Ucell and Nexign Pioneer Converged Charging in 5G SA Networks

December 5, 2024
Ucell and Nexign Pioneer Converged Charging in 5G SA Networks
Ucell, a leading cellular operator in Uzbekistan, has recently marked a significant milestone by successfully testing the Nexign Converged Charging solution in 5G Standalone (SA) networks. This development is not only a testament to Ucell’s continuous efforts to harness cutting-edge technology but also a noteworthy advancement in the integration of complex billing systems within evolving network infrastructures. The deployment of 5G SA technology, leveraging the latest fifth-generation network core, showcases Ucell’s ambition and capability to lead in the dynamic telecommunications market of Uzbekistan.

Implementation of Nexign Converged Charging System

Diverse Vendor Compatibility and Integration

Ucell’s strategic collaboration with Nexign aims to implement a convergent HTTP billing and unified balance management system that supports both 4G and 5G networks. The technological core of this initiative is the Nexign Converged Charging System (CCS), which is designed to operate seamlessly within a multi-vendor 5G core environment. This environment includes major vendors such as Nokia, Huawei, and ZTE, which underscores the robustness and compatibility of the CCS.The integration of the Nexign CCS with Ucell’s existing Nexign Business Support System (BSS) is crucial as it simplifies invoice processes for the company’s extensive subscriber base of over 8 million users. The system’s effectiveness in interacting with various 5G cores ensures that Ucell can provide uninterrupted services and maintain a high quality of service even as it transitions to new technologies. The seamless integration further enables Ucell to optimize its operations and improve overall customer satisfaction by offering real-time billing services.

Pilot Testing and Protocol Performance

The successful testing included rigorous pilot phase evaluations of online billing for fixed wireless access (FWA) services. This pilot phase saw the successful registration and session initiation using Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) from various suppliers. One of the most critical achievements was the maintenance of billing operations even when a subscriber transitioned from the 5G SA network to the LTE network. This was facilitated by utilizing the Ro Diameter protocol, a technical feature that allows for continuous and uninterrupted internet sessions for users switching between different network environments.This successful transition between network types without interruption in service is particularly significant in ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience. It demonstrates the CCS’s capacity to maintain continuity in billing operations, which is vital for customer trust and operational efficiency. These pilot results have laid a solid foundation for rolling out the Nexign CCS on a larger scale within Ucell’s network infrastructure.

Industry Impact and Future Potential

Insights from Industry Experts

Maxim Nartov, Director of Business Development at Nexign, emphasized the importance of Ucell’s innovative approach and the dynamic nature of Uzbekistan’s telecom market. According to Nartov, the advanced capabilities of the Nexign CCS will empower Ucell to develop and offer highly personalized tariffs. These tariffs cater to both B2C (business to consumer) and B2B (business to business) clients, thus enabling Ucell to package and monetize its services and those of its partners more flexibly.This increased flexibility is anticipated to foster more dynamic market conditions, encouraging competition and innovation across the telecom sector in Central Asia. Nartov’s comments highlight Nexign’s commitment to supporting telecom operators in making the most of their 5G SA networks through sophisticated billing and management solutions. The potential for creating customized solutions for different market segments represents a significant business opportunity and a key competitive advantage for Ucell.

Broader Trends in Telecom and 5G Evolution

Ucell, a prominent cellular operator in Uzbekistan, recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing the Nexign Converged Charging solution in its 5G Standalone (SA) networks. This breakthrough reflects Ucell’s unwavering commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and marks a major step forward in the integration of sophisticated billing systems within evolving network infrastructures. The successful deployment of 5G SA technology, which leverages the latest fifth-generation network core, underscores Ucell’s ambition and capability to lead in Uzbekistan’s highly competitive telecommunications market. This achievement is not only a testament to Ucell’s technical prowess but also highlights its strategic vision for the future. By embracing advanced 5G technologies, Ucell aims to deliver enhanced user experiences and set new benchmarks in service quality and efficiency. This endeavor aligns with Ucell’s broader objective to remain at the forefront of technological innovation, providing its customers with robust, reliable, and state-of-the-art telecommunications services.

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