USSD Messaging Center
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a GSM service that enables high-speed interactive communication between subscribers and applications.
The USSD server allows cellular operators to enhance their range of services and increase their data transmission rate thereby optimizing the use of their resources.
System Operation
A USSD session can be initiated by:
- customer – a subscriber sends a request to start USSD session. The application generates a response and sends it back to the customer.
- application – USSD application generates a message and sends it to a customer via USSD server.
USSD is a session-oriented technology where data exchange is performed within a single session, making USSD similar to IVR. The crucial difference is that voice channels between the application and the subscriber's handset are not involved in USSD.
CBOSSussd fully supports GSM USSD Phase I & II and includes all the standard USSD features. The system is built around the CBOSSin server, which allows the use of voice applications without any modifications.
Functionalities
- Inbound notification.
By following the system prompts, the subscriber posts USSD commands to get information on his account balance, payments, service rules, rates etc.
- Outbound notification
Feedback-enabled outbound notifications support ad-hoc marketing campaigns, TV votes etc. The session can only be initiated by a GSM Phase II-enabled USSD application.
- Service activation/deactivation
The activation or deactivation of services do not require any assistance from the operator. By following the system prompts a customer may add or remove services, suspend or reconnect his phone etc.
- WAP-like features
Today SIM card manufacturers offer solutions that enable text browsing based on inbuilt applications where SMS is used as a means of transport. In this environment, utilizing USSD considerably increases browsing speed.
Integration
Integration with billing systems, such as CBOSSbcc, CBOSSprepaid, CBOSSrtb, allows rating of the USSD services provided.
CBOSSussd integrates with various intelligent services providing them with USSD channels.
Integration with CBOSSprepaid and CBOSScallback allows CallBack-based roaming. To order a call, a subscriber sends a USSD command containing the CBOSScallback code and the destination number. If the call is allowed by CBOSSprepaid server, CBOSScallback establishes a connection between the caller and the called party. This system ensures the elimination of customer debt even for prepaid roamers.
Integration with voting systems such as CBOSSvote, allows the use of USSD channels to arrange marketing polls. In GSM Phase II the session may be initiated by a USSD application.
In addition, USSD may be used as a means of transport for the SIM Application Toolkit (S@T), powering a SIM card with menus for the many value-added services. As a result, CBOSSussd provides customers with intuitive access to any services independent of the service provider or the capabilities of the handset.
CBOSSussd provides USSD interface to such CBOSS Corporation products as CBOSSacc, CBOSSabd, CBOSSstc etc.
CBOSSussd also integrates with third-party applications via SMPP.
Benefits
- Faster response time
A single interactive session reduces the response time of the system to customer queries.
- Faster transaction time
The fact that there is no intermediate storage of USSD packets makes USSD transmission faster than SMS.
- Simplicity
The capability to use address books, one-button dialing and the fact that there is no need to browse phone menus to send a USSD command make USSD simpler and more convenient than SMS.
- Signaling links utilization
The crucial advantage of USSD over IVR is that no voice channels are occupied. The utilization of signaling links means free voice channels and reduced load on IVR.
- USSD traffic control
CBOSSussd ensures the comprehensive control of USSD traffic. USSD requests are routed via HLR allowing an operator to control such traffic. This enables a range of USSD-based services, which are otherwise difficult to implement such as CBOSScallback-based roaming.
