PrePay CDMA Subscribers Can Now Roam Onto GSM Networks

Roaming services provider, Mach has launched a new service that enables prepay CDMA customers to roam on GSM networks.

Mach, working with with Accuris Networks says that it is the first provider to offer an inter-standard roaming service for prepaid mobile users, and is the first to offer a fully integrated prepaid and post-paid inter-standard roaming capability to CDMA operators.

Growth in mobile subscriber numbers today is driven mainly by prepaid mobile users, particularly in emerging markets and particularly among the lucrative younger generation users. CDMA operators are currently forced to forego potential revenue when these prepaid users travel out of region because it has not been possible for CDMA prepaid users to roam on a GSM network. Roaming customers, therefore, have been required to purchase a prepaid local SIM card or use Wi-Fi hotspots in the destination market. This also has a significant negative impact on customer loyalty and retention rates as customers have been required to buy services from and transition between multiple providers.

The turnkey prepaid solution, which can be implemented using existing connections, offers prepaid end-users all of the services that are available on their home network when they are travelling abroad.

The service is offered under the Mach brand, and is delivered using the Accuris technology platform. Accuris Networks is a provider of Roaming Inter-Working and Convergence solutions for mobile devices.

"Our mobile operator customers will reap three immediate benefits from this solution," said Artur Michalczyk Mach COO. "First, they will immediately realise previously lost revenue streams by enabling users to roam on their existing prepaid SIM, commanding a greater share of revenues that would otherwise be spent on technologies like local prepaid GSM SIM cards or hotel and airport WiFi. Second, they will enhance the service they deliver to their customers, and increase customer loyalty, by providing a seamless service, wherever the user is roaming. And third, with end-to-end, one number inter-operability, operators can provide complete voice and messaging services without the time and investment required to build their own platform."