software for mobile operators, today announced the general availability of SmartRoam™ 3 in an effort to provide wireless operators with a tool that increases subscriber satisfaction, boosts revenue and makes it easier to meet GSM Association requirements. SmartRoam delivers dynamic, event-driven SIM-Over-the-Air (OTA) based roaming steering capabilities that fully comply with GSM network standards while improving the roaming experience for subscribers who are immediately directed to the most desirable available wireless network. This is a more efficient approach compared to the conventional and more widely used static roaming administration.

With SmartRoam, which is already deployed by major service providers in Europe and India, wireless operators can better manage roaming agreements. In fact, more than 70 percent of roaming traffic previously lost to less preferred networks is now routed to the subscriber's network of choice as the result of more relevant and current updates.

SmartRoam, which complies with the latest GSM Association specifications including IR.50 version 3.3 that addresses roaming for second- and third-generation wireless networks, implements SmartTrust's patented methodology for effective and subscriber-friendly steering using OTA updates to the subscriber's SIM card. SIM based steering empowers a wireless carrier to direct its subscribers to roam on a preferred roaming partner's network when using a mobile phone outside of the home service area. This intelligent steering is possible without creating unnecessary SS7 signaling or false SS7 errors. This enables the avoidance of undesirable charges and dissatisfied customers while helping to facilitate smoother relationships between wireless operators as subscribers roam on their respective networks.

In IR.50, the members of the GSMA have explicitly stated that operators shall not make use of 'Reject Cause Values' which force a subscriber's phone to continue looking for a different network to attach to and ultimately cause a loss of service. By using standards-based dynamic roaming steering, operators do not need to keep implementing additional fixes and countermeasures to proprietary systems as they work to ensure that their subscribers are on the right network. This reduces interruptions to mobile service availability associated with subscribers being anti-steered.

When combined with existing Automatic Device Detection solutions and SmartTrust's Terminal Capability Repository, SmartRoam 3 can use characteristics associated with the subscriber's phone as criteria for selecting the most appropriate SIM-OTA updates for roaming steering. This would enable the wireless operator to best identify the most desirable network for a subscriber using a device which may use data intensive applications.

SmartRoam has also implemented the ability for wireless operators to send informative messages to roamers in an effort to improve the subscriber experience and comply with instructions from regulatory bodies. This feature includes providing an Advice of Charge message in accordance to the directives of the European Union.

"SmartTrust remains dedicated to enhancing the subscriber experience for wireless users and this includes ensuring travelers are able to use their phones as easily on the road as they do in their home market," said Alf Eriksson, vice president of SmartTrust's SIM-OTA business unit. "Ultimately this allows the subscriber's service provider to create a positive brand impression and minimizes the risk of churn while maximizing roaming revenues. With increased competition for becoming a preferred roaming partner, the operator that causes the fewest disturbances in a visited network, and in particular does not disclose their 'non-preferences' for roaming by using inappropriate SS7 signaling, will create goodwill for future roaming agreement negotiations."

Information Source:    Marketwire