We live in an increasingly mobile world. For many, the need to access email and corporate services from virtually anywhere is a requirement. Telecommunications operators look to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) “Hotspot” deployments to provide an important new revenue stream. Now, with the advent of solutions that enable flexible real-time billing, profitable delivery of Wi-Fi services is becoming relatively straightforward.

Openet provides a solution to support the roll-out of Wi-Fi access to the internet, by supporting charging and billing mediation for transient, pre-paid, post-paid and roaming subscribers. Using Openet’s real-time charging capabilities, service providers can control access and authorization, support multiple charging models and distribute information for downstream systems in support of Wi-Fi services.

Controlling Access To The Network and Services

One of the critical challenges to profitable Wi-Fi service deployment is access control. This process is complicated by the different type of users of the network, who can range from post-paid subscribers, to voucher users, to mobile roaming customers. Real-time service management manages the different network elements, such as login/password authentication for pre-paid and voucher customers and SIM authentication for post-paid subscribers. To enable service providers to co-ordinate the authentication of usage rights and authorizes access to the service.

Apply Different Charging Models

The commercial attractiveness of Wi-Fi is greatly enhanced by being able to handle many types of users that will each require different charging models. Flexible per-service charging and balance management is essential, if different user types are to be accommodated. Managing transient users in particular, can pose a problem; typically requiring a service provider to follow a pre-paid voucher model. With the service charge paid upfront, the service provider must have the ability to check if subscribers have enough credit to initiate the session, and manage the session against the remaining balance.

Support Global Hotspot Roaming

Seamless international roaming between the Wi-Fi networks of different operators improves adoption of Wi-Fi hotspots for all services providers by allowing subscribers to use their pre-paid or contract service with their service provider on Wi-Fi hotspots provided by service providers around the globe. This requires the capability of being able to quickly validate roaming users and generate records to bill their home operator. Openet can enables you to authenticate roaming users, authorize them for service, and generate partner settlement data in real-time.