USSD Callback Service
Today’s mobile phone subscribers expect seamless, cost-effective service no matter where
USSD Callback Service
provides operators with
an inexpensive, easy-to-
implement solution that
will help them avoid lost or
reduced revenue by giving
their subscirbers a means
to avoid expensive, MO
international roaming calls
to their countries or other
countries.
SYNIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES
they roam, even when their travels take them to other countries. Many subscribers, however,
cut back substantially on the use of their mobile services when traveling abroad for two
reasons:
• The tariff for mobile originated (MO) calls in most foreign countries is considerably more
expensive than for mobile terminated (MT) calls.
• Some prepaid subscribers are not able to make MO calls because the visited network
does not support GSM prepaid standards, such as CAMEL.
Fortunately, the Syniverse USSD Callback Service provides operators with an inexpensive,
easy-to-implement solution that will help them avoid lost or reduced revenue by giving
their subscribers a means to avoid expensive, MO international roaming calls to their home
countries or other countries.
Here is how it works:
1. Using Syniverse’s USSD
Callback Service, the subscriber
initiates a USSD string (e.g.,
*100*87654321#) in the visited
network.
2. The string is then routed to the
home network.
3. Upon receiving the USSD string,
the home network dials the
telephone number 87654321
and creates a bridge for the
calling subscriber. The caller,
who otherwise would have
been making an MO call, then
becomes a recipient of an MT call at a much lower tariff rate – often up to 70 percent
less.
When prepaid subscribers utilize USSD Callback Service, full control is passed to the home
network so prepaid roaming calls can be fully supported.
By using USSD Callback Service, a subscriber is able to take full advantage of differences
between the rates for outbound versus inbound international direct dial calls when roaming
and, as a result, operators receive revenue for calls that normally would not have been made.
Benefits of USSD Callback
• Increased revenue – Stimulates roaming call usage, especially from business users who
frequently travel internationally.
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Syniverse Technologies
Serving more than 800
communications companies in
over 160 countries, Syniverse
Technologies (NYSE:SVR) offers
market-leading solutions that
simplify the complexities of
roaming, messaging, network
interoperability and business
intelligence for mobile operators,
MSOs, enterprise verticals and
emerging mobile providers.
SYNIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES
• Retains roaming revenues that would otherwise be lost to international call forward and
prepaid calling cards purchased by frequent travelers who buy them in visited countries to
avoid expensive roaming calls.
• Extends roaming services to prepaid subscribers even when CAMEL services are not
available.
• Minimal network impact – Easily deployed service requires no provisioning for
implementation.
• Market differentiator – Attracts new users who travel internationally.
Features of USSD Callback
Black and white lists
• VLR Blacklist – Used to avoid USSD calls from restricted countries or operators.
The calling number’s VLR address is checked against the list before putting the call
through. Wildcard supported.
• Calling Number Whitelist – Stores calling numbers permitted to use the USSD
Callback Service. Wildcard supported.
• Calling Number Blacklist – Prevents blacklisted roaming subscribers from using the
USSD Callback Service. If a blacklisted calling number attempts to send a USSD
Callback Service request to the USSD system, the request is rejected. This blacklist
overrides the Calling Number Whitelist.
• Called Number Blacklist – The called number is checked against the list before it is
connected. If the called number is on the list, the call is rejected. Wildcard supported.
Request validation – Validates the USSD string format if a request can be completed
(e.g., the calling party’s VLR is not on the VLR blacklist) and then returns a system
message to the calling party to indicate a successful or unsuccessful operation.
Location information retrieval – Queries the location of both the calling and called
party before bridging the call.
Call retry – Allows a retry mechanism to be included. For example, *100*87654321*2#
indicates two retry attempts should be allowed.
Interface to home country prepaid system – Allows roaming service for the prepaid
subscriber.
Advanced options
• Provides the ability to send the caller’s handset an extra informational message or
advertisement during the call setup.
• Provides a sponsor call feature that allows for insertion of an advertisement heard by
the user before connecting the outgoing call to its destination.
© 2009 Syniverse Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved under U.S. and international copyright laws. Rev. 3-08
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