Global SIM Box Detection Service
Global SIM Box Detection Service is a new product at TGS. The product is aimed at Mobile Operators (MNO’s) and is directly linked to International Gateway Bypass, which is a growing problem for Mobile Operators. It is also one of the most severe threats to revenue and quality of service. The SIM Box Detection Service aims to detect the fraud related MSISDN’s and prevent them from being used for further bypass activity.
What is International Gateway Bypass?
International Gateway Bypass works by having multiple SIM Cards installed into GSM Gateways (SIM Boxes). The SIM Box is sited within range of a radio antenna and is used to connect inbound international calls to the destination network. This allows the international calls to be terminated as domestic calls and therefore charged at retail prices.
The Fraudsters sell their routes to the wholesale voice market and make considerable profit from global inbound traffic generated through a variety of low-quality voice services.
Who does this concern?
The effects of International Gateway bypass are felt by both Mobile Operators and their end-customers.
Financial Loss
The clear financial loser is the Mobile Operator terminating the call. International calls are being terminated at local retail rates, which together with high traffic volumes results in heavy revenue losses.
Quality Loss
1. Poor Quality of service (QoS)
SIM boxes redirect calls over inadequate, highly compressed IP connections. This results in poor voice quality and call setup times being too long.
2. Caller ID
The Caller ID (CLI) is usually missing or incorrect, which means calls may not be accepted, or customers cannot return “missed calls.”
3. Undermining Roaming Services
Roaming Quality is being disrupted. Both Inbound and Outbound Roamers suffer because of poor quality and lack of access to value added-services such as Voicemail.
Quality loss means more financial loss
Customers who experience poor quality of service from the operator will inevitably use their services less. This results in further revenue losses and the possibility of even losing subscribers.
Detect, Defend and Deter SIM Box Fraud
Telenor Global Services offers a SIM Box Detection service which will protect Mobile Operators from revenue losses.
The detection is done using a sophisticated test call application which can simulate international calls from around the world over a wide variety of voice services. The results are traced via a probe installed in the client’s network. Immediate analysis of results are reported back to the client who will be informed of the MSISDN belonging to the SIM Card being used for international gateway bypass.
The client can defend itself from the MSISDN’s identified on its network by blocking them, thus preventing them from continued use for bypass activities.
The service is designed to continuously monitor the fraudsters’ actions and will adapt detection methods to eventually deter SIM Box Operations.
Normal Routing of Voice Calls
The “International Carrier” can be licensed Voice Hubs or a direct interconnection between two networks in separate countries. There will be a legal agreement in place to allow traffic to be exchanged.
Fraudulent Routing of Voice Calls
Calls are normally converted to IP and will be routed to a GSM gateway. The GSM gateway will convert the calls to seem like they originated from a mobile network in Country B. This kind of arrangement bypasses the destination Mobile Operators normal international gateway and is established without their prior consent or knowledge.
Cost-Effective Solution
SIM Box Detection service is brought to you by an experienced Carrier who understands the importance of quality and the need to protect revenues. Mobile Operators can increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction
.