality of signalling, what technology makes this possible?
ANSWER:
The Mediation Devices installed at Comfone, PT’s SEGway Solution, have been optimised to provide a reliable signalling link within impaired quality IP networks such as the public Internet or over satellite. Issues which can significantly impact a signalling link, such as latency, are mediated within the MD to ensure the connection remains stable. These devices are able to operate reliably in networks with delays of up to 700 ms. It is also important to mention that a firewall at either end of the connection protects the Mediation Device against possible attacks from the Internet.
Mediation Devices are a proven and industry-accepted solution, and have been deployed by many of Comfone’s connected operators. Above all, this SEGway Solution fulfills our mediation requirements regarding signalling capabilities very well and supports our ongoing endeavours to further enhance our Signalling service, allowing us to minimise costs while guaranteeing our high standards of quality and service.
QUESTION:
You have discussed the various technical products and solutions that enable your network, what else do you look for in a supplier of your technology?
ANSWER:
It is important to us to know that the supplier we choose is experienced and can offer us the most cost-effective, comprehensive signalling technology available today. Therefore know-how and expertise are important criteria. Additionally, we also look for a cooperative and smooth working relationship and appreciate reliability and flexibility when implementing technological solutions into our core network. In such crucial projects, we also expect excellent and quick customer support from our suppliers. We at Comfone pay the utmost attention to offering our customers superb customer service, and we therefore know how important individual customer care is for customers and how it helps to build and secure long-term relationships.
For information on SEGway Signalling Solutions, visit www.pt.com