Vi and Ericsson complete one of the world’s largest Charging consolidation programs in India

· Vodafone Idea (Vi) becomes one of the largest customers for Ericsson Charging integrated with Ericsson Policy

· Vi to offer new advanced product offerings using the Ericsson Charging solution, consolidating three different existing charging systems

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced the successful completion of the charging consolidation program for the leading telecom operator, Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL), replacing three existing Online Charging Solutions (OCS) with Ericsson Charging as the single OCS solution across India. The program is one of the industry’s largest successful installations of this type to date globally. This consolidated online charging solution with integrated data policy architecture enables faster product launches and better, more efficient ways of working.

With this, Vi now has a simplified prepaid charging stack, which brings uniformity of architecture in Charging and data Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), customer experience, life cycle management, product modelling and configuration, features and functions. The solution takes advantage of the pre-integration of Ericsson Charging and Ericsson Policy portfolio (in this case Ericsson Service Aware Policy Controller).

Implemented through the pandemic, the project is one of the first-of-its-kind globally and enabled migration and consolidation for over 300 million Vi subscribers capacity on Ericsson Charging system. The sheer volume of subscribers migrated in this consolidation project makes it one of the largest global reference cases. With this solution implementation, Vi has consolidated all other OCS to Ericsson Charging.

The project successfully navigated risks and complexities across multi-vendor network integrations and IT integrations, enabling streamlining and rationalization of business configurations. With a unified architecture and solution for integrated charging and data policy, the consolidated solution empowers Vi to launch new products faster with more efficiency as well as with the agility to meet the demands of today’s digital environment and future business needs more effectively. The implemented solution provides a single system for offer creation and user communication leading to simplified provisioning and consistency. The architecture setup not only simplifies Vi’s operations but also enhances the end customer experience.

Jagbir Singh, CTO, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “Vi successfully managed the one of the world’s largest telecom network integration to set up a pan-India data network covering over 1 Bn Indians. As part of our integration, we collaborated with Ericsson for the massive Charging consolidation project enabling us to have uniformity in architecture and simplified operations. This future proof and flexible solution will not only enhance customer experience but will also enable us to launch new products and services at a faster pace. In addition, this solution enables us to control credit while letting users control their costs through flexible packaging, bonuses and discounts.”

Amarjeet Singh, Vice President, Sales, West India, Ericsson, says: “Ericsson’s end-to-end network and IT experience combined with our deep understanding of customer specific needs enables us to offer tailored solutions to Vi. These solutions enable Vi not only to capture and secure revenue streams but also take advantage of new digital business opportunities. Ericsson Charging will help Vi reduce its OPEX, create new advanced product offerings and superior customer experience.”

Ericsson Charging is a scalable, flexible BSS solution with a strong user-experience focus and future-proof product roadmap, enabling real-time convergent charging, policy control, decoupling and fast service creation

NOTES TO EDITORS:

5G monetization to improve top line revenue capture - Ericsson

Ericsson Service Aware Policy Controller

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the business areas Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

About Vodafone Idea Limited:

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G, 4G and has a 5G ready platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”.

For more information, please visit: www.myvi.in