MR101 Combined

Mobile Roaming Overview
MR101
Prepared and Presented for Telesca by Nykki
Porteous – Talk 24 Ltd. June 2010
Talk 24 Ltd MR101 Page 1

MOBILE ROAMING MR101
Table of Contents
Day 1....................................................................................................................................................5
1. What is ROAMING?........................................................................................................................5
2. Roaming Databases.........................................................................................................................5
3. GSM vs CDMA.............................................................................................................................11
4. SIM Card.......................................................................................................................................12
4.1. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)....................................................................13
4.2. HNI (Home Network Identity)...............................................................................................14
5. Establishing a Roaming Relationship - GSM................................................................................15
5.1. Finding Partners......................................................................................................................15
5.2. PRDs – Permanent Reference Documents..............................................................................17
5.2.1. AA12 ..............................................................................................................................17
5.2.2. AA13 ..............................................................................................................................19
6. RAEX - AA14................................................................................................................................21
Day 2..................................................................................................................................................22
7. AA14..............................................................................................................................................22
Annex I.0 – Changes since last version. ......................................................................................22
I.0.1 Quick View........................................................................................................................22
Annex I.1 Agreement Management Principles. ...........................................................................22
I.1.1 Contact Points for Agreement Management ....................................................................22
Annex I.2 Services.........................................................................................................................22
I.2.1 – Services Supported........................................................................................................22
I.2.2 - Services Requested.........................................................................................................25
Annex 1.3 – Billing and Accounting.............................................................................................25
I.3.1 International Roaming Inter Operator Tarriffs..................................................................25
I.3.1.2 IOT for GPRS, WLAN and/or 3GSM PS Traffic..........................................................25
I.3.1.3 IOT for Reciprocating Charging....................................................................................26
I.3.2 Mailing List for TAP and Bulk SMS Data Transfer.........................................................26
I.3.3 Mailing List for Inter PMN Operator Invoices.................................................................26
I.3.4 Application of Taxes.........................................................................................................26
I.3.5 Payment Information........................................................................................................26
Annex I.4 Customer Care..............................................................................................................26
I.4.1 Inter Operator Customer Care Contact.............................................................................26
I.4.2 Customer Service Numbers..............................................................................................27
I.4.3 Customer Care Contact Numbers.....................................................................................27
I.4.4 General Customer Care Information.................................................................................27
Annex I.5 Technical Aspects..........................................................................................................27
I.5.1 Contact Points for Handling Test SIM and/or USIM Cards.............................................27
I.5.2 Security.............................................................................................................................27
Annex I.6 Data Privacy..................................................................................................................28
I.6.1 National Requirements Impacting Customers..................................................................28
Annex I.7 Fraud Prevention Procedures........................................................................................28
I.7.1 Information on Fraud Prevention Procedures...................................................................28
I.7.2. Information on NRTRDE procedures..............................................................................28
Annex I.8 Billing Annexes.............................................................................................................29
I.8.1 Billing and Transfer Information......................................................................................29

Annex I.9 BID Annexes (Optional)...............................................................................................29
I.9.1 Billing Identifier (BID) Information (Optional)...............................................................29
8. IR21...............................................................................................................................................30
8.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................30
8.1.1 Scope................................................................................................................................30
8.1.2 Glossary...........................................................................................................................30
8.2 STRUCTURE OF THE DATABASE ....................................................................................30
8.3 REPORTS................................................................................................................................30
8.4 PROCEDURES FOR UPDATING THE DATABASE ..........................................................30
8.5 ANNEX A ...............................................................................................................................30
8.5.1 Organization Info ............................................................................................................31
8.5.2 History of Changes...........................................................................................................31
8.5.3 Network ...........................................................................................................................31
8.5.4 Network Information........................................................................................................31
8.5.5 Routing Information ........................................................................................................31
8.5.6 Number Portability...........................................................................................................31
8.5.7 SCCP ...............................................................................................................................31
8.5.8 SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY AUTHENTICATION .........................................................31
8.5.9 Test Numbers Information ..............................................................................................31
8.5.10 MOBILE APPLICATION PART (MAP) ......................................................................32
8.5.11 MAP OPTIMAL ROUTING SECTION .......................................................................32
8.5.12 MAP INTER OPERATOR SMS ENHANCEMENT ...................................................32
8.5.13 NETWORK ELEMENTS INFORMATION ................................................................32
8.5.14 USSD INFORMATION.................................................................................................32
8.5.15 CAMEL Information......................................................................................................32
8.5.16 PACKET DATA SERVICES INFORMATION ............................................................32
8.5.17 IP - ROAMING AND IP - INTERWORKING INFORMATION ................................32
8.5.18 MMS INTERWORKING INFORMATION .................................................................32
8.5.19 WLAN INFORMATION..............................................................................................33
8.5.20 RILTE INFORMATION ...............................................................................................33
8.5.21 CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................33
8.5.22 HOSTED NETWORKS ...............................................................................................33
8.6 ANNEX B ...............................................................................................................................33
8.6.1 UPDATE SCHEDULE FOR THE GSM ASSOCIATION ROAMING DATABASE ....33
8.6.2 UPDATE INTERVALS ...................................................................................................33
8.6.3 UPDATE INTERVALS SCHEME ..................................................................................33
8.7 ANNEX C ...............................................................................................................................33
8.7.1 RAEX IR.21 BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS ................................................................33
8.7.2 RAEX IR.21 EXCHANGE PROCESS AND NOTIFICATION FUNCTIONALITIES 34
8.7.3 NOTIFICATION FUNCTIONALITIES .........................................................................34
8.7.4 COMPANY LOGO .........................................................................................................34
8.7.5 ACCESS TO ROAMING DATABASE ..........................................................................34
8.7.6 FILE NAMING CONVENTION ....................................................................................34
8.7.7 VERSION CONTROL AND CHANGELOG ................................................................34
8.7.8 STRUCTURE OF DATA ................................................................................................35
8.7.9 IR.21 DATA DICTIONARY ...........................................................................................35
8.8 DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................35
9 TESTING.........................................................................................................................................36
9.1 Testing Preparations.................................................................................................................36
9.1.1 Switch...............................................................................................................................36

9.1.2 Billing/Mediation.............................................................................................................36
9.1.3 DCH.................................................................................................................................36
9.1.4 FCH..................................................................................................................................36
9.1.5 SIM card exchange...........................................................................................................36
9.1.6 GSM website update.......................................................................................................37
9.1.7 Schedule testing..............................................................................................................37
9.2 Tools ........................................................................................................................................38
Day 3..................................................................................................................................................39
10. IR24..............................................................................................................................................39
Day 4..................................................................................................................................................40
11. Call Flow.....................................................................................................................................40
12. TAP Files.....................................................................................................................................40
12.1 TAP Naming Convention.......................................................................................................40
12.1.2 Type...............................................................................................................................40
12.1.3 Network TADIG Code...................................................................................................40
12.1.4 File Sequence.................................................................................................................40
13. TADIG testing.............................................................................................................................41
13.1 EDI........................................................................................................................................41
13.2 TTT (Tap Testing Toolkit).....................................................................................................41
13.3 TD57......................................................................................................................................41
13.4 TAP fields...............................................................................................................................41
13.4.1 Batch Control Info.........................................................................................................41
13.4.2 Accounting Info .............................................................................................................41
13.4.3 Network Info .................................................................................................................42
13.4.4 Call Event Details..........................................................................................................42
13.5 Formal Tests...........................................................................................................................43
14. Launch..........................................................................................................................................43
14.1 Determine Date......................................................................................................................44
14.2 Notify Switch, DCH, FCH, Billing, GSMA..........................................................................44
14.3 Revenue Assurance................................................................................................................44
15. Party!............................................................................................................................................44
Day 5..................................................................................................................................................45
16. NRTRDE – Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange. ............................................................45
17. Inter-Standard Roaming (ISR).....................................................................................................46
17.1 Conversion Platform..............................................................................................................47
18. CAMEL........................................................................................................................................47
Appendix 1: Call Flow – Ecuador subscriber roaming in USA ........................................................48
Appendix 2: Billing Flow – Ecuador subscriber roaming in USA ....................................................49
Glossary of Terms...............................................................................................................................50

Day 1
1. What is ROAMING?
.Roaming is the act of using your mobile service on a foreign network
2. Roaming Databases
A connection between two people – a caller and the called person – is the basic service of all
telephone networks.

To provide this service, the network must be able to set up and maintain a call. This involves a
number of tasks.
1. identifying the called person
2. determining his/her location
3. routing the call to him/her
4. ensuring the connection is sustained throughout the conversation
5. charging the caller for the services used
This is relatively easy to do in a fixed network, because locations are permanent. In a mobile
network, the wireless radio connection allows the users to move about of their own free will. With
wireless, the network has to find solutions to three problems before it can even set up a call.
1. Where is the subscriber?
2. Who is the subscriber?
3. What does the subscriber want?
In other words, the subscriber has to be located and identified to provide him with the requested
services.

Here is an example to identify the process.
A professor is traveling around the world to lecture. He decides to spend the night in a hotel in
Madrid. The first thing he will do is to contact the reception desk for registration. (The reception
desk is an office that supports registration.) The receptionist records the registration in a database
which we will call the Visitor's Register.
The receptionist carefully checks the passport of the professor. The passport is also a database – a
small one, though – and the receptionist analyzes the data recorded there. She finds the basic facts:
citizenship, identification, Professor's name and the name of the authority that has released the
document.

The professor's visa will expire soon, so the receptionist decides to call the information bureau that
has released the passport (embassy.) The Embassy secretary immediately recognizes the professor
and advises the receptionist that everything is okay. The professor is admitted into the hotel and his
home embassy records the latest information about his location is the Visitor's Register.
Meanwhile, the embassy is updating their own database – the Home Register. The Home Register
contains the basic information of all its citizens traveling the world.
So, a transaction happened between two offices, resulting in identification and localisation of the
customer in both databases. The hotel has updated their registry with current visitors, and the home
embassy knows where its citizens are located.
When the registration is complete, the professor retires to his room. We can now say that he is
using a service provided by the hotel. As all the hotels in the world give this type of service, we
can call it basic services. (e.g. room, towels). The hotel also provides additional services like
restaurant, sauna and swimming pool. These are the supplementary services.
To sum up the services of the hotel:
− It provides BASIC SERVICES
− It maintains a VISITOR REGISTER
− It informs the HOME REGISTER of a visitor.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TWO REGISTERS IS TO ENABLE THE IDENTIFICATION,
AUTHORISATION AND LOCALISATION OF THE CUSTOMER.
Let's assume that the professor checks out of the hotel in Madrid and goes to Paris. He registers in
another hotel and once again the receptionist informs the embassy in his home country. The
registration in Madrid is canceled, registration in Paris is confirmed and the location data in the
Home Register is brought up-to-date. Thus, a successful Location Update has been made.

There are 2 types of roaming. Domestic and International. Domestic roaming occurs when your
subscriber ventures into a network run by another operator within the borders of your country.
(Porta)
International roaming occurs when your subscriber travels to a different country. (AT&T)
The story of the professor visiting hotels is like the users and functions of a mobile network. Within
the network, there are subscribers who move around (roam) and register into the service areas of
other networks (Porta, AT&T) in order to use their services. The Visitor Register of the hotel and
the Home Register of the embassy have the counterparts within the mobile network.
Every time a roaming subscriber switches on his phone in an area where a network service is
provided, the area is connected through an air interface to a database known as a Visitor Location
Register – VLR. The VLR is integrated into a telephone exchange known as a Mobile Services
Switching Center – MSC. The Home Operator also needs to know the location of its subscriber,
so it maintains another register... just like the embassy in our example. It is called a Home
Location Register – HLR. The HLR stores the basic data of the subscriber on a permanent basis.
The only variable data in the HLR is the current location (VLR address) of the roaming subscriber.
However, in the VLR, the subscriber data is stored only temporarily. When a roaming subscriber
moves to another VLR area, its data is erased from the old VLR and store in the new one.

Another key database in our story of the traveling professor is his passport. In our example, his
passport is used like a SIM card to identify the subscriber/professor. It will also authenticate that
the professor has the proper documentation to visit the country. At the same time the location
registers are being updated... the algorithms in the SIM card will run through an authentication
process on the networks. All of this happens instantaneously in the AC (Authentication
Center) of the network.

3. GSM vs CDMA
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communications
originally designed for roaming.
CDMA – Code Division Multiple Access
originally designed for high speed data.
For comparison, imagine a cocktail party, where couples are talking to each other in a single room.
The room represents the available bandwidth. In GSM, a speaker takes turns talking to a listener.
The speaker talks for a short time and then stops to let another pair talk. There is never more than
one speaker talking in the room, no one has to worry about two conversations mixing. In CDMA,
any speaker can talk at any time; however each uses a different language. Each listener can only
understand the language of their partner. As more and more couples talk, the background noise
(representing the noise floor) gets louder, but because of the difference in languages, conversations
do not mix.
GSM and CDMA are two very different technologies, with vastly different
components.
The vocabulary, network set up, roaming agreements and even the handsets are vastly different
between the technologies. However, Talk 24 has a conversion platform called Any2Any that will
allow users from each technology to roam freely between GSM and CDMA. This is called Inter-
Standard Roaming (ISR) and provides a myriad of opportunities for mobile users and operators
alike.

4. SIM Card
From the GSM user's point of view, the first and most important database is inside the mobile
phone: the Subscriber Identity Module – SIM Card. The SIM is a small memory device
mounted on a card that contains user specific identification.
The SIM card allows GSM users to change phones -while keeping their subscriber data - by simply
removing the SIM card from one mobile phone and inserting it into another unlocked mobile phone
or broadband telephony device. (Some carriers will lock their mobile stations from being used by
competing carrier SIM cards.)
The “Home Operator” assigns the SIM card at subscription.
Each SIM card is a unique database that holds vasts amounts of information. Every SIM has its
own unique serial number printed on the back of the card. And inside the card is a host of
information including:
• an internationally unique number of the mobile user (IMSI)
• security authentication and ciphering information
• temporary information related to the local network
• a list of the services the user has access to
• two passwords (PIN for usual use and PUK for unlocking).
• A list of preferred available networks 1
• storage space – used for messages or numbers, etc.
1 The network can imbed a preferred roaming list (PRL) into the SIM card. This list will chose the
order in which the mobile device will look for and roam on. For example, if you have better roaming rates on
T-Mobile, the PRL can instruct your subscriber's Mobile Station to attach to T-Mobile rather than any other
available network.

4.1. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)
IMSI's are 15 digits long, and conform to the International Telecommunications Union E.212
numbering standard.
IMSI's - The first 6 digits of any IMSI are the MCC and MNC and the last 9 digits are MSIN.
The MCC, or Mobile Country Code, is a 3 digit number that identifies the location of the network.
Each geographical location has it's own Mobile Country Code or Codes. All GSM networks within
that location share the same MCC,
• Ecuador = MCC 740.
• United States = MCC 310, 311, 316
• Argentina = 722
• Australia = 505
• Brazil = 724
For a full list: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCC/MNC
The MNC, or Mobile Network Code, is a carrier specific 2 digit number, or 3 digits in North
America. An MNC can be assigned to only one network, but one network can have multiple
MNCs.
The remaining 9 digits of an IMSI consist of the MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number)
defined by the network and identifying a subscriber. It is the calling number of the subscriber.

4.2. HNI (Home Network Identity)
HNIs are assignable to operators of public mobility services with international roaming
capabilities. The HNI uniquely identifies the home network of a public mobility service
subscriber and contains the Mobile Country Code (MCC) and the Mobile Network Code
(MNC).
This is the number which fully identifies a subscriber's home network. The reason to
make this distinction is that in a country with multiple country codes, there may be two
different networks with the same Mobile Network Code, but only one of which is the
home network. To know which network a mobile belongs to requires analyzing the
entire HNI at once.
The Telecsa MNC is 02 = HNI 740/02.
The Porta MNC is 01= HNI 740/01.
The AT&T MNCs are 380 = HNI 310/380
410 = HNI 310/410
180 = HNI 310/180
The Cingular MNC is 180 = HNI 311/180
The IMSI Assignment Guidelines and Procedures are maintained by the IMSI Oversight Council
(IOC). See http://www.atis.org/ioc/guidelines.asp for the IMSI Guidelines and appeal procedures.
Examples
IMSI: 429011234567890
MCC 429 Nepal
MNC 01 Nepal Telecom
MSIN 1234567890
IMSI: 310150123456789
MCC 310 USA
MNC 150 AT&T Mobility
MSIN 123456789

5. Establishing a Roaming Relationship - GSM
5.1. Finding Partners
The roaming process from contract negotiation to launch can be ponderous and time consuming.
So, when choosing your roaming partners, you should start by choosing carriers in areas where your
subscribers frequently roam.
5.1.1 GSMA – GSM Association
www.gsmworld.com
a) The GSM website is a tool that will provide all of the necessary information to do business
as a GSM cellular provider. It houses glossaries, documents, carriers, coverage maps and
many tools useful to a GSM carrier. GSMA members also have access to the login based
GSM infocentre which houses information and tools only available to GSM carrier
members.
https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/knowledge_base_disp.cgi?11
The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning
219 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than
200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies,
equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA is
focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the
end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.
b) The GSM website will also house your network and contact information, allowing other
carriers to establish a roaming relationship. And, vice verse.
http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_ecmo.shtml
c) The GSM infocentre keeps a calendar of world wide conferences and roaming events. The
GSMA frequently holds conferences for carriers all over the world. Attending these
conferences will give you valuable information on the latest innovations in GSM technology
and procedure, as well as valuable contacts throughout the industry.

5.1.2 CDG – CDMA Development Group
www.cdg.org
The CDG is an international consortium of companies who work together to lead the growth and
evolution of advanced wireless telecommunication systems. It is comprised of service providers,
infrastructure manufacturers, device suppliers, test equipment vendors, application developers and
content providers. Its members jointly define the technical requirements for the evolution of
CDMA2000 and complementary 4G systems and interoperability with other emerging wireless
technologies to expand the availability of wireless products and services to consumers and business
worldwide.

5.2. PRDs – Permanent Reference Documents
Before carriers can begin to establish a roaming relationship, a few vital pieces of information need
to be defined and documented. In the GSM landscape, those are a specific set of PRDs.
The Permanent Reference Documents are tools and guidelines for GSM services, procedures and
testing. There are hundreds of documents created and modified by different working groups of the
GSM Association, and voted on by applicable members. All GSM carriers use the GSMA PRDs as
universal standards.
After you've made initial contact with your intended roaming partner, you will exchange PRDs.
• AA12 - International Roaming Agreement
• AA13 - Common Annexes (principles of the roaming agreement)
• AA14 - Individual Roaming Annexes (billing details for the home network)
• IR21 - GSM Roaming Database (Network information)
Note: Many carriers will wait until the AA12 and A13s are signed to exchange the network specific
details in the AA14 and IR21.
5.2.1. AA12
The AA12 the International Roaming Agreement establishing a generic roaming relationship. Some
carriers add exceptions to the format suggested by the GSMA. Just read the contracts carefully and
refer to your company lawyer if there are any concerns with the exceptions.
The AA12 covers:
1. Starting date
-date agreed in writing by both parties after successful completion of network and billing testing.
2. Implementation of network and services
-all services of home carrier shall be offered to roaming partner dependant on available
functionality.
3. Management of modifications to the services
-notice of change shall be submitted for changes in testing, administration and targeted starting date
for changed services.
4. Charging, billing, accounting principles
-roaming partner shall pay for authenticated services and will implement TAP according to GSMA
standards.

5. Customer care
-customer care principles defined in AA 13 will be complied with.
6. Confidentiality
-both parties shall treat all aspects of the roaming agreement as confidential.
7. Data privacy
-it is the responsibility of the home network to inform their subscribers that the storage, treatment
and transfer of their data may be subject to regulation different from the regulation in their own
country.
8. Fraud prevention
-fraud prevention procedures defined in AA13 will be complied with.
9. Liability
10. Suspension of services
-defines when a VPN operator may suspend any or all services to roaming customers.
11. Force majeure
-neither party can be liable for interruption of services due to an “Act of God”
12. Duration
- the agreement is in place from the date of the agreement and remains in force unless terminated by
either party in writing – subject to a 6 month notice period.
13. Termination
-defines different ways either party can terminate agreement without liability.
14. Changes/annexes
-states that changes to the agreement are valid only if made in writing and signed by duly
authorized members of both parties. It also lists what changes are acceptable.
15. Choice of law
-states that the agreement and any disputes will be governed in accordance with Swiss law.
NOTE: many carriers amend this part of the AA12 to be governed in their own country.

5.2.2. AA13
These are Annexes to the roaming agreement that provide more detailed information on:
1. Agreement management
-says that the agreements are to be kept in English, and communicated through mail, email or fax,
and each party is allowed to set out revisions to the agreement.
2. Services
-services are to be agreed upon and defined in the testing phase.
-both parties agree to implement short codes.
3. Billing and Accounting
-you can start billing upon roaming. Billing data is exchanged via TAP.
4. Information on TAP
-TAP records shall be exchanged by EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
-defines data transfer schedules for both parties
-notification files will be exchanged when there is no charge data
-EDI address and contact information
-fallback procedures should EDI fail
5. Settlement Procedure
-direct payment or netting procedure is defined
-threshold amount for credit notes is defined
-currency and conversion is defined
-payment schedule is defined
6. Customer Care Principles
-English speaking operator during customer hours
-roaming information (maps, SLAs, services, Emergency numbers) shall be exchanged and updated
7. Technical Aspects
-technical aspects are dealt with in the annexes to follow
8. Testing
-defines exchange, usage and billing of test SIM cards
9. Security
-states that authentication will be performed on all roamers
10. SS7 information
-Signaling shall be implemented and maintained per GSM IREG PRDs.
11. Data privacy, general principles
-to be defined in the AA14

12. Fraud prevention procedures
-both parties will implement fraud procedures as defined in BARG binding PRD BA.20
13. Access to IP capabilities
- to be defined
14. Network extensions
-names and defines network extensions (if any)
15. Roaming SLAs
-both parties agree to abide by PRD IR 78 (Roaming Trouble Report)
-both parties confirm IR21 is up-to-date
-SIM cards will be exchanged for testing and QoS monitoring
-payment options for SIM cards determined here
The AA12, AA13 and AA14 together define a legal roaming agreement
between two carriers. Only one version of the AA12 and AA13 needs to be
signed, by both parties.
The AA14 contains carrier specific information that needs to be exchanged between
both parties. The AA14 will also house the IOTs (Inter Operator Tarriffs) or
roaming charges.
Follow the format of the PRDs and do not change them!!
You will become familiar with the formats over time...and this will lead to a better
understanding of other carriers' PRDs. Aside from ease and simplicity of a standard
format, many carriers have electronic file storage and maintenance for their PRDs
which requires a uniform presentation.

6. RAEX - AA14
RAEX – (Roaming Agreement Exchange) is the GSM Open Connectivity solution for the electronic
exchange of roaming documentation. Basically, it is a completed version of the AA14 written in
XML. It became a standard operating procedure for all GSM operators in July 2008.
In order to remain compliant you need to:
1. Update your Roaming Agreements to the latest version (to be found on the GSM infocentre:
https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/knowledge_base_disp.cgi?11
2. Invest in or develop a system that can create XML files according to the standards defined by the
GSMA
3. Invest in or develop a system that can capture the XML files that you download from your
roaming partners
*Talk 24 Any2Any services include an RAEX solution.

Day 2
7. AA14
The AA14 holds the Individual Annexes to the roaming agreement between two carriers. It is the
third and most specific document in a binding roaming agreement.
Annex I.0 – Changes since last version.
I.0.1 Quick View.
This is a quick view of the changes that you've made in the document since the last time it was
distributed amongst your roaming partners. -Correctly filling out the change annex makes it much
easier for your roaming partners to update pertinent information in their databases.
Annex I.1 Agreement Management Principles.
Enter TADIG Code/s of operator represented
I.1.1 Contact Points for Agreement Management
Here you will put all of the pertinent contact information for initial contact including
mailing address for document and SIM card delivery. Be specific about defining your
contact email addresses, but make sure they are ALL monitored. You may want to
filter everything through an individual contact who can then assign tasks. As your
roaming department grows, you will want to start individualizing the contacts.
1.2 International Roaming Contact List
(Operator Confidential)
Again, here you can be very specific about your contact information... or you can have
everything channel through one main point of contact. If you outsource some of your
services, here is where you define those contacts.
Annex I.2 Services
Identify all of the services supported by your network here.
I.2.1 – Services Supported
This section indicated which services the home network can support for the roaming partners.
I. Authentication
1. SIM – Subscriber Identify Module
4.1.1 USIM – Universal SIM - Is an application for UMTS mobile telephony
running on a smart card which is inserted in a 3G mobile phone. The CDMA
equivalent is called the CSIM.

4.1.2 3.EAP-SIM Is an Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) mechanism for
authentication and session key distribution using the Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). GSM cellular networks
use a subscriber identity module (SIM) card to carry out user authentication. EAP-
SIM use a SIM authentication algorithm between the client and a Authentication,
Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server providing mutual authentication
between the client and the network. In EAP-SIM the communication between the
SIM card and the AuC replaces the need for a pre-established secret between the
client and the AAA server.
II. RAN (Radio Area Network)
− GSM
− UTRAN (UMTS) – 3G technology
− WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network
III. Circuit Switched Services
Circuit switching is a communication method which creates a single circuit or path between nodes
and terminals before users may communicate.
5.2.1. Telephony
5.2.2. Emergency Calls
5.2.3. Short Messaging Service (MO/MT/PPP) – Mobile Originating/Mobile
Terminating/Point to Point Protocol
5.2.4. Voice Messaging
5.2.5. Alternate Speech and Fascimile – using a device that can do either telephony
or fax
5.2.6. Automatic Fascimile – only fax
5.2.7. Asynchronous Data – a way of transferring data
5.2.8. Synchronous Data – a way of transferring data
IV. Packet Switched Services
Packet switching is a digital networking communications method that groups all transmitted data –
irrespective of content, type, or structure – into suitably-sized blocks, called packets.
• GPRS – General Packet Radio Service or the transmission of data.
• CAMEL - Customised Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced Logicis a
set of standards designed to work on either a GSM core network or UMTS
network. They allow an operator to define services over and above standard
GSM services/UMTS services. The CAMEL architecture is based on the
Intelligent network (IN) standards, and uses the CAP protocol.
V. Supplementary Services
Most of these are relatively self explanatory....However:

• Multi Party, Closed User Group, Completion of Calls to Busy Subscribers are
all CAMEL Phase 2 services.
• Call Deflection and Explicit Call Transfer are CAMEL Phase 3 services.
• USSD – MO/MT – carrier to carrier message that does not go through SS7
signalling that determines whether or not there is enough money on a prepaid
card to allow for the service being requested.
• EMLPP – defines the users priority. A, B, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. A and B being highest
priority, 4 being lowest.
VI. Network Features
1. HSCSD – High Speed Circuit Switched Data - A system for data calls on GSM
networks that came before packet based systems such as GPRS and EDGE. HSCSD
is the "high-speed" variant of CSD (maximum speed of 9.6 kbps) that has better
error-correction codes that give a boost in speed of about 50% and allows several
call channels to be used as one - up to four channels - resulting in a maximum speed
of 57.6 kbps. HSCSD was never widely adopted outside Europe.
2. ECSD – Enhanced Circuit Switched Data. ECSD is an enhanced version of HSCSD.
ECSD increases the bandwidth of each timeslot to 48Kbps which gives a total
transmission speed of 384Kbps. This compares with HSCSD speed of 38.4Kbps on
900Mhz GSM networks and 57.6Kbps on 1,800Mhz GSM networks ( 9kbps per
timeslot on 900 Mhz networks and 14.4kbps per timeslot on GSM1800/1900). In all
cases up to 8 timeslots can be used.
3. EDGE - EDGE -Enhanced GPRS or EGPRS) is a data system used on top of GSM
networks. It provides nearly three times faster speeds than the outdated GPRS
system. Both phone and network must support EDGE, or it will revert to GPRS.
4. UDI - UDI - Unrestricted Digital Interface (64 kbit/s ISDN data) - a clear digital
channel/timeslot.
5. HSDPA – High-speed Downlink Packet Access.
6. HSUPA – High-speed Uplink Packet Access.
7. Multicall- the setup of data sessions across multiple timeslots to support ECSD and
HSCSD - if a user needed the full 384kb/s ECSD data service the network would
set up 8 timeslots as a multicall.
8. LCS - Location Services - part of the signaling protocol - a set of parameters that are
used to request location data about a subscriber.
VII. Available Technologies
• GSM – Global Standard for Mobility
• UTRAN - UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UMTS 3G)
• WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network

VIII. Short Codes Supported
Short codes are a shortened sequence of dialed numbers that will direct a call or a message to a
longer number that is harder to remember. This section says, “Yes, we will implement your short
codes under these conditions.”
IX. Local Services of the VPN (Short Codes)
This section lists the short codes and their longer dialing numbers that you would like to see
implemented in their roaming system.
I.2.2 - Services Requested
This is a list of services requested by the home VPN for their roaming subscribers.
Circuit Switched, Packet Switched, CAMEL and short codes.
Annex 1.3 – Billing and Accounting
I.3.1 International Roaming Inter Operator Tarriffs
Here is where you identify any regulated roaming tarriffs. Regulation in accordance with BA.27.
I.3.1.1 IOT For Circuit Switched Traffic
I. Charges
Go through this section line by line to identify any call charges and taxes. You can keep this very
simple or make it incredibly complicated. But remember, the simpler your IOTs, the easier it is to
do revenue assurance and fraud maintenance.
II. Barred numbers and destinations
Be specific! Indicate any countries and premium service numbers that subscribers will not be able
to call while roaming in your network.
III. International Tarriffs Overview Table
Here is where you will define your international tolls. There are 2 table formats. The first defines
toll by country codes. Keep it in an XL file for ease of use, and copy/paste as necessary into the
Overview Table. The second divides the countries into international zones.
I.3.1.2 IOT for GPRS, WLAN and/or 3GSM PS Traffic
<Enter IOT Type and IOT Name>

This section will list dates and updates of when GPRS charging is to begin, and what the charges
will be. It also lists bands and hotspots. Like the telephony IOTs, go through each line of this
section of the AA14 to insure that you have the proper information input. And the more
complicated the IOTs and charging principles, the harder the revenue assurance.
I.3.1.3 IOT for Reciprocating Charging
<Enter IOT Type and IOT Name>
“Bill and Keep” is common among many carriers for terminated calls and/or SMS messages. If you
are going to charge your roaming partner for incoming calls and messages, state it here with the
agreed upon rates.
I.3.2 Mailing List for TAP and Bulk SMS Data Transfer
Contact information
I.3.3 Mailing List for Inter PMN Operator Invoices
Contact information
I.3.4 Application of Taxes
I.3.5 Payment Information
This will be your bank information for net settlement or direct payment.
Annex I.4 Customer Care
I.4.1 Inter Operator Customer Care Contact
Multiple contacts for customer care are listed here.

I.4.2 Customer Service Numbers
(Public Domain)
Emergency, Police, Fire, Directory etc.
I.4.3 Customer Care Contact Numbers
(Public Domain)
24 hour help center numbers for your network.
I.4.4 General Customer Care Information
(Public Domain)
I.4.4.1 Website
(Public Domain)
I.4.4.2 Handset Display
(Public Domain)
I.4.4.3 SMS Interworking
Is SMS allowed to roaming partner?
Annex I.5 Technical Aspects
I.5.1 Contact Points for Handling Test SIM and/or USIM Cards
NOTE: Often times you will be given different contacts for SIM cards. Always refer to the name
and address listed on the latest version of this document from the roaming partner for your
protection! It is okay to request an updated and signed AA14 if you are given conflicting
information from what has been published.
I.5.2 Security
This section identifies the algorithms and security on your SIM cards. Get these details from your
SIM card manufacturers.

Annex I.6 Data Privacy
I.6.1 National Requirements Impacting Customers
Data privacy for your country should be described here.
Annex I.7 Fraud Prevention Procedures
I.7.1 Information on Fraud Prevention Procedures
-Contact points for HUR reports (must be generic)
-Specific fraud person within your company.
I.7.2. Information on NRTRDE procedures
Contact info.

Annex I.8 Billing Annexes
I.8.1 Billing and Transfer Information
Fill out this table completely.
Annex I.9 BID Annexes (Optional)
I.9.1 Billing Identifier (BID) Information (Optional)
You can blame North America for this one...
BIDs are billing identifiers. One TADIG code can have multiple BIDs which will further define the
home network area.

8. IR21
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.1.1 Scope
Scope of document In order to have a common and easy overview of the most important data related to
International Roaming, a database for storing this data has been created.
8.1.2 Glossary
8.2 STRUCTURE OF THE DATABASE
Defines the information in the database
8.3 REPORTS
There are 3 types of reports stored in the data base. 2 partial reports and one complete report
including all of the data stored per PLMN.
8.4 PROCEDURES FOR UPDATING THE DATABASE
-Notify GSMA and they will update it
-Update at the infocentre and GSMA will make sure updates were entered correctly and distributed
to all roaming partners.
8.5 ANNEX A
Updating of the GSM Association roaming database
Completing this task will create a hard copy of your IR21. Go through EVERY line with your
switch techs to make sure the information is current and correct. Each time you're notified of a
network change (including IMSI or MSISDN line ranges) you must update the document.

8.5.1 Organization Info
8.5.2 History of Changes
8.5.3 Network
8.5.4 Network Information
8.5.5 Routing Information
1. E.164(MSISDN) = CC+NDC+SN, e.g. 91-98-71405178
2. CC – Country Code – 1 to 3 digit number that defines the country of the phone number
http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/sp/T-SP-E.164D-2009-PDF-E.pdf
3. NDC – National Destination Code -
4. MSRN – Mobile Station Roaming Number – temporary number subscribed to user when
they are roaming.
5. E.212(IMSI) = MCC+MNC+MSIN, e.g. 404-69-6600620186 (MTNL Mumbai)
6. E.214(MGT) = combination of E.212 and E.164 (Exact combination is defined in the
operators IR21 document)
8.5.6 Number Portability
Number portability allows subscribers to keep their phone number when moving from one carrier to
another.
8.5.7 SCCP
The Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) is a network layer[1] protocol that provides
extended routing, flow control, segmentation, connection-orientation, and error correction facilities
in Signaling System 7 telecommunications networks.
8.5.8 SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY AUTHENTICATION
8.5.9 Test Numbers Information

8.5.10 MOBILE APPLICATION PART (MAP)
The Mobile Application Part (MAP) is an SS7 protocol which provides an application layer for
the various nodes in GSM and UMTS mobile core networks and GPRS core networks to
communicate with each other in order to provide services to mobile phone users. The Mobile
Application Part is the application-layer protocol used to access the Home Location Register,
Visitor Location Register, Mobile Switching Center, Equipment Identity Register, Authentication
Centre, Short message service center and Serving GPRS Support Node. INTERWORKING FOR
ROAMING SIGNALLING.
8.5.11 MAP OPTIMAL ROUTING SECTION
Optimal Routing System allows operators to route calls between its inbound roamers in the most
efficient way without going through the international gateway and home operator.
8.5.12 MAP INTER OPERATOR SMS ENHANCEMENT
Any application sitting on your network to enhance SMS delivery between operators.
8.5.13 NETWORK ELEMENTS INFORMATION
All information to be understood and defined by your switch techs.
8.5.14 USSD INFORMATION
Unstructured Supplementary Services Data – advice of charge texts to prepaid customers.
8.5.15 CAMEL Information
Describes the network information for CAMEL usage if applicable. Information given to you by
switch techs.
8.5.16 PACKET DATA SERVICES INFORMATION
Provided to you by switch techs. The APN information is very important to you IREG testers and
also your customer service. APNs are need to be defined in the mobile stations for home and
roaming subscribers to use GPRS services.
8.5.17 IP - ROAMING AND IP - INTERWORKING INFORMATION
All information to be provided by switch techs. This information is often used in high level
troubleshooting.
8.5.18 MMS INTERWORKING INFORMATION
All information to be provided by switch techs. Hub Provider networking information is stored
here as well.

8.5.19 WLAN INFORMATION
Tech info provided by switch.
8.5.20 RILTE INFORMATION
Roaming in LTE – next gen roaming solutions. Switch techs must provide information if network
supports RILTE.
8.5.21 CONTACT INFORMATION
8.5.22 HOSTED NETWORKS
Network information if you are using a shared platform. Switch techs to provide.
8.6 ANNEX B
8.6.1 UPDATE SCHEDULE FOR THE GSM ASSOCIATION ROAMING
DATABASE
Already described in section 4 of this document. Details of any changes will be sent via email according
notification functionalities.
8.6.2 UPDATE INTERVALS
Defines the amount of time the IR21 should be updated BEFORE any changes are made to your
network.
8.6.3 UPDATE INTERVALS SCHEME
Table defining the update intervals. (easier to read)
8.7 ANNEX C
8.7.1 RAEX IR.21 BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
RAEX IR.21 provides the means of exchanging the IR.21 using a pre-defined data format and
according to a standardized business process represented here. The standard IR.21 will remain the
legally binding document.

8.7.2 RAEX IR.21 EXCHANGE PROCESS AND NOTIFICATION
FUNCTIONALITIES
8.7.2.1 RAEX IR.21 exchange process
It is supposed to have the exchange process performed by GSMA Infocentre.
The implementation of the data input could be executed in two different ways:
A - Manual by operator
B - Using Infocenter GUI
8.7.2.2 Details of Exchange process in manual or GUI scenarios
Lists the steps in the process of exchanging RAEX 12.21
8.7.3 NOTIFICATION FUNCTIONALITIES
Notification is implemented once a week on Fridays.
8.7.4 COMPANY LOGO
Each carrier is allowed to upload their company logo with the XML file. Details here.
8.7.5 ACCESS TO ROAMING DATABASE
Infocentre designated IR.21 administrators can access to Roaming Database for information
retrieval.
8.7.6 FILE NAMING CONVENTION
Naming convention is applied to RAEX IR.21 file according to GSMA IT specifications. It contains
at least the following information:
Organisation name/title
– TADIG Code
– Infocentre Id reference number
8.7.7 VERSION CONTROLAND CHANGELOG
Version control mechanism is maintained by the infocentre.

8.7.8 STRUCTURE OF DATA
This paragraph shows the structure of the sections included within IR.21 Annex A with the purpose
of:
A - Characterize sections with a tag (mandatory, optional, conditional) FOR THE XML CODER
B - Define dependencies between sections, if any
C - Identifying correctly the section name
8.7.9 IR.21 DATA DICTIONARY
This chapter contains detailed information for every field populated within IR.21, indicating
whether they are Mandatory, Optional etc, type of content e the description of the field. This data
should be used to further define technical requirements for RAEX XML file. So, if you have any
questions on a particular field, refer to this part of the document. ALL FIELDS AND TABLES
ARE ILLUSTRATED IN THIS SECTION.
8.7.9.1 Description
They've created a table that is easier to read than text.
8.7.9.2 Terms legend
This legend is created with the intention to define the structure of common data repeated within the
document. Elements defined in this legend are reported to the “format” field in next sections.
8.7.9.3 – 8.7.9.25
Each of these fields corresponds to a table or section of the IR21. Refer to Table of Contents on the
IR21 for the appropriate title.
8.8 DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
The owner information of the document is at the VERY END of Document Management.

9 TESTING
Now that the IOTs are agreed upon and signed documents have been exchanged
(which documents?) you can begin preparations for roaming testing and launch.
There are two parts to GSM testing before launching a new roaming agreement. Functional testing
– IREG and billing testing – TADIG. The documentation created from the IREG testing will be the
basis for the TADIG testing.
9.1 Testing Preparations
There are many steps you will have to take to be ready to begin testing. Some of these
steps can be done simultaneously, but until you get a feel for the process...use a
checklist!
9.1.1 Switch
Your switch techs must be notified that you have gone into a new roaming agreement so they can
update the network to allow roaming access to your partner's subscribers. You will give the switch
techs a copy of your roaming partner's IR21, instructing them to prepare the network for testing.
NOTE: You don't want the network fully open until after launch. Every company and switch
vendor will have their own process for the launch of a new roaming partner. Follow the process as
defined.
-Your switch group should have the appropriate SS7 contacts to pass on the information to the
appropriate signaling vendor. For the first couple of roaming launches... follow up on this to make
sure it is getting done.
-Make sure notification is defined in the “process.” Have the switch techs notify you when the SS7
Signaling is completed as well as the appropriate changes are made to the MSC.
9.1.2 Billing/Mediation
Your billing vendor of mediation platform will need to be notified as well so they can set the proper
parameters to capture CDRs and convert them to TAP. The information they require should be
housed in the AA14. I suggest working with the billing vendor to prepare a short document that
identifies the information that they need instead of trying to pass the whole AA14.
9.1.3 DCH
Your data clearing house will need to be notified of a pending roaming agreement so they can open
their network for the clearing exchange. Most DCH's have a process for launching a new roaming
partner. That process will define the information that needs to be exchanged. (Date, rates etc.)
9.1.4 FCH
Financial clearing must be notified. Again, follow the procedure defined by your FCH.
9.1.5 SIM card exchange
1. Create Account for carrier in billing system.

2. Identify SIM cards for roaming partner in account
3. Send inactive SIM cards and SIM card Receipt to person and address listed in roaming partner's
AA14. (create template listing contact information, SIM card serial numbers and leaving space for
IMSI, MSISDN, PIN/PUK to be completed upon confirmation of receipt)
4. Once you get the signed SIM card receipt, activate SIM cards and send IMSI/MSISDN
information.
CAVEAT: if you don't have OTA, you may have to send activated SIM cards. DO NOT send the
IMSI/MSISDN information with any activated SIM cards in case the package is stolen. You will
have to keep an eye on those SIM cards to make sure they are not being used inappropriately.
9.1.5.1 Receipt
When the SIM cards arrive, sign the receipt and fax it back to the number provided. Upon
receiving the SIGNED receipt... then you can activate the SIM cards and send the IMSI, MSISDN,
PIN/PUK information to them. Make sure you keep track of that information!!
9.1.6 GSM website update
Update the infocentre with the new pending roaming partner information. (Must be updated again
at launch.)
9.1.7 Schedule testing
You are going to have to schedule the testing with multiple parties:
1. roaming partner. Set a time to perform common tests
2. switch. They will need to know when to open the network for testing. You also want them
at the ready for any troubleshooting that may arise.
3. HLR visibility. Someone with visibility in the HLR must be available for common testing.
(this could be you or a switch guy)
4. DCH and Billing/Mediation may need to be notified as well.

9.2 Tools
Make sure you have all of the tools that you will need to complete IREG testing for the common
tests.
1. Stop watch
2. 4 x GSM phones
3. 2 x PSTN lines
4. Active SIM cards and IMSI/MSISDN information
CW, CF must be deactivated
5. View into the HLR
Can be through mediation platform, but we need to see the IMSI registered in the
HLR and the supplementary services attached.
6. WAP card for GPRS testing
7. IR24 and IR35
Your roaming partner should provide you with an IR24 and IR35 that is filled in with
the network information you will need to know to complete your tests.
8. Timepiece with second hand
I use my computer. Try to set it to the exact switch time.

Day 3
10. IR24
Refer to the supplied copy of GSMA document IR2460.

Day 4
11. Call Flow
Say an Alegro subscriber is roaming in the US and calls a UK subscriber in Ecuador. The call goes
from the Alegro subscriber to the US VLR to the EC HLR to the UK Subscriber. At the same time,
the UK subscriber will go through the EC VLR to their home HLR. This creates 2 legs to one call,
and each leg of the call creates it's own record in the VLR. Upon termination of the call, a Mobile
Originating record, or MO (EC in US calling UK in EC) and Mobile Terminating record, or MT
(UK receiving call in EC) are created in the subsequent VLRs.
The VLR where the call was placed and/or received will then send the record to their DCH. The
record will then go to the roaming partner's DCH and eventually back into the billing of both the
home and visited networks.
12. TAP Files
The GSM standard calls for the CDRs (call detail records) that are created by the switch to be
transferred to a format called TAP. TAP files are then exchanged electronically through the clearing
house. This is called EDI or the Electronic Data Interchange.
Each TAP file can hold thousands of calls/events. SMS, Content, Location Services,
Supplementary Services, GPRS or voice.
12.1 TAP Naming Convention
TAP files have very specific names. Each file name is 17 digits long.
12.1.2 Type
The first 2 digits indicate which type of TAP file has been created.
CD = Charged Data
TD= Test Data
12.1.3 Network TADIG Code
The next 10 digits are the TADIG Code of the network creating the files, and then the TADIG Code
of the network receiving the files.
-A TADIG code consists of the 3 digit Country Code and the 2 Digit Network Code. IE. Alegro's
TADIG Code is ECUAL.
12.1.4 File Sequence
All TADIG files are created sequentially by Type. The remaining digits are the sequence numbers.
EX: CDCHLTMECUAL00313 is the 313th
charging file that Telefonica Movil de Chile has sent to
Alegro.
EX: TDPANMSECUAL00004 is the 4th
test file that Telefonica Moviles Panama has sent to
Alegro.

13. TADIG testing
TADIG testing takes records that were created from the calls made in IREG testing and puts them
through a series of “tests” to validate that the correct information is being captured by the switch,
translated into TAP format and passed through clearing.
13.1 EDI
Once the IREG tests are performed, the VPMN (Visited Public Mobile Network) will create a file,
transfer it to TAP and send it to their DCH, who will then send the file to the DCH of the HPMN
(Home Public Mobile Network.) At this time, both parties will perform their TADIG tests.
13.2 TTT (Tap Testing Toolkit)
TAP files are presented in a .dat format which needs a special software to open and read. The
GSMA has created the TTT for this purpose. It can be downloaded off of the GSM website, and
modified to fit each carrier's needs.
The TTT stores all TADIG test results for future reference.
It is also used for revenue assurance. When a carrier has a question about the dollar amounts of
files coming in...they can get any specific TAP file from the DCH and research them individually. It
is an invaluable tool for troubleshooting billing and fraud.
13.3 TD57
The TD57, Transferred Account Procedure Data Record Format is a GSMA PRD that defines all of
the fields in a TAP record as well as identifying any error messages that may occur due to the
incorrect data in any of the fields. It's a 225 page document. However, there is a Data Dictionary in
which all of the fields are alphabetized. So, if you have a question about a particular field or an
error associated with a particular field, it is not difficult to find.
13.4 TAP fields
There are hundreds of fields in each TAP file.
13.4.1 Batch Control Info
The Batch Control Info field houses information on the networks and the time the files were created
and sent.
13.4.2 Accounting Info
Accounting Info identifies taxation information, currency, and the TAP decimal places.

13.4.3 Network Info
The Network Info houses the UTC Time Offset information.
13.4.4 Call Event Details
The call event details house every strand of information for each call. Call type, charge, duration,
who made the call/event, where, when...etc. Let's explore further.
Each event is labeled whether it be a mobile terminated call, mobile originated (this could be either
voice or SMS) supplementary service, GPRS, or location service.
We're going to look at a Mobile Originated call that was made by an Alegro user roaming in Chile.
Many fields of the TAP file are self explanatory. But for fields that need a little clarification, refer
to the TD57. Here is some clarification on fields that are commonly used.
-Call Reference: It's an identifier local to the recording entity (VLR that records the call records).
It distinguishes between transactions on the same mobile stations.
-Location Area: SID/BID. Location description within a network.
-Teleservice Code: identifies type of service used.
Values:
00 All teleservices
10 All Speech transmission services
11 Telephony
12 Emergency calls
20 All SMS Services
21 Short Message MT/PP
22 Short Message MO/PP
60 All Fax Services
61 Facsimile Group 3 & alternative speech
62 Automatic Facsimile Group 3
63 Automatic Facsimile Group 4
70 All data teleservices (compound)
80 All teleservices except SMS (compound)
90 All voice group call services
91 Voice group call
92 Voice broadcast call
-Charged Item
This identifies the charging principles. It's not intended to identify the service used.
A Call set up attempt
C Content
D Duration based charge
E Event based charge
F Fixed (one-off) charge
L Calendar (e.g. daily usage charge)
V Volume (outgoing) based charge
W Volume (incoming) based charge
X Volume (total volume) based charge

-Call Type Group
A group identifying the IOT used by the VPMN to price the call.
Values:
0 Unknown
1 Mobile
2 PSTN
3 Non Geographic
4 Premium Rate
5 Satellite destination
10 Broadband
11 Narrowband
12 Conversational
13 Streaming
14 Interactive
15 Background
Note: Value 0 (zero) is for use in Mobile Originated Calls and GPRS
Calls
Values 1,2,3,4 & 5 are for use in Mobile Originated Calls only
Values 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 are for use in GPRS Calls only
-Charge Type
When present within Charge Detail the item identifies the type of
charge represented by the Charge Detail.
Values:
00 Total charge for Charge Information
(the invoiceable value)
01 Airtime charge
02 reserved
03 Toll charge
04 Directory assistance
05 – 20 reserved
21 VPMN surcharge
50 Total charge for Charge Information according
To the published IOT
Note that the use of value 50 is only for use by bilateral
agreement,
use without bilateral agreement can be treated as per reserved
values, that is ‘out of range’
13.5 Formal Tests
Knowing how to read the TAP files at a glance is just the beginning of the formal TADIG process.
The TTT will take you through a test file, first validating the whole file and then identifying each
leg of each call that was made in the IREG tests. Once all calls are validated and accounted for, the
TTT will create a certificate that you can send to your roaming partners indicating that testing was
performed to your satisfaction and now you are ready to launch roaming.
CAVEAT: Make sure the test TAP files go through your billing system as well. TADIG insures
that billing is correct between roaming partners. The only way to recoup what you're paying to your
roaming partner is to charge your subscriber! And this has to be done through billing.
14. Launch
Contract negotiation, document and SIM card exchange, network, DCH, FCH, billing set up is
completed, tests are done satisfactorily... it's time to launch!

14.1 Determine Date
Roaming managers will determine the exact launch date. Usually 7 days out so all parties can be
notified of change of status.
14.2 Notify Switch, DCH, FCH, Billing, GSMA
All parties need to be notified in the change of status from test to live. Follow any procedures set
up by each entity.
14.3 Revenue Assurance
It is very important that you watch the DCH and billing records closely for the next few days to
determine that all parties have indeed switched to live roaming data, which is being sent and
charged correctly.
15. Party!

Day 5
16. NRTRDE – Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange.
In April 2006, the GSMA Executive Management Committee (EMC) supported submissions from
the Fraud Forum (FF) and the Billing, Accounting and Roaming Group (BARG) which concluded
that existing roaming fraud prevention procedures are inadequate to aid early detection of this
activity, and other potential roaming fraud threats that may emerge in the future. The EMC backed
calls by FF and BARG to replace the current roaming fraud prevention procedures (High Usage
Reporting/HUR) with implementation of interoperable Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange
(NRTRDE) systems by all GSMA members by October 1st 2008.
NRTRDE enables transmission of roaming partners’ call detail records (CDRs) to their respective
home networks and receipt of subscribers' roaming information from other networks. After
receiving CDRs from roaming partners, NRTRDE sorts them, translates them to the specified fraud
management system format, and routes them back in near real-time.
NRTRDE follows GSMA, BARG and Fraud Forum's recommendations to:
 Reduce the delivery time of fraud-related roaming information from the visited public
mobile network (VPMN) to the home public mobile network (HPMN) from 36 hours (for
the traditionally used High Usage Record exchange process) to 4 hours or less.
2. Provide individual CDR information in a form that allows operators to cost-effectively manage
roaming fraud
NRTRDE solutions capture roamer call detail records and send them from the serving operator (the
VPMN) to the home operators (HPMNs). The records are not rated before sending (see Figure 1)
and are sent independently of TAP, which means that there is very little delay in providing them to
the home network. NRTRDE solutions are already used by approximately 100 operators worldwide,
provide visibility of roaming subscriber activity to the home network within a few hours of events
taking place. Deployed mostly in the Americas to date, NRTRDE solutions consistently deliver
reductions in fraud losses and result in business cases that outperform expectations.

Figure 1:
Talk 24 has seamlessly inserted NRTRDE into their data exchange
practices, keeping you up-to-date with the GSM roaming standards, and
vastly reducing your roaming partners' risk of fraud.
17. Inter-Standard Roaming (ISR)
ISR is roaming between different mobile technology standards. (CDMA and GSM) Virtually all
parts of the globe are covered by either a GSM or CDMA wireless network. Talk 24's Inter-
Standard Roaming platform Any2Any gives carriers AND subscribers true world wide coverage.
Added value for the home operator:
• Enhances competitive position through connectivity to more international markets
• Enables new revenues from activations, airtime and monthly fees
• Allows retention of high-end corporate subscribers by satisfying all of the needs to this key
customer segment
• Improves customer service and roaming management through timely online information
• Allows the choice of roaming partners regardless of technology

Added value for end-users:
• Provides worldwide access: one number, one bill, one phone – same services
• Allows users to view all charges on one home operator bill in their currency
• Enables MO and MT calls independent of access technology
• Delivers calls automatically to end users' existing home wireless phone number
• Enables them to communicate easily with no complicated dialing procedures or language
barriers
17.1 Conversion Platform
An ISR conversion platform (connecting GSM and CDMA networks) includes automatic call
delivery on the home cellular number and home wireless system billing. It also provides technical
interoperability that is transparent to the user, including the following:
• Location of roamers abroad
• Link between GSM SIM card and home cellular number
• Conversion from GSM-format (TAP) to ANSI-41 format (CIBER) files
• Clearing house functionality
• Numbering plan maintenance across world standards.
Talk 24 has the capability to provide Inter-Standard roaming.
18. CAMEL
Customised Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced Logic
They allow an operator to define services over and above standard GSM services/UMTS services.
The CAMEL architecture is based on the Intelligent network (IN) standards, and uses the CAP
protocol.
There are many CAMEL functions, particularly in a roaming scenario. But the most common and
CAMEL attribute is the ability to bill for prepaid roaming. This is a huge area for revenue for any
carrier.
CAMEL functionality allows for carrier to carrier billing, negating the need for a DCH.
CAMEL is implemented in 4 separate phases. Each phase adds another level of functionality.
Some current providers have gone so far as to implement phase 3 of CAMEL.
Any 2 Any supports CAMEL functionality, making network testing and launch less expensive and
time consuming.

Appendix 1: Call Flow – Ecuador subscriber roaming in USA
UK
USA
ECUADOR
USA VLR
EC VLR
USA DCH
UK DCH
UK HLR
EC DCH
EC Billing
USA Billing
EC
Sub
UK Sub
EC HLR

Appendix 2: Billing Flow – Ecuador subscriber roaming in USA
UK
USA
ECUADOR
USA
VLR
USA
DCH
UK DCH
UK
HLR
EC
DCH
EC
Billing
USA
Billing
EC
Sub
UK
Sub
EC
HLR
EC
VLR
UK
Billing

Glossary of Terms
Acronym Definition
AC CDMAAuthentication Center
ANSI 41 CIBER
Any2Any Talk 24 Conversion Platform for Inter-Standard Roaming
AuC GSM Authentication Center
BARG Billing and Roaming Group – a GSMA user group.
BID Billing Identifier
CAMEL Customised Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic – a set of standards
designed to work on either a GSM core network or UMTS network. They
allow an operator to define services over and above standard GSM
services/UMTS services, like pre-paid roaming and roaming voicemail.
CDG CDMA Development Group www.cdg.org
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access originally designed for highspeed data
CIBER Cellular Intercarrier Billing Exchange Roamer record. (CDR)
Conversion
Platform
ISR platform that connects GSM and CDMA networks
EAP-SIM Is an Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) mechanism for authentication
and session key distribution using the Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). GSM cellular
networks use a subscriber identity module (SIM) card to carry out user
authentication. EAP-SIM use a SIM authentication algorithm between the
client and a Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server
providing mutual authentication between the client and the network. In EAP-
SIM the communication between the SIM card and the AuC replaces the need
for a pre-established secret between the client and the AAA server.
EDI Electronic Data Interchange
EIR Equipment Identification Register
GSM Global System for Communications – Originally designed for roaming.
HLR the central database that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber that
is authorized to use the GSM core network. The HLR stores detail of every
SIM card issued by the mobile phone operator.
HNI Home Network Identity – consists of the MCC and MNC and identifies a
network.

HUR High Usage Report
IFAST International Forum on ANSI-41 Standards Technology
IIF Inter-standard Inter-working Function
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identify – a unique, identifying number
assigned to all GSM users. It's stored in the SIM card inside the mobile station,
and is sent by the MS to the network. It's used for sending details of the mobile
to the HLR and the VLR. It is comprised of 15 numbers, the first 3 digits being
the Mobile Country Code (MCC) followed by the 3 digit Mobile Network
Code (MNC). The remaining digits are the mobile station identification
number (MSIN) within the network's customer base. Thus the IMSI will
identify the country, network and the user of the phone. The IMSI conforms to
the E.212 numbering standard.
IMSI-M MIN-based IMSI
IMSI-T True IMSI
Incollects roaming files (and charges) when your subscriber is roaming in another
carrier's network,
INMSI International Mobile Station Identity
IOT Inter Operator Tarriff – roaming charge
ISR Inter-Standard Roaming
ITU International Telecommunication Uniom
Kc Encryption key used in GSM encryption
MCC Mobile Country Code, used to identify the country in which PLMNs operate.
MDN Mobile Directory Number
ME Mobile Equipment
MNC Mobile Network Code used to identify GSM operators. (PLMNs) Europe uses
a 2 digits, NA uses 3.
MO Mobile Originated
MSC Mobile Switching Center – the primary service delivery node for GSM,
responsible for routing voice calls and SMS. The MSC sets up and releases the
end-to-end connection, handles mobility and hand-over requirements during
the call, and takes care of charging and real time prepaid account monitoring.

MSIN Mobile Station Identification Number
MSISDNs telephone numbers used by mobile phones to make and receive calls.
MSRN Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number
MT Mobile Terminated
NANP North American Numbering Plan
NMSI National Mobile Station Identity
NPA Numbering Plan Area
NRTRDE Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange - NRTRDE enables transmission of
roaming partners’ call detail records (CDRs) to their respective home networks
and receipt of subscribers' roaming information from other networks. After
receiving CDRs from roaming partners, NRTRDE sorts them, translates them
to the specified fraud management system format, and routes them back in near
real-time.
OEMs Original Equipment Manufacturers
OMC Operations and Maintenance Center – allows for OTA provisioning
OTA Over The Air Activation – (of services, tarrifs. Can be used to update PRL
lists)
Outcollects roaming files (and charges) when a roamer from another carrier is in your
network.
PDP Packet Data Protocol
PIN Personal Identification Number (attached to SIM)
PLMNs public land mobile network – GSM operator.
PRL Preferred Roaming List – a database stored in a wireless device that contains
information used in the network selection and acquisition process.
PRL List a list of preferred roaming partners that sits in the mobile station or SIM card
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network – landline.
PUK Pin Unblock code
R-UIM Removable User Identity Module
RAEX (Roaming Agreement Exchange) is the GSM Open Connectivity solution for
the electronic exchange of roaming documentation. It became a standard
operating procedure for all GSM operators in July 2008.
RAND Random Number used in GSM subscriber authentication

RILTE Roaming in LTE – next Gen GSM roaming
SDR Special Drawing Rights – international monetary denomination
SGSN Serving GPRS Service Node
SID System Identification
SIM card Subscriber Identity Module - The SIM card allows users to change phones by
simply removing the SIM card from one mobile phone and inserting it into
another mobile phone or broadband telephony device.
SMS Short Messaging Service
SN Serial Number
Subscriber Mobile phone user.
TADIG Transferred Account Data Interchange Group – GSMA working group... also
refers to billing testing.
TAP Transferred Account Procedure
TLDN Temporary Local Directory Number – assigned to roaming subscribers when in
another network
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems – 3G technology which is
being developed into 4G. Short for UTRAN
USIM Universal SIM
USSD Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
VLR Visitor Location Register
VLR address Web address identifying a Visited Location Register
WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

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