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.......................................................................................................... 4 2.Service Description ............................................................................................. 5 2.1.Service Options ........................................................................................... 6 2.2.Reports ........................................................................................................ 8 3.Implementation .................................................................................................. 10 3.1.Guidelines ................................................................................................. 10 4.Client support .................................................................................................... 11 5.Related Services ............................................................................................... 12 6.Document Reference ........................................................................................ 13 7.Glossary ............................................................................................................ 13

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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

Fraud is a growing concern in the telecommunication industry. Operators are losing billions of revenue each year due to telecommunication fraud. Roaming Fraud in particular has contributed 24% of overall

telecommunication fraud worldwide according to a report done by GSMA back in 2008. And since then this number has increased and has affected many operators.

Fraud techniques have become more sophisticated, which has rendered methods such as High Usage Reports (HUR) obsolete. As a response, GSMA released a mandate that all operators must stop using HUR and start implementing NRTRDE by October 1, 2012.

Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange (NRTRDE) is a procedure that allows operators to efficiently exchange roaming data with their roaming partners. This will enable HPMN to monitor roaming call records in near real time and have an active role in preventing fraud.

EDCH offers a complete solution in implementing NRTRDE. We will facilitate the exchange of NRTRDE data between you and your roaming partner, while you focus your attention in addressing fraud. We also provide raw data conversion, customized notifications and specialized reports that will help your transition from HUR to NRTRDE.

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1. INTRODUCTION
Many operators have at some point encountered an incident regarding roaming fraud. And each occurrence is an expense that quickly accumulates to become a serious opportunity loss.

Organized fraud groups have made a business out of roaming fraud. For instance, it is easy for anyone to illegally acquire an international postpaid subscription and make fraudulent calls to numbers with high termination costs without the intention to pay. These calls can then be routed to international carriers through an audio text service provider and revenue from these calls is shared with the fraudulent caller. Fraudsters maximize their illicit gains by making high volume calls before calls are detected and suspended by the HPMN. By the time the calls are suspended, the fraudster would have already made a large profit at the expense of the HPMN.

CDR

Calls Rated

TAP

Send

VPMN

HUR

Send

NRTRDE

Send

Figure 1: NRTRDE sends data faster and more efficient than HUR.

GSMA has deemed HUR ineffective in preventing modern methods of roaming fraud. This the reason why HUR is no longer supported by GSMA as of October 1, 2012.

Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange (NRTRDE) is a procedure that allows operators to efficiently exchange roaming data with their roaming partners. This will enable HPMN to monitor roaming call records in near real time and have an active role in preventing fraud.

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HPMN

2. SERVICE DESCRIPTION
EDCH offers a complete solution in implementing NRTRDE. We will facilitate the exchange of NRTRDE data between you and your roaming partner, while you focus your attention in addressing fraud. We also provide raw data conversion, customized notifications and specialized reports that will help your transition from HUR to NRTRDE.

1 Hour

36 Hours HUR NRTRDE Solution

Figure 2: NRTRDE solution has a shorter timeframe in contrast to HUR.

NRTRDE has a shorter timeframe to process data, which makes it a better alternative to HUR. NRTRDE files are call records that are not rated. This enables VPMN to send NRTRDE files independent of TAP. NRTRDE only requires a minimum of 1 hour while HUR needs 36 hours for data to be exchanged.

NRTRDE process allows roaming data to be exchanged between operators in near real time. It is the responsibility of the VPMN to send roaming data to HPMN between 1 to 4 hours. Otherwise, if VPMN fails to send data within the 4 hour deadline, it will be held liable. This provides HPMN the ability to closely monitor call records for any potential fraud.

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2.1. SERVICE OPTIONS

Choose from the following NRTRDE service options.

1. EDCH Standard NRTRDE Implementation This is the standard implementation process of NRTRDE according to TD.35 as mandated by GSMA. This includes NRTRDE file validation, processing and transfer.

2. NRTRDE IN (Client Import) If the client cannot read NRTRDE data, EDCH will convert these files according to the clients specified format. This includes NRTRDE file validation, processing and transfer. Conversion methods: NRTRDE to Client Propriety Format (CPF) NRTRDE to TAP NRTRDE to HUR

3. NRTRDE OUT (Client Export) If the client is unable to send NRTRDE files, EDCH can convert clients raw data to NRTRDE on their behalf. This includes CDR filtering and segregation. Conversion methods: Switch CDR (RAW) to NRTRDE Mediation CDR to NRTRDE TAP to NRTRDE Client Propriety Format (CPF) to NRTRDE

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4. Rating If the client requires that their NRTRDE records are to be rated, EDCH can do this on their behalf through the following methods: NRTRDE Out and NRTRDE In records are rated according to their InterOperator Tariff (IOT) agreement on their AA.14. Intelligent rating of NRTRDE In records are rated according to clients IOT Zoning (Specialized IOT) request.

Note: Rating records will require an additional 1 hour to process NRTRDE files.

5. Customized Services Customized Reports. Once NRTRDE files are validated, reports can be customized according to the Clients specification.

Validation Reports according to NRTRDE files. If errors are detected, clients are immediately notified with the corresponding validation report that outlines the details causing the error. This will help facilitate in correcting the file. This is available for NRTRDE In and NRTRDE Out.

Automatic Removal Service. Erroneous records within an NRTRDE file can be automatically removed in behalf of the Client. This is only applicable for NRTRDE Out.

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2.2. REPORTS

The following reports are standard in all the NRTRDE service options:

1. NRTRDE File Delivery Report (FDR) EDCH sends this report to VPMN that indicates the date and time NRTRDE files were successfully delivered. If in the case that no NRTRDE files were received, an FDR will still need be sent.

Figure 3: Sample File Delivery Report (FDR)

2. Web Reporting Clients can also view these data and their status through EDCH Online. Below are some standard online reports. Daily Incoming and Outgoing NRTRDE file report. NRTRDE Error Report rejected report. Call Summary report daily and monthly. Delayed Report summary and file wise daily and monthly Monthly transaction report of incoming and outgoing NRTRDE files. Rated calls summary report operator wise for each service daily and monthly. Operator wise summary report.

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3. NRTRDE Error Report (NER) This report is only sent from EDCH to VPMN if NRTRDE files do not follow the format as per TD.35.

Figure 4: Sample NRTRDE Error Report (NER)

4. Customized HURs, Reports and Alerts EDCH also provides customized alerts and summary reports in the form of HUR that meets the needs of the client.

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3. IMPLEMENTATION
To avail of this service, operators should contact EDCH Account Manager to make arrangements for implementation. 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

Requirements: 1. Internet link with Public IP address. 2. VPN compatible device to establish VPN link between EDCH and Client. 3. Dedicated FTP server.

Note: Existing VPN link between Client and EDCH can be used. Additional VPN link for backup is available.

3.1. GUIDELINES

The frequency of file transmission may vary from operator to operator. Kindly refer to the following guidelines:

All call records must strictly follow TD.35 format. NRTRDE files that do not follow TD.35 format will be flagged as having a Fatal Error and will be rejected. If erroneous records are found within a NRTRDE file, then it is tagged as having a Severe Error and will be sent back to VPMN for revisions. VPMN will be held accountable for any fraud loss incurred caused by incorrect format of files.

It is ideal to send files 1 hour from the call end time or within the 4 hour timeframe. If the 4 hour deadline is not met, VPMN is liable for any fraud loss incurred during those times as stated in FF.18.

Files must contain enough data to generate conclusive results. FF.18 recommends that files must at least have 5 to 15 minutes worth of call records to have a workable data. Earlier than this, files may not have enough data to generate conclusive reports.

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No need to send empty files. In case no CDRs are generated beyond 4 hours, VPMN is not required to send NRTRDE files to HPMN. A File Delivery Report will need to be sent.

VPMN must transmit NRTRDE data continuously. VPMN is required to support NRTRDE end-to-end process 24 hours, 7 days a week.

VPMN must immediately notify HPMN if it is unable to send files. In case of transmission failure or VPMN is unable to deliver NRTRDE data in the 4 hour timeframe, VPMN should immediately notify HPMN and send these files once connection has been restored.

It is important to send NRTRDE File Delivery Report and NRTRDE Error Repot every day. These reports document each step of NRTRDE process and they are essential evidence in making fraud claims and justifications. As specified in FF.18, these reports are transferred to the visited network or its vendor using the same exchange mechanism as the NRTRDE files. TD.35 defines these reports as CSV files and specifies the format of the reports. These mandatory reports must be provided to the visited network or its vendor within the timeframes specified in BA.08.

4. CLIENT SUPPORT
EDCH has a support team of dedicated and highly-qualified professionals that is ready to assist you 24/7 on any concerns regarding NRTRDE.

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5. RELATED SERVICES
RAP Handling Returned Account Procedure provides an automated method for handling incorrect TAP Data without delaying valid chargeable data. EDCH provides full implementation of a GSMA standardized RAP procedure on behalf of our clients. This procedure is integrated in the processing of all TAP3 format files. EDCH offers a total solution including RAP file generation, processing, exchange and reporting. It also includes RAP resubmission and reconciliation. IOT Check Inter-Operator Tariff Check is a facility that ensures that TAP records are charged according to the correct and updated IOT rate. The IOT check facility is a strong tool for revenue assurance that ensures files sent from and received by our clients contain valid charges, in accordance with the AA.14 and the special agreements agreed between the client and their roaming partner. Auto Removal Service EDCH offers an Auto Removal Service that automatically removes erroneous records within a TAP OUT file. This will allow valid records to be processed immediately while invalid records are reported back to the client for correction. Revised records will be resent through the next TAP OUT file. EDCH Online The EDCH Online website provides real tim e access to operators roaming business data. Having a strong insight into an operators roaming business is crucial in todays highly competitive environment. The many challenges and opportunities, such as steering, fraud, churn and frequent tariff updates, require a rich yet comprehensible reporting system. EDCH is in an ideal position to support operators increasingly sophisticated reporting needs, due to our experience of processing and extracting key information from roaming billing data.

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6. DOCUMENT REFERENCE
Document PRD AA.14 PRD BA.08 PRD BA.20 PRD FF.17 PRD FF.18 PRD TD.35 PRD TD.57 Description International Roaming Agreement Individual Annexes Timescales for Data Transfer Roaming Fraud Prevention Procedures and Liability International Revenue Share Fraud Near Real-Time Roaming Data Exchange Business Requirements NRTRDE Format for Fraud Information Transferred Account Procedure data record format specification

7. GLOSSARY
Acronym CDR CSV FDR FF FMS FTP GPRS HPMN HUR IMSI IOT IP MOC MTC NER NRTRDE RAP RP TAP VPMN VPN Description Call Detail Record Comma Separated Values File Delivery Report Fraud Forum Fraud Management System File Transfer Protocol General Packet Radio Service Home Public Mobile Network High Usage Report International Mobile Subscriber Identify Inter Operator Tariff Internet Protocol Mobile Originated Call Mobile Terminated Call NRTRDE Error Report Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange Rejected Account Procedure Roaming Partner Transfer Account Procedure Visited Public Mobile Network Virtual Private Network

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