Compared to voice services, charging for prepaid data services is much simpler and can be based on time, volume, application, or any combination, and offered on a pre-rated basis.
Pre-Purchase is a new service model enabled by policy management that doesn’t require modifications to the existing charging system. As a new service model, pre-purchase gives operators a cost-effective alternative to traditional prepaid services, enabling the ability to offer mobile data services on an as required basis.
A pre-purchase solution requires:
- Offering prepackaged or a la carte data services that combine time, volume, and per application metering;
- Augmenting postpaid services with flexible data add-ons for roaming, top-ups, streaming media, etc., while also providing casual user service; and
- Using the existing online charging system.
Pre-purchase bridges the gap between postpaid and prepaid services making it equally applicable in emerging and developed markets.