Established in 1994, EDCH provides a complete solution to mobile operators for roaming facilities to 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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Table of Contents 1.Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.1.Service Description............................................................................................................. 8 1.1.1 Logistics for the Sponsor Network................................................................................... 8 1.1.2 Logistics for the Sponsored Network............................................................................... 8 1.1.3 The Roaming Replicator configuration overview ............................................................. 9 1.1.4 RR mappings ................................................................................................................... 9 1.1.5 Foreign Address mappings ............................................................................................. 10 1.1.6 Roaming Replicator scenarios ........................................................................................ 11 1.2. Reports .............................................................................................................................. 12 1.3. Billing Process ................................................................................................................... 12 1.1.7 Roaming Replicator Billing Process ................................................................................ 12 1.1.8 Outbound Roaming Billing Process................................................................................. 13 1.1.9 Inbound Roaming Billing Process ................................................................................... 14 2.Implementation ...................................................................................................................... 15 3.Client support ........................................................................................................................ 15 4.Related Services ................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.Document Reference............................................................................................................. 16 6.Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 16 7.Appendix Roaming Scenarios ............................................................................................ 17 7.1. Appendix A - Inbound Roamer registration / location update ........................................... 17 7.2. Appendix B - MT Call to an In-Roamer in Sponsored Network ......................................... 18 7.3. Appendix C - MT SMS to an In-Roamer in Sponsored Network ....................................... 18 7.4. Appendix D - MO SMS by a non-roaming partner subscriber Roaming in Sponsored network ............................................................................................................................................. 19 7.5. Appendix E - Inbound Roamer GPRS location update ..................................................... 20 7.6. Appendix F - MO Call by Prepaid Inbound Roamer .......................................................... 20 7.7. Appendix G - Outbound Roamer registration / location update ........................................ 21 7.8. Appendix H - MT Call to a Sponsored Network subscriber Roaming in non-partner network (UK) ............................................................................................................................................. 21 7.9 Appendix I - MT SMS to a Sponsored Network subscriber Roaming in non-roaming partner network ............................................................................................................................................. 22 7.10 Appendix J - MO SMS by a Sponsored Network subscriber Roaming in non-roaming partner network ..................................................................................................................................... 23 7.11 Appendix K - Outbound Roamer GPRS location update ................................................. 23
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7.12 Appendix L - MO Call by Prepaid Outbound Roamer ...................................................... 24

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Emirates Data Clearing House P.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE marketing@edch.com www.edch.com Tel: +971 2 499 9444 Fax: +971 2 635 4663

International roaming has transformed the mobile telephony landscape over the past few years. Business travelers are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of being accessible wherever they are, making roaming a lucrative business for operators. However, a new mobile operator faces significant obstacles and delays in exploiting this opportunity as the process of establishing bilateral roaming partnerships all over the world can take several months. This delays the inflow of revenues and also delays the rollout of roaming services for the high-end business traveler segment of the subscriber base. Even an existing mobile operator must again go through the time-consuming negotiation and testing phases when launching new services like GPRS, CAMEL or 3G roaming, even if it has few hundreds of GSM roaming agreements. The Roaming Replicator is designed to prioritize and accelerate the process of launching roaming services for an operator. An operator (client) can leverage the strong roaming relationships and existing roaming infrastructure from Etisalat, which serves as a sponsor operator (or roaming hub), to offer lucrative outbound roaming services to its subscribers and to serve the inbound roamers from the roaming partners of the hub. EDCH offers complete multilateral roaming services, a faster and reliable way to implement and manage the large number of roaming service relationships. A single agreement with EDCH enables you to cover the world through: Access to more than 500 GSM/SMS operators in 185 countries. Access to more than 300 GPRS operators in more than 150 countries. Access to more than 200 CAMEL operators in more than 100 countries. Access to more than 100 3G operators in more than 70 countries. Flexible pricing scheme. 24/7 customer technical support.
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Roaming Replicator is an instant roaming solution that facilitates operators to launch or extend their roaming agreements across many operators worldwide. It is a complete end-to-end managed solution. New services can be quickly launched for roamers (e.g. GPRS, 3G), ensuring competitive advantage and reduced subscriber churn.

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1. INTRODUCTION
EDCH offers a fully managed service model in conjunction with Etisalat who acts as the hub, by extending roaming relationships to new operators that join the hub. EDCH enables billing and clearing process (fully compliant to BARG BA.21 PRD), IREG testing, fraud control and other roaming departmental functionalities for the client operator. The Roaming Replicator is a SS7/MAP node located in the Sponsor Network with full SCCP capability.

Inbound Roaming The Roaming Replicator makes the Foreign Network think that its subscriber is roaming in the Sponsor Network

Figure 1. Inbound Roaming via the Roaming Replicator

The Roaming Replicator makes the Foreign Network think that the Sponsor Network subscriber is roaming in its network

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Figure 2. Outbound Roaming via the Roaming Replicator

Full international roaming services can be offered to subscribers from Day 1.

The Roaming Replicator enables operators to reuse their existing roaming agreements when they acquire new network licenses in new regions. Intelligently handles all roaming scenarios both within the operator regions and beyond it. The benefits include: Retention of roamers within group/preferred networks leading to reduced

revenue loss. Guarantee of familiar services of visited preferred/group networks leading to

increased stickiness. Huge savings from day one for the new operator.

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1.1. SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Co-existence with bilateral agreements Roaming through the Roaming Replicator can be enabled selectively for some networks, in conjunction with existing bilateral roaming agreements.

The Roaming Replicator overall strategy is to provide the Sponsored Network subscribers with special SIM cards enabling them to use a Sponsor Network IMSI when roaming. To describe the process how the service works, initially an SS7-capable Roaming Replicator box will be installed in the Sponsor Network. It will force all roaming traffic of the Sponsored Network (except direct roaming) through the Roaming Replicator. The Roaming Replicator shall change the Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) addresses of the Sponsored network elements to the Sponsor Network addresses. The Roaming Replicator also changes SCCP addresses of foreign networks to Sponsor Network addresses, along with selected Mobile Application Part (MAP) fields in the messages (e.g. IMSI, MSC Address, VLR address, gsmSCF address etc.).

The Roaming Replicator does not change MSISDN and MSRN, as a result, voice traffic goes directly between Sponsored Network and the Foreign Network. The Roaming Replicator functions as a signaling relay and it will not respond to any message.

1.1.1

Logistics for the Sponsor Network

Logistics for the Sponsor Network require reserving a Global Title (GT) for Roaming Replicator corresponding to each network element in the Sponsored Network. Then reserving one or more GTs (as needed) is required for the Roaming Replicator for foreign address mapping. As long is provided SS7 connectivity, signaling point code etc. for the Roaming Replicator, then E.164 route is set to the Roaming Replicator for messages having Roaming Replicator address.

1.1.2

Logistics for the Sponsored Network

The Sponsored Network is required to set up IMSI analysis in all VLRs of the Sponsored Network for all the roaming partners of the Sponsor Network, and then follows Mobile Global Title (MGT) of Roaming Replicator instead of foreign Country Code - National Destination Code (CC-NDC) as in direct roaming.

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All messages are routed with CC-NDC of non partner networks to Client Node without changing Global Title digits, SSN, TT and NP.

1.1.3 The Roaming Replicator configuration overview

To configure the Roaming Replicator requires following the process of Roaming Replicator mappings and the foreign address mappings.

1.1.4

RR mappings

The Roaming Replicator (RR) mappings process is as follows:

RR maintains IMSI range mapping [Sponsor <-> Sponsored IMSI range] RR maintains mapping of Virtual RR address and sponsored network element address RR maintains GT pool to map foreign addresses RR maintains E.212 to E.214 translation table for RP of Sponsor network RR maintains GT pool per CAMEL phase supported at Sponsor RR maintains CC-NDC table of Roaming partners of Sponsor with which it has CAMEL agreement.

A table describing the Real Sponsored Network IMSI Virtual Sponsor Network IMSI Mapping and the Sponsored Network Elements GT <-> RR GT mapping are presented below. Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Real IMSI <MCC_S><MNC_S>1020-xxxxxx <MCC_S><MNC_S>1021-xxxxxx <MCC_S><MNC_S>1030-xxxxxx <MCC_S><MNC_S>1031-xxxxxx <MCC_S><MNC_S>1040-xxxxxx <MCC_S><MNC_S>1041-xxxxxx Virtual IMSI <MCC_M><MNC_M>1020-xxxxxx <MCC_M><MNC_M>1021-xxxxxx <MCC_M><MNC_M>1030-xxxxxx <MCC_M><MNC_M>1031-xxxxxx <MCC_M><MNC_M>1040-xxxxxx <MCC_M><MNC_M>1041-xxxxxx

Table 1. Real Sponsored Network IMSI Virtual Sponsor Network IMSI Mapping

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Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

N Element MSC1 MSC2 MSC3 MSC4 MSC5 MSC6 MSC7 HLR1 HLR2 OCSAC1 SMSC1 MMSC1 SGSN1 VMS1

Sponsored Network GT <CC_S><NDC_S>9101100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9121100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9141100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9161100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9181100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9201100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9221100 <CC_S><NDC_S>9180000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9190000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9600000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9010000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9441000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9402000 <CC_S><NDC_S>9001200

RR GT <CC_M><NDC_M>1000000 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000001 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000002 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000003 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000004 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000005 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000006 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000010 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000011 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000020 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000030 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000040 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000050 <CC_M><NDC_M>1000060

Table 2. Sponsored Network Elements GT <-> RR GT mapping

1.1.5

Foreign Address mappings

The Foreign address mappings process is as follows:

RR allocates a few GTs for foreign address mapping If GT is of 10 digits then 10,000 GTs can be created from one else 8-10 GTs are required to create dummy GT pool to map international network entities. E.g if GT is <CC_M><NDC_M> xxxx the RR will create a pool of GTs as follows <CC_M><NDC_M> xxxx 00000 to <CC_M><NDC_M> xxxx 99999 If addresses are used up, new GT can be added SNMP trap sent when 80% GTs used up

Foreign Address Mappings (Dynamic) examples are:

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Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

N Element Vodafone Netherlands HLR Vodafone Netherlands SMSC Vodafone UK HLR Vodafone UK SMSC Vodafone UK SMSC Orange France HLR Vodafone D2 HLR Orange France SMSC Orange France SMSC Orange France SMSC Vodafone Germany HLR Vodafone Germany SMSC Vodafone Germany SMSC Vodafone Germany SMSC

Foreign GT 31-654-0964000 31-654-0881004 44-385-016406 44-778-5011300 44-778-5013988 33-689-002900 49-172-0022596 33-689-004000 33-689-004022 33-689-004024 49-172-0000296 49-172-2270441 49-172-2270333 49-172-2270142

RR GT <CC_M><NDC_M>10000702 <CC_M><NDC_M>10000703 <CC_M><NDC_M>10000704 <CC_M><NDC_M>10000705 <CC_M><NDC_M>10000708 <CC_M><NDC_M>10000709 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007010 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007013 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007014 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007015 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007016 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007017 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007018 <CC_M><NDC_M>100007019

1.1.6

Roaming Replicator scenarios

Roaming replicator puts into play several scenarios for Inbound and Outbound roaming. These scenarios include: Location Update MT Call MO SMS MT SMS MO Call (Camel only) GPRS Location Update

These scenarios are presented with detailed diagrams in the Annexure of this document. Roaming Replicator is fully compliant with GSMA IR.80 PRD for the Open Connectivity Roaming Hub Model.

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1.2. REPORTS

The Roaming Replicator generates useful statistics and reports for operations staff and management. In addition, EDCH fulfills the Billing process as described in section 2.3.

1.3. BILLING PROCESS

The standard GSM Roaming Billing Process covers Outbound and Inbound roaming scenarios: 1) Outbound Roaming Customers traveling out to international locations 2) Inbound Roaming Customers traveling into the network from foreign networks The TAP files are exchanged through Data Clearing houses of GSM operators.

Figure 3. Billing Process

1.1.7

Roaming Replicator Billing Process

The Roaming Replicator billing process is categorized in Outbound and Inbound Roaming.

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1.1.8

Outbound Roaming Billing Process

The Outbound Roaming billing process is described below in Figure 4.

Figure 4. RR Outbound Billing process

For Outbound Roaming, customers traveling out to international locations will use dual IMSI SIM card. Roaming IMSI will have identity of the sponsoring network. TAP files are exchanged through the Data Clearing house of the Host Network.

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1.1.9

Inbound Roaming Billing Process

For Inbound Roaming, customers are traveling into the network from the foreign networks and TAP files are exchanged through the Data Clearing house of Host Network. The billing process for Inbound Roaming is described in Figure 5.

Figure 5. RR Inbound Roaming Billing Process

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2. IMPLEMENTATION
The Implementation of the Roaming Replicator requires installing the Roaming Replicator box, then configure the Sponsor and the Sponsored network prior to production. Such Logistics include Roaming Replicator mappings and the foreign address mappings to be carried over in the Sponsor and the Sponsored network. The timelines are mutually agreed between the client and EDCH prior the implementation start. Emirates Data Clearing House P.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE marketing@edch.com www.edch.com Tel: +971 2 499 9444 Fax: +971 2 635 4663

3. CLIENT SUPPORT
EDCH offers 24/7 client support managed by highly dedicated employees specialized in supporting the Roaming Replicator.

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4. DOCUMENT REFERENCE
Document Description

GSMA IR.80 PRD

Open Connectivity Roaming Hub Model

5. GLOSSARY
Acronym GT MAP MGT SCCP RR Description Global Title Mobile Application Part Mobile Global Title Signaling Connection Control Part Roaming replicator

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6. APPENDIX ROAMING SCENARIOS

Roaming Scenarios (Outbound, Inbound) Location Update MT Call MO SMS MT SMS MO Call (Camel only) GPRS Location Update

6.1. APPENDIX A - INBOUND ROAMER REGISTRATION / LOCATION UPDATE

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6.2. APPENDIX B - MT CALL TO AN IN-ROAMER IN SPONSORED NETWORK

6.3. APPENDIX C - MT SMS TO AN IN-ROAMER IN SPONSORED NETWORK

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6.4. APPENDIX D - MO SMS BY A NON-ROAMING PARTNER SUBSCRIBER ROAMING IN SPONSORED NETWORK

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6.5. APPENDIX E - INBOUND ROAMER GPRS LOCATION UPDATE

6.6. APPENDIX F - MO CALL BY PREPAID INBOUND ROAMER

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6.7. APPENDIX G - OUTBOUND ROAMER REGISTRATION / LOCATION UPDATE

6.8. APPENDIX H - MT CALL TO A SPONSORED NETWORK SUBSCRIBER ROAMING IN NONPARTNER NETWORK (UK)

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6.9. APPENDIX I - MT SMS TO A SPONSORED NETWORK SUBSCRIBER ROAMING IN NONROAMING PARTNER NETWORK

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6.10. APPENDIX J - MO SMS BY A SPONSORED NETWORK SUBSCRIBER ROAMING IN NON-ROAMING PARTNER NETWORK

6.11. APPENDIX K - OUTBOUND ROAMER GPRS LOCATION UPDATE

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6.12. APPENDIX L - MO CALL BY PREPAID OUTBOUND ROAMER

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