Comptel Corporation (OMX Helsinki: CTL1V), the leading vendor of dynamic Operations Support System (OSS) software, has announced the availability of Comptel Roaming Cost Control to allow Communication Service Providers (CSPs) worldwide to give their subscribers control over their spending, especially when roaming. It also enables European CSPs to comply with the new amendment to EU regulation No 717/2007 brought in on 22 April 2009, which dictates that there should be a cut-off limit for data roaming services. Comptel Roaming Cost Control is clearly particularly relevant to new mobile broadband services, which can be comparatively expensive for subscribers, but is also applicable to all mobile services, including voice and texts.

Communication Service Providers want to avoid subscribers being faced with unexpectedly high charges – so called “bill-shock” – when travelling abroad. High roaming charges could put customers off using services, especially those all-important mobile broadband services on which many CSPs are betting their future. High charges may also result in bad publicity for the operator. In some regions, such as the European Union, legislation is actually coming into force compelling operators to inform subscribers of their on-going costs.

Comptel Roaming Cost Control monitors the balance of specific subscribers in real-time, and can trigger actions when certain limits are reached, e.g. sending notifications or suspending the service. The solution allows operators to comply with legislative demands, to keep their subscribers satisfied, to encourage roaming usage and to reduce bill disputes and non-payment.

Comptel Roaming Cost Control is the first of a number of Comptel solutions built around Comptel Policy Control – a solution which complies with the 3GPP industry standard. This, and other solutions soon to be announced, are supplemented by Comptel’s proven charging and provisioning functionality.

Mr Simo Sääskilahti, Comptel’s Executive Senior Vice President Products and Solutions concludes: “Comptel is proud to be helping mobile service providers offer a better service to their customers, and indeed comply to legislation in some cases. With Comptel Roaming Cost Control, service providers can turn what might be seen as a restriction on their business, into a positive investment – a real ‘value for money’ proposition typical of the Comptel Dynamic OSS.”

Comptel will be exhibiting at TM Forum Management World 2009 6 – 8 May 2009, in Nice, France (stand: 88).

About Comptel Corporation
Comptel provides Comptel Dynamic OSS solutions, enabling telecom service providers to deliver services flexibly and charge them effectively. Comptel’s expertise in order management, inventory, provisioning and activation, mediation and charging empowers service providers to focus on delivering the innovative services. Comptel has provided solutions to 280 customers with 800 million subscribers in 85 countries. Net sales were EUR 85 million in 2008. The Group has about 600 employees in 18 countries. http://www.comptel.com