16.05.2012
PROTEI Ltd. has carried out network modernisation for Kazakhstan alternative operator JSC Arna (trading as Ducat). In May 2012, PROTEI NGN equipment was successfully deployed in Almaty and four other cities in the republic. The hardware package, which included the imSwitch5 softswitch and mGate.ITG trunk gateways, enabled the operator to launch a complete range of modern telecommunications services.
Ever since it began trading in 1993, the target market of JSC Arna has been the business sector, where connection quality and a wide range of additional services are a professional requirement. As a result, the company has always been especially meticulous when selecting hardware. PROTEI solutions are well-known in Kazakhstan, where they have earned a reputation as high-quality, future-proof systems. This factor was instrumental in Arna's decision to work with PROTEI.
In addition to quality, reliability and support for a large number of intelligent services, the requirements stipulated by JSC Arna demanded scalability and flexible adaptation to specific client requirements, as well as prerequisites pertaining to quality and cost of support.
The solution tendered by PROTEI Ltd. was the only proposal that met all of the operator's technical and economical requirements in full. The central hub of the system deployed in Ducat is the imSwitch5 softswitch, installed in Almaty. It provides more than 30 services, including Unified Communication (Voice, Video, IM, Presence). The number of services can be increased with the use of external intelligent network platforms.
A unique feature of the softswitch is the integrated SORM system of PROTEI's own manufacture, which provides lawful intercept capabilities in accordance with government legislation.
Currently 5000 subscribers are connected to imSwitch5 services, with plans to increase this number to 10,000. mGate.ITG trunk gateways were installed in four cities around the country to provide all of Ducat's subscribers with access to NGN services. Subscribers in TDM networks can now access all the new services.
The Ducat network modernisation project was rolled out exclusively using PROTEI equipment. The operator migrated its network to IP technology, which has enabled a major increase in the range and quality of services availabe to subscribers and brought about a considerable reduction in network operating costs. The success of the project laid the foundation for further cooperation between JSC Arna and PROTEI Ltd. The operator now plans to use PROTEI equipment to expand its number pool.
04.05.2012
PROTEI Ltd. has completed a major project in Iraq, with the deployment of the PROTEI GLR (Gateway Location Register) platform for local mobile operator Asiacell (Qtel) in the city of Sulaymaniyah.
Asicell, the first and largest mobile network operator in Iraq, has been in the country since 1999 and today has a subscriber base of nine million. That number is constantly growing, but so too is competition on the Iraqi mobile services market, especially in the high-value roaming services sector.
The operator required a state of the art system that would enable it to increase the number of roaming subscribers in the network while reducing signalling traffic. The GLR platform from PROTEI proved to be exactly the system the Iraqi operator needed. Silat Solutions, PROTEI's partner in the Middle East, handled negotiations and contracts for delivery of the equipment. Deployment was carried out by PROTEI engineers.
The PROTEI GLR (Gateway Location Register) roaming platform acts as a link between the VLR and/or SGSN and HLR. It is designed to optimise signalling traffic processing in roaming.
The GLR system saves inbound roamers' profile information on initial registration and subsequently provides this information in response to any query from the VLR. This significantly reduces the need to query HPLMN elements and greatly reduces risks that could lead to the loss of a client.
The system deployed in Iraq enables the operator to increase the number of roaming subscribers in the network by improving the registration procedure. At the same time it reduces signalling traffic expenditure by reducing the number of signalling units transmitted on roaming channels.
A similar roaming platform was previously installed in the Jordanian mobile network Umniah, where it has proven its reliability and low cost of ownership under real operating conditions.
The successful project in Iraq for Asiacell is another step in PROTEI's overseas business development. Our engineers gained invaluable experience working with our colleagues at Asiacell, and both companies look forward to continued cooperation in the field of roaming solutions and service platforms.
18.04.2012
PROTEI specialists have successfully deployed SMS Center, USSD Center, CAMEL Gateway and Calling Card System for JSC "Vainakh Telecom" in the Chechen Republic (Russia).
JSC "Vainakh Telecom" has been working in the North Caucasus since 2009. The company actively expand and upgrade the network, along with providing customers with the most advanced telecommunication services. The number of subscribers and range of services are growing, that`s why the operator have to choose a reliable supplier of equipment for the network modernization. A high reputation of PROTEI system in Russia led to make a choice in favor of the petersburg developer.
PROTEI SMSC is a carrier-class high-performance SMS center that includes traditional and innovative SMS features. Horizontal scaling architecture allows to achieve high reliability and to adjust SMSC performance as network grows. Using PROTEI SMSC allows to raise the operator income due to new SMS services implementation.
USSD Center gave subscribers a convenient way to manage their profile and provided access to the whole range of information and entertaining services.
The most important part of the project was a joint solution of the companies "Peter-Service" (billing part) and PROTEI (CAMEL Gateway), which allowed to put into practice the convergent billing concept. The system, launched in the Chechen Republic, allows charging incoming and outgoing calls, SMS-messages and GPRS-sessions for 100% of subscribers in real-time mode both in home network and while roaming.
Voucher Management System allows efficient administration, activation management and control of voucher usage. The subscribers can now activate funds via SMS or USSD in addition to traditional way to make payments in service offices of the operator.
Performance, reliability and speed of new systems installation have confirmed the correctness of the operator choice, for example, SMSC PROTEI was installed in just 3 working days. The project completed in the North Caucasus, has once again demonstrated the relevance of PROTEI solutions in Russia. Companies were satisfied with the results of cooperation and planed to expand it.
20.01.2012
GSM/UMTS worldwide success coupled with steadily increasing rates of international travel for business and leisure, this means a significant increase in the number of roaming users needing to be supported. This will lead to an increase of the signalling traffic on "short -haul" and "long-haul" international links. These high volumes of signalling traffic require new approaches to be processed reliably end efficiently.
PROTEI presents new platform complementing its powerful roaming portfolio and suiting current demands of mobile operators. PROTEI GLR (Gateway Location Register) is a node between the VLR and/or SGSN and the HLR, which may be used to optimise the location updating and the handling of subscriber profile data across network boundaries. When a subscriber is roaming the GLR plays the role of the HLR towards the VLR and SGSN in the visited network and the role of the VLR and SGSN towards the HLR in the home network. The subscriber information is downloaded from HLR to GLR at the first location update procedure under the GLR. Using the information, GLR handles Update Location message from VLR as if it is the HLR of the subscriber at second and further location updating procedures. GLR enables the procedure invisible from the home network so that this hierarchical location management can reduce the inter-network signalling for the location management. The GLR keeps the information until receiving Cancel Location message from HLR.
PROTEI Gateway Location Register that is developed in strict accordance with ETSI 3GPP standards gives the Operator unique possibility to optimize its roaming connectivity and signaling traffic. GLR captures all information about inbound roamer’s profile during initial registration and provides this information upon any request from VLR dramatically decreasing the necessity to interrogate with HPLMN elements. Such approach visibly decrease many risks that may finally lead to loosing the roamer.
Main advantages for GLR deployment are:
- Decreasing the volume of signaling traffic between Operator and SCCP-provider
- Secure roamers in Operator’s network (less chances to lose the roamer during interrogation with home network or in case of short-terms failures /minor coverage problems)
- Full compliance with applicable ETSI standards (ETSI TS 23.119) and GSMA regulation
- High efficiency for complex or segmented networks
02.08.2011
Сall Back technology provides a convenient and efficient alternative to the traditional scheme of providing mobile telecommunications services to roaming subscribers or to subscribers with outbound call barred. Using this system, instead of direct calling desired number subscriber sends an SMS or USSD request containing this number to the system’s service number. This request is processed by the Call Back server, which makes two outgoing calls – one to the caller and one to the number requested. Call Back Service is more profitable for the operator than the traditional connection. Thus, more flexible tariff rates could be provided for roamers allowing them to enjoy a more active communication while abroad.
PROTEI has been chosen by VIP OPERATOR as a Callback solution provider. PROTEI Call Back Server has been integrated with existing IT and telecommunication infrastructure of the customer. System software had been specially configured and adjusted to simplify integration and minimize changes to be done on Operator’s network elements and to enable flexible call charging. Special feature had been implemented to support Mobile number portability (MNP) service that must be provided by Macedonia operators according to National laws. Within framework of the project PROTEI also deployed USSD Center that may be used not only for the Call back service but as a base for many other USSD services also.
Thus, VIP OPERATOR has received efficient solution that allows to increase revenue through more flexible tariff rates for subscribers in roaming. Installation of PROTEI Call Back Server in Macedonia has again demonstrated flexibility of PROTEI solutions making possible fast and easy adaptation of any platform to the special demands of operator in any country.
07.06.2011
PROTEI and MegaFon - Moscow have developed and implemented System for location-based bulk SMS notifications. The system allows to send SMS to all subscribers located in particular coverage area (e.g. specific cells, group of cells, areas etc).
Unique platform collects notification about handovers received from MSC/VLR using special interface and accumulates all updates in the database. Thus, at any time the platform has all information about actual location of all Operator’s subscribers and inbound roamers registered in Operator’s network. Based on this information the system is able to make appropriate queries and perform SMS notification of subscribers registered in predetermined area.
Implemented project successfully continues cooperation between MegaFon, PROTEI and EMERCOM Russia because using the platform subscribers can be promptly informed about emergency situations. SMS have already been sent to alert about forest fires, terrorist attacks and other incidents.
Megafon is going to use the system not only for governmental needs. System’s features opens up new opportunities in mobile advertising, like geographically targeted advertising messages filtered by subscriber base.
“Solution development was initiated by MegaFon to realize both public and commercial projects. The platform is often used by EMERCOM to alert public about forest fires and other emergencies. Trade and service enterprises such as restaurants can also use system capabilities to inform customers about discounts and promotions when subscribers are detected near company location. Thus, the system can significantly improve the targeting and effectiveness of mobile advertising,” the first deputy director of MegaFon - Moscow Igor Akulinin noticed.
"MegaFon has successfully implemented PROTEI solution dramatically extending the functionality and efficiency of advertising messages. Besides, the platform has become an important element in cooperation of the operator with the state authorities in prevention and protection from emergency situations,” said PROTEI Vice-President Vladimir Freinkman.
29.04.2011
On the 26th of April 2011 collaboration between Moscow City Telephone Network (MGTS) and PROTEI has led to signing of the contract for digitalization of Moscow city telephone network. MGTS is one of the biggest city telephone networks in Russia and in Europe. Currently MGTS serves 4.4 Mln fixed line subscribers and has 253 exchanges in Moscow and Moscow region (nearest suburban areas). According to agreement between companies, 152 Moscow analogue telephone exchanges will be upgraded by PROTEI’s mediators to connect them directly to IMS kernel MGTS builds up.
Mediator is innovative equipment developed specially for that allows smooth migration to IMS of subscribers connected to old analogue exchange to new network with keeping their old numbers and re-using of some existing equipment, cables and distribution frames. Use of mediators makes migration process much more effective and profitable.
Before taking this strategic decision MGTS has already successfully tested PROTEI’s mediators on one of the exchanges in Moscow. General director of MGTS Mr. Sergey Ivanov noticed that it was positive experience and effective decision to solve the problem of Moscow city telephone network digitalization.
On the 28th of April 2011 conference “Cosmos and communications” was held in Moscow chaired by Minister of Communications and Mass Media Mr. Igor Schegolev. During the conference Sergey Ivanov gave a report on plans for upgrade using mediators. As Igor Schegolev said PROTEI’s solution was the great break in domestically produced equipment and that experience would be both helpful for native and foreign companies.
01.04.2011
The application allows subscribers to replace standard tone with a personalized sound file. A subscriber can assign different ring back tones to different callers or group of callers, even dependent upon the date, weekday and/or time. A song purchased over a portal, a corporate advertisement, a joke end etc. can be chosen as a ring back tone.
Full Mobile Marketing support has been provided to suit both new and existing mobile operators & content providers.
This deployment was made in collaboration with our MENA branch Silat Solutions. Service link on MTN portal: http://www.mtn.sd/en/service/for-you/services/rbt.html
20.09.2010
PROTEI specialists had successfully deployed SMS Center and Welcome SMS System for Jordan mobile operator UMNIAH.
SMS-traffic is growing fast and mobile operator need flexible solution to adapt system to new requirements for functionality and capacity accordingly. PROTEI SMS-center was deployed for Umniah to process service messages from content-providers and to make SMS distribution. It was integrated with prepaid-platform Huawei for real-time SMS tarification.
Basing on SMS Welcome two services had been launched in addition to ordinary functions: Safe arrival; and SMS with information about roaming tariffs:
-Using Safe arrival; a subscriber can create a list of persons which will be automatically notificated about his/her appearance in Roaming Network. This is convenient way to send an information about successful landing to relatives and friends.
Some subscribers don`t use their mobile phone in roaming to avoid paying uncontrolled sum of money. SMS with information about roaming tariffs provide the clients with all the necessary information to control their expenses. This service returns lost revenue for mobile operators.
-Regarding to PROTEI equipment Yousef Bustami, Core Network-VAS Engineer, say that: This solutions are one of the most efficient and powerful products I have deal with, PROTEI SMSC handle huge Network traffic without any outages The relation between our two companies is built on a very high degree of professionalism, PROTEI has a great support team who helps us on spot and within minimal time.The relation between our two companies is built on a very high degree of professionalism, PROTEI has a great support team who helps us on spot and within minimal time.
Besides the fact, that mobile market of Jordan saturates, UMNIAH continue to lunch new services and adapt their network according grow of traffic, using PROTEI solutions.
16.09.2010
Modern telecommunication technology gives the people opportunity to exchange information through different channels of communication: SMS, voice messaging, mail and social networks. Subscriber have to to control each channel separately that makes rapid exchange of messages difficult. To manage trends as they involve three companies join forces to introduce new innovating service Unified Messaging
Unified Messaging is multiprotocol solution with following properties:
-One interface for all accounts
-Any kind of contacts can be associated with one name in simple to manage list
-Messages are stored together regardless of format type
-It is easy to search, send and redirect messages using any transmission medium regardless of the format of the original message
-If there is no Internet connection, subscriber can receive all the information in SMS, MMS or voice/video mail
-Unified Messaging can be easy integrated with e-mail clients, including mobile e-mail clients
-The solution supports Contextual Advertising services
Krisitina Tikhonova, general director Nokia Siemens Networks:
Any local market has his own especial features and the most effective solution to meet customer demand is to collaborate with partners, who has an experience at this market. In addition, our partners have an opportunity to access cutting-edge technologies and to develop their business at both Russian and international market. This is one of the main basis of innovation economic of Russia.
26.04.2010
PROTEI and Megafon-Moscow specialists had successfully deployed large-scale Wi-Fi project at the Moscow branch of OJSC "MegaFon". The platform for authentication and real-time charging of broadband wireless access services had been installed, customized and launched. The platform named WIX has a number of special features that allow providing and charging Wi-Fi access services across all Megafon branches throughout the Russian Federation. The solution can work with any number of access points and supports flexible charging algorithms, depending on various parameters such as username / password of a subscriber, access point, time of day etc.
To access to the Internet, a subscriber receives a login and a password via SMS, or by calling IVR. Using the obtained access parameters the subscriber is able to register in Wi-Fi network. Authorization is carried out through the WEB-portal, which design being displayed to the subscriber dynamically changes according to access point (hotspot), where the subscriber is authenticated. For example, it may be a corporate format of the WEB-portal of MegaFon ("Green Zone WiFi») or customized web page design of the portal displayed to the subscriber when he tries to register in 3rd party hot-spots. Access to the network can be paid or free, depending on the access point. As part of the project integration with Megafon network elements had been performed (SMSC, IVR), as well as adaptation of service logic of the platform according to the requirements of the Customer.
This project once again demonstrated an ability to build flexible and scalable systems that can successfully operate on the networks of the largest Operators. The list of supported authentication and charging algorithms can be easily adjusted according to the Operator’s needs (e.g. on-line charging from subscriber’s mobile account and payment by credit cards are also available). System can be easily adopted for broadband fixed access charging.
This project continues the eight-year successful cooperation of Megafon and Protei, traditionally offering the subscribers contemporary services and advanced solutions.
23.01.2010
New service based on PROTEI platform has been launched by TT-mobile - one of leading Tajik mobile operators (MLT brand). New platform implements Comfortable Jump service intended to help subscriber who has changed his mobile number or even mobile Operator (had come to TT-mobile network) to inform friends and colleagues about his new number.
Comfortable jump system makes migration process more convenient and painless. Subscribers may change not only tariff plans but even mobile operators without doubt that his/her friends lost their contacts.
When someone tries to reach old number the system informs him that number of called subscriber had been changed. New number of called subscriber may be either sent to calling subscriber via SMS (if service supported by originate network) or played via IVR. To inform called subscriber about missed calls had been addressed to his old number Comfortable jump system provides SMS notification to the called party.
Comfortable jump is a very cost-effective for subscribers as they need to pay small subscriber fee for this service only and keep old subscription during “migration” period. All calls addressed to old number are free for callers. Notification will not be sent if old SIM-card has negative or zero balance. It is possible to assign up to 3 old numbers to one new number. Service is delivered by subscription, subscriber fee is charged from their mobile accounts.
TT-mobile is the first GSM-operator in Tajikistan. Traditionally TT-mobile pays attention to its service portfolio and offers to subscribers the most convenient and contemporary services. PROTEI and TT-mobile successful co-operation is continuing 8 years. During this period a lot of common project was successfully implemented, more than 10 platforms had been successfully launched including such key network elements as SCP and SMSC.
13.01.2010
PROTEI Missed Call Notification System had been deployed by Jordan GSM operator Umniah. Basing on this system two services had been launched for Umniah’s subscribers. First one is traditional “Missed Call Notification” and second one is an expansion of this service named “Notification on Reachability”.
PROTEI Missed Call Notification System chosen by Umniah is one of well-known PROTEI products. During last several years more than 10 installations had been done. Several branches of Megafon in Russia, and number of operators in Central Asia are successfully maintaining this PROTEI solution. To adopt the solution for local market specific few important modifications of service delivery algorithm have been done. E.g. for subscribers who would like to use this service without paying any subscriber fee special algorithm was implemented.
Subscriber can choose special service option and system will send him messages that will not contain missed call numbers but only missed call notification. To retrieve information about callers who had tried to reach him the subscriber has to reply such message. System processes this reply and sends to the subscriber SMS containing list of numbers missed calls had been made from. These MT messages containing number lists are charged on-line. “By subscription” service delivery algorithm is traditional.
“Notification on Reachability” sub-service (notification of the caller about called party re-appearance in the network) becomes a new service available for all Umniah subscribers. Within the framework of this project implementation PROTEI specialists have performed integration of the Missed Call Notification system with Umniah Prepaid-platform for real-time SMS charging; and with Umniah IT-environment for service provisioning.
This project has successfully confirmed high level of PROTEI products and their readiness for different international markets.