Test call generators (TCGs) are revenue assurance solutions that replicate events on a telecoms network to identify potential revenue leakage and to help achieve regulatory compliance. Both cellular and fixed-line telecom operators utilise test call generators to independently test their networks for call detail record (CDR) reconciliation and validate call start-time/duration metering and telecommunications rating. TCGs are mission-critical tools utilised by telecom operator revenue assurance departments to improve revenue capture and to validate network integrity.
Revenue assurance and test call generators
Cellular and fixed line network testing Test call generators have the capability to test both GSM and fixed-line networks through utilising various hardware components. The components of a TCG system consists of both hardware and software, the key components are defined as:
Test call generation – revenue assurance call testing
TCG's are utilised by telecom operators to consolidate revenue assurance strategies. They provide automated testing by executing live calls on the operators network to identify potential network performance issues and revenue leakage. TCGs produce independent rated CDRs that are reconciled against the operators CDRs to validate CDR integrity and to ultimately uncover lost revenue. Some of the services that TCGs provide are:
- Real-time testing for multiple call and data services e.g. voice, SMS, MMS, HTTP, mobile TV, video calling, content download (games, ringtones..)
- End to end call detail record reconciliation (from switch to billing)
- Verification testing of new tariffs
- CDR matching reconciliation
- Call rating validation for interconnect and retail billing
- Regulatory compliance testing (Ofcom/Sarbanes-Oxley)
- Network performance testing to validate new network components