Link2One. Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will we be able to increase our roaming revenues by joining the Link2One Hub?
    Yes. Once you have implemented the necessary technical and billing & transfer information related to each of the members, and vice versa, you will be able to receive roamers from all the Link2One operators. Your subscribers will have access to all the member networks and increased roaming will result.
  • How much time does it take to implement the technical and billing & transfer data mentioned in the previous question?
    It takes around 3 hours per operator connected to the Roaming Hub. This implementation will then be checked and some simple IREG and TADIG tests will be performed. The service is then ready for use.
  • What services are available?
    The services already in place in the first phase are Voice, CAMEL, GPRS/3G/HSPDA, SMS IW and VAS.
  • Can we establish CAMEL and/or GPRS/3G/HSDPA services through Link2One without the voice service?
    GPRS/3G/HSDPA can be managed through the Hub independently of voice services, but you will need agreement with each VPMN to ensure functionality. CAMEL can only be delivered when voice services are also delivered via the Hub.
  • What is the pricing model? Is it by subscription, a monthly fee, revenue sharing or what?
    Link2One charges a connection and a fixed monthly fee. In addition, there is a service charge based on the level of roaming traffic via the Hub. This charge is not connected in any way with the IOT charged by the visited network.
  • How is settlement accomplished? Is it done bilaterally with operators or only via Link2One?
    Link2One eliminates the need for time-consuming bilateral settlement. Instead, each member will receive a monthly invoice for the Link2One service and a separate invoice for roaming traffic. If required, roaming traffic can be specified on an operator-by-operator basis.
  • What network tests will be done and are they done bilaterally between operators or do we only perform one test with the Hub? If the latter is the case, is the "outbound MOC home" test item in the VPMN performed by the IREG of the VPMN?
    The different services between operators connected to the Hub will be tested using the standard documents of the GSM Association (IR.24, IR.27, IR.35, IR.32, IR.60...), both for IREG and TADIG purposes, although they can be simplified (only a few test cases are necessary). The Hub will be responsible for ensuring that all necessary testing is carried out and these tests will be performed by an Automatic Testing System or by the operator if the system is not available.
  • How will signalling be supported?
    All that is required is one SCCP connection through the Hub. Bilateral SCCP connections with each VPMN are no longer necessary.
  • Do I have to change my SCCP provider?
    A change in your SCCP provider is not needed. You will only need to ask for connection to the Link2One network in order to reach the Roaming Hub platform.
  • Can an MVNO connect to the Link2One Hub?
    Yes. An MVNO can connect to the Hub to gain extra (roaming out) coverage.
  • Is Link2One a fully transparent service?
    Yes. You know exactly where your roamer is registered and, for inbound roaming, you know the identity of the IMSIs registered in your network through the Hub platform.
  • Do we still need to subscribe to a GRX provider for data roaming?
    Link2One is not a substitute for GRX. This means that each operator still needs to contract services from a GRX provider.
  • We have contracted for Dual IMSI solutions. Is this compatible with Link2One?
    In general, it is not possible to have both services for the same destination. When you connect to a roaming partner through Link2One, you must block the Dual IMSI service for that particular roaming partner. All others can co-exist.
  • Will it be possible, in the future, to change a roaming relationship from Link2One to bilateral?
    Yes, there is absolutely no problem. You are in full control of all your roaming relationships and can establish them exactly as you want to, either bilaterally or through the Hub.
  • And now, just the opposite: we have decided to move a bilateral roaming relationship to connection via Link2One. Is this possible?
    Again, yes. There is absolutely no problem - you are in control.
  • We have our own portfolio of roaming tools. Are they going to be affected if we use the Roaming Hub?
    No, operators can use their existing roaming tools in the same way as they do for bilateral roaming relationships.
  • Do we need any special handset for using Link2One?
    No. As with bilateral roaming, you just need to check the frequency band of the visited operator, GSM 850, 900, 1800 or 1900 and/or 3G, in order to provide your customers with the right handset.
  • Do we have to know the legal address of each connected roaming partner for invoicing?
    No. L2O maintains the AA.14 agreements and will extract information from member AA.14's.
  • How are IOT negotiations handled between Hub users?
    Link2One does not get involved in IOT issues. Operators agree IOTs and these are completely unaffected by Link2One Hub operations.
  • Will subscribing to Link2One reduce our signalling costs?
    No. The Roaming Hub is not a substitute for your SS7 carrier and your SS7 costs will increase in line with the increased traffic generated by Link2One.
  • Is the Hub able to take care of Mobile Number Portability? If so, how?
    The Roaming Hub functionality does not interfere with any change/analysis based on the MSISDN of the roamer. This means that MNP has to be handled in the HPMN just like in a bilateral relationship.
  • What are the fraud thresholds on test SIM cards?
    As with bilateral roaming agreements, operators must define appropriate usage thresholds for test SIM cards. It is important to have efficient management control over all SIM cards as these represent a major fraud risk.
  • Does the location of IREG testing mean that MTCs will be incurred?
    The location of all testing is the VPMN and a large number of different events will appear in the test files. As all testing is initiated from Europe, we expect MTCs to be waived or charged on a limited basis. Some operators in other parts of the world may impose extra costs.
  • Does the Hub support USSD?
    Yes.
  • We understand that the Hub supports CAMEL phases 1,2,3 ... but how does it deal with the variations of different vendors?
    The platform is able to manage all 3 CAMEL phases but it depends on what the VPMN supports. We can provide information about what other operators support but, as is the case for bilateral roaming, we can't interfere.
  • What is the guarantee that all the operators connected to Link2One will accept traffic exchange with the other members? If we connect and only 10 out of 100 destinations open traffic, what is the benefit of joining?
    Link2One cannot enforce network opening. But it is in the interests of all the users of the Link2One Hub to facilitate roaming with as many partners as possible to generate additional revenue.