edch servicedescription raphandling v2.0

7/30/2019 EDCH ServiceDescription RAPHandling v2.0

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Version 10.11.2012 - Service Description

Established in 1994, EDCH provides a complete solution to mobile operators for roaming facilitiesto be provided to their customers. EDCH is the only Data Clearing House based in the Middle

East and is successfully serving many leading operators in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

EDCH offers comprehensive roaming solutions specifically Data Clearing, Financial Clearing,

Revenue Assurance, Value Added Services, Mobile Money Hub and other customized solutions.

To know more about EDCH, visit our website at www.edch.com.


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Version 10.11.2012 - Service Description Page 2 of 14

E D C H D a t a C l e a r i n g R A P H a n d l i n g

Table of Contents

1.Introduction.......................................................................................................... 42.Service Description ............................................................................................. 5

2.1.Service Options ............................................................................................. 62.2.Reports ......................................................................................................... 9

3.Implementation .................................................................................................. 124.Client support .................................................................................................... 125.Related Services ............................................................................................... 136.Document Reference ........................................................................................ 147.Glossary ............................................................................................................ 14


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File errors, incorrect billing data and inconsistent financial settlement records

are just few of the many challenges that roaming businesses face when

errors in TAP files are mishandled.

Returned Account Procedure (RAP) makes sure that your TAP files are

handled properly in case of errors to prevent delays in processing valid call

records. This automated Rejects and Returns process is a GSMA standard

procedure that checks TAP call records for errors and returns them back to

the sender for revisions. In this manner, TAP files can be processed

efficiently and revisions for errors are handled properly.

EDCH provides a complete implementation of Returned Account Procedure

through RAP Handling. We will help you establish the entire process of RAP

and facilitate file generation, processing, exchange and reporting.

Having EDCH RAP Handling capability at the early stages of TAP processing

saves time, decreases month end disputes and allows for an easier invoice

settlement.

Emirates Data Clearing House

P.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE

[email protected]

www.edch.com

Tel: +971 2 499 9444Fax: +971 2 635 4663


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1. INTRODUCTION

When processing TAP files, a roaming business must have effective protocols in

handling file errors and revisions

Figure 1: Private vs. Public Network Domain

A Private Network Domain is where data is exchanged between the client and EDCH. A

Public Network Domain, on the other hand, is where data is exchanged between EDCH

and other data clearing house. Acting as a mediator, EDCH prepares clients TAP files

and handles RAP files before they are sent to their roaming partner for final processing.

With EDCHs years of experience and expertise, we provide our clients quality service in

handling their TAP and RAP files. EDCH RAP Handling is an excellent service thatensures proper implementation of GSMA standard RAP procedure in an operators

system.


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2. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Returned Account Procedure (RAP) makes sure that your TAP files are handled properlyin case of errors to prevent delays in processing valid call records. This automated

Rejects and Returns process is a GSMA standard procedure that checks TAP call

records for errors and returns them back to the sender for revisions. In this manner, TAP

files can be processed efficiently and revisions for errors are handled properly.

EDCH provides a complete implementation of Returned Account Procedure through

RAP Handling. We will help you establish the entire process of RAP and facilitate file

generation, processing, exchange and reporting.

Figure 2: Returned Account Procedure

As TAP files are received, EDCH checks each call record for errors such as invalid data

or incorrect format. These invalid call records will be rejected due to a Severe Error.

Partial TAP file containing only valid records will be delivered for processing. Meanwhile,

EDCH creates a RAP file for the invalid records and send it to the Client. Client will

revise call records and resend them to the next TAP file Sequence.

In the case ofFATAL errors, the whole file will be rejected. A corresponding validation

report will be sent to the client for their immediate action, to revise the entire RAP file.

Having EDCH RAP Handling capability at the early stages of TAP processing saves

time, decreases month end disputes and allows for an easier invoice settlement.


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2.1. SERVICE OPTIONS

Choose from the following RAP Handling service options.

1. VPMN sends TAP to EDCH; EDCH sends RAP back to VPMN

In this scenario, EDCH receives TAP file from client (VPMN) and replies with the

corresponding RAP file.

1) VPMN sends TAP file to EDCH with Sequence Number 00001.

2) EDCH rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error.

a) EDCH creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001.

b) If no errors are found, EDCH sends TAP file to HPMN.

3) EDCH sends RAP file to VPMN for revisions.

4) Partial TAP file with valid call records will proceed to HPMN for processing.

Note: Revised Call Records are resent through the next TAP file Sequence.

Figure 3: VPMN Sends TAP to EDCH; EDCH Sends RAP Back to VPMN.

ClientVPMN

EDCH

CheckTAP

RAP

Partial

TAP file

Roaming PartnerHPMN

Severe

RAP

TAP file Step 1

Step 2Invalid

Step 2a:RejectionsStep 4Private Network

Public Network ValidStep 2b: No rejections

Step 3

RAP Acknowledgement


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2. EDCH receives RAP from HPMN; EDCH forwards to VPMN

In this scenario, EDCH forwards TAP file to Roaming Partner (HPMN) and receives

the corresponding RAP file on the clients (VPMN) behalf.

1) VPMN sends TAP file to EDCH with Sequence Number 00001.

2) EDCH forwards TAP file to HPMN.

3) HPMN rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error.

a. HPMN creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001.

b. If no errors are found, HPMN submit TAP file for processing.

4) EDCH receives RAP file on the clients behalf.

5) EDCH then forwards RAP file to VPMN.

6) VPMN replies with the corresponding Acknowledgement file to EDCH.



Figure 4: EDCH Receives RAP from HPMN; Forwards to VPMN.

ClientVPMN

EDCH

RAP RAP

Roaming PartnerHPMN

SevereRAP

TAP file

TAP file

TAP Processing

Severe

RAP RAP Acknowledgement

PartialTAP file

Step 1

Step 2Step 3

Step 4

Step 5 Step 6

Private NetworkPublic Network

Step 7

InvalidStep 3a:Rejections

ValidStep 3b: No rejections


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3. HPMN sends RAP to EDCH; EDCH adjusts RAP, then sends to VPMN

In this scenario, the client (HPMN) receives RAP files from its roaming partner

(VPMN) and EDCH handles RAP on HPMNs behalf.

1) VPMN sends TAP file to HPMN with Sequence Number 00001.

2) HPMN rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error.

a. HPMN creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001.

b. If no errors are found, HPMN submit TAP file for processing.

3) HPMN sends RAP file to EDCH for revisions.

4) EDCH reviews and adjusts RAP file to be sent to VPMN.

5) EDCH then forwards RAP file to VPMN.



Figure 5: HPMN sends RAP to EDCH; EDCH adjusts RAP, then sends to VPMN.

ClientVPMN

RAP RAP

Roaming PartnerHPMN

S

evereRAP

TAP Processing

PartialTAP file

EDCH

TAP file

Step 1

Step 2 Step 4

Step 5Private NetworkPublic Network

Step 6

InvalidStep 2a:Rejections

ValidStep 2b: No rejections


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2.2. REPORTS

The following reports are standard in all the RAP Handling service options:

1. RAP Monthly Summary

This report summarizes all RAP transactions and status of each RAP file. This can

be viewed through EDCH online.

Figure 6: Sample RAP Monthly Summary.


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2. RAP Rejected

This report displays all files that were rejected in the specified period and the

corresponding reason. This can be viewed through EDCH online.

Figure 7: Sample RAP Monthly Summary.


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3. RAP Rejected Calls

This report displays individual rejected call records in a specified period and the

corresponding explanation of the error. This report can be viewed through EDCH

online.

Figure 8: RAP Rejected Calls


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3. IMPLEMENTATION

To avail of this service, operators should contact EDCH Account Manager to makearrangements for implementation.

4. CLIENT SUPPORT

EDCH has a support team of dedicated and highly-qualified professionals that is ready

to assist you 24/7 on any concerns regarding RAP Handling.

Emirates DataClearing HouseP.O. Box 17500,Dubai - UAE

[email protected]

Tel: +971 2 499 9444Fax: +971 2 635 4663


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5. RELATED SERVICES

TAP Correction

TAP Correction Service will validate all TAP files according tointernational standards set by GSM TADIG. TAP file validation is performed as per GSM

TADIG specifications. In case file correction is required, EDCH can assist clients with

correcting large volumes of data.

Re-Rating EDCHs Re-Rating service assists operators by applying new prices directly

within the TAP files, thus requiring no changes to be made on their billing system. For

operators who have concluded a preferred Roaming Agreement, re-rating call records to

the discounted price simplifies the reconciliation and settlement procedures.

IOT Check Inter-Operator Tariff Check is a facility that ensures that TAP records are

charged according to the correct and updated IOT rate. The IOT check facility is a strong

tool for revenue assurance that ensures files sent from and received by our clients

contain valid charges, in accordance with the AA.14 and the special agreements agreed

between the client and their roaming partner.

Auto Removal Service EDCH offers an Auto Removal Service that automatically

removes erroneous records within a TAP OUT file. This will allow valid records to be

processed immediately while invalid records are reported back to the client for

correction. Revised records will be resent through the next TAP OUT file.

EDCH Online The EDCH Online website provides real time access to operators

roaming business data. Having a strong insight into an operators roaming business is

crucial in todays highly competitive environment. The many challenges and

opportunities, such as steering, fraud, churn and frequent tariff updates, require a rich

yet comprehensible reporting system. EDCH is in an ideal position to support operators

increasingly sophisticated reporting needs, due to our experience of processing and

extracting key information from roaming billing data.


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6. DOCUMENT REFERENCE

Document DescriptionPRD AA.14 International Roaming Agreement Individual AnnexesPRD BA.08 Timescales for Data TransferPRD BA.14 Returned Account ProcedurePRD BA.29 RAEX IOT Business RequirementsPRD BA.41 IOT HandbookPRD TD.31 RAP ScenariosPRD TD.32 Rejects and Returns Process

7. GLOSSARY

Acronym Description

AA.14 Roaming AgreementCDR Call Detail RecordCSV Comma Separated ValuesFDR File Delivery ReportFF Fraud Forum

FMS Fraud Management SystemFTP File Transfer ProtocolGPRS General Packet Radio ServiceHPMN Home Public Mobile NetworkHUR High Usage ReportIMSI International Mobile Subscriber IdentifyIOT Inter Operator TariffIP Internet ProtocolMOC Mobile Originated CallMTC Mobile Terminated CallNER NRTRDE Error ReportNRTRDE Near Real Time Roaming Data ExchangeRAP Rejected Account Procedure

RP Roaming PartnerTAP Transfer Account ProcedureVPMN Visited Public Mobile NetworkVPN Virtual Private Network

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