#telecom billing system

[commsal]

Streamlining Telecom Billing with SAP BRIM by Acuiti Labs

Acuiti Labs empowers telecom businesses with SAP BRIM to transform outdated telecom billing systems. Our solution automates mobile service invoicing, enhances telecommunication revenue management, and reduces revenue leakage—delivering scalability, transparency, and better customer experiences.

[digitalsolutionsfortelecos]

Major Signs You Need a Convergent Billing System

Billing challenges often signal deeper issues within an organization’s operational framework. For telecom providers and service-oriented businesses, managing multiple, disjointed billing systems can create a myriad of problems, from operational inefficiencies to customer dissatisfaction. As businesses scale and diversify their service offerings, the complexities of handling various billing processes can become overwhelming. Disparate systems can lead to inconsistencies, errors, and a lack of cohesive data analysis, all of which can hinder growth and impact revenue streams.

A convergent billing system presents a solution to these challenges by integrating all billing operations into a unified platform. This approach not only simplifies management but also enhances accuracy and efficiency, ultimately improving the customer experience and streamlining internal processes. By addressing the issues caused by fragmented billing systems, businesses can leverage the power of a convergent system to optimize operations and drive better financial outcomes.

Recognizing the Need for a Unified Billing Solution

Managing multiple, disparate billing systems can introduce significant inefficiencies. Each system operates in isolation, leading to duplicated efforts, inconsistencies, and errors. For businesses dealing with a diverse range of services and customers, this fragmentation can be a major obstacle to operational success. A convergent billing system offers a solution by consolidating all billing operations into a single, integrated platform. This approach not only enhances accuracy but also streamlines processes, reduces costs, and improves overall performance.

Key Indicators That Signal the Need for a Convergent Billing System

Fragmented Billing Processes

Handling billing through multiple systems often results in inconsistent practices and increased error rates. These fragmented processes can lead to duplicated efforts, revenue leakage, and operational inefficiencies. A convergent billing system integrates various billing functions into one platform, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of errors. This integration simplifies financial management and enhances operational efficiency.

Inconsistent Customer Experience

Customers today expect a seamless and transparent experience across all touchpoints. When billing information is scattered across different systems, it can create confusion and diminish the overall customer experience. A convergent mediation system delivers a consistent billing format and experience, which improves customer satisfaction. By providing a unified view of all charges and transactions, it simplifies the billing process and strengthens customer relationships.

High Operational Costs

Maintaining multiple billing systems incurs significant costs, including software licenses, maintenance contracts, and IT support. These expenses can add up, especially for large organizations. A convergent billing system consolidated billing operations, reducing the need for multiple systems and associated costs. This consolidation leads to substantial cost savings and allows businesses to allocate resources more effectively.

Slow Time-to-Market for New Services

Introducing new services can be slow and cumbersome when dealing with outdated or fragmented billing systems. Each system may require separate configurations and integrations, delaying time-to-market. A telecom digital BSS platform streamlines the process, enabling quicker deployment of new services. This flexibility allows businesses to respond rapidly to market changes and seize new opportunities.

Difficulty in Analyzing Billing Data

Fragmented billing systems can scatter data across various platforms, making comprehensive analysis challenging. This scattered approach limits the ability to gain actionable insights and optimize billing strategies. A convergent billing system centralizes data, providing a unified view that facilitates advanced analytics and reporting. This centralized data approach enhances visibility and supports strategic decision-making.

Compliance Challenges

Regulatory compliance is increasingly complex, especially when managing multiple billing systems. Each system may have different compliance protocols, increasing the risk of oversight. A convergent mediation system simplifies compliance by standardizing processes and integrating regulatory updates across all billing functions. This unified approach reduces the risk of non-compliance and ensures adherence to current regulations.

Integration Issues with Other Systems

Integrating multiple billing systems with other enterprise systems, such as CRM or ERP platforms, can be fraught with difficulties. Compatibility issues and data inconsistencies can arise, complicating integration efforts. A convergent billing system offers streamlined integration with other business systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and enhanced operational efficiency.

Limited Flexibility in Adapting to Market Changes

The telecom industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting customer preferences. Traditional billing systems often lack the agility required to keep pace with these changes. A convergent billing system provides the flexibility needed to adapt quickly to evolving market conditions and customer demands. Its scalable architecture supports new billing models and services, helping businesses stay competitive.

The Impact of Convergent Billing Systems

Implementing a convergent billingsystem can lead to an average reduction of 15-20% in operational costs and a 25% increase in billing accuracy, according to a report by Deloitte. (Source). These systems not only streamline billing operations but also contribute to significant cost savings and operational improvements. By consolidating billing functions into a single platform, businesses can enhance accuracy, reduce costs, and deliver a superior customer experience.

Embrace the Future with a Convergent Billing System

If your organization is experiencing inefficiencies, high costs, and customer dissatisfaction due to fragmented billing processes, it’s time to explore the benefits of a convergent billing system. This integrated solution offers a unified approach to billing, driving accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Embracing a convergent billing system positions your business for future growth and success in a competitive telecom market.

Is your billing system holding your business back? 

The convergent billing system of Canvas, digital BSS platform can revolutionize your operations. It streamlines billing processes and improves the bottom line. For a tailored solution that meets your needs, get in touch with 6D Technologies today and take the first step towards operational excellence.

To learn more about the convergent billing system of 6d Technologies, please visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/digital-bss/billing-and-invoicing/

[vindaloo-softtech]

Benefits of VoIP Billing Software and Tips to Choose the Right One for Your Business

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has become increasingly popular among businesses, enabling them to make phone calls over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines. This technology offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased flexibility, and enhanced communication capabilities. However, managing and billing VoIP services can be complex and time-consuming. This is where VoIP billing software comes in, providing businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing and billing VoIP services. In this article, we will explore the benefits of VoIP billing software and how it can help businesses streamline their billing processes.

What is VoIP Billing?

VoIP billing refers to the process of tracking and charging customers for their usage of VoIP services. VoIP billing systems help service providers manage their revenue streams by monitoring call usage, calculating fees, generating invoices, and processing payments. These systems support offers can be categorized as prepaid and or postpaid billing, and they come with features like call detail records, real-time billing, customer management, and billing analytics. VoIP billing aims to ensure accurate invoicing, reduce customer disputes, and improve customer satisfaction.

Benefits of VoIP Billing Software

Automation

Automation is one of the top reasons for having VoIP billing software in the VoIP softswitch solution. The software automates the billing process, eliminating the need for manual processes such as data entry, generating invoices, and tracking payments. Automation saves businesses time and money, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that invoices are accurate and sent out promptly. This automation also allows businesses to redirect their employees’ efforts to more value-added tasks. 

Accurate Billing

VoIP billing software ensures accurate billing by automatically calculating usage and generating invoices based on pre-defined rules. This eliminates billing errors and ensures that customers are charged correctly for their services. This feature ensures that there is transparency and fairness in billing, which can help to improve customer satisfaction. 

Centralized Customer Management

VoIP billing software provides businesses with a centralized platform for managing customer accounts, including call logs, payment history, and service usage. This enables businesses to provide better customer support and enhance customer satisfaction. Businesses can quickly identify the customer’s history and track their account details, which allows them to customize their services for each client’s needs. A better understanding of customer needs can lead to more targeted marketing and sales strategies, boosting customer retention. 

Improved Service Offering

VoIP billing software enables businesses to easily create and offer customized pricing plans, promotions, and discounts. This feature can help businesses attract and retain customers. Businesses can easily create pricing plans that cater to their customers’ specific needs, offering a more personalized service. Additionally, the software provides businesses with detailed analytics on service usage, enabling them to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. Better insights into service usage patterns can lead to more effective marketing and sales strategies. 

Better Resource Management

VoIP billing software provides businesses with insights into their service usage patterns, which allows them to manage resources more effectively. By analyzing usage patterns, businesses can identify areas of overuse or underuse and adjust their services accordingly. This can help to reduce costs by minimizing wastage of resources and maximizing their usage. 

Scalability

VoIP billing software is highly scalable, enabling businesses to scale their operations as they grow. The software can handle an increasing number of customers and services without compromising on performance or accuracy. As businesses grow, they can easily expand their services by adding new customers or offering new services. 

Integration

VoIP billing software can integrate with other systems used by the business, such as CRM software or accounting software. This integration can help businesses streamline their billing process and ensure consistency across all systems. This feature can also reduce the potential for human error by eliminating the need for manual data entry and reconciling data between systems. 

Data Analysis

VoIP billing software provides businesses with detailed analytics on service usage, enabling them to identify opportunities for improvement. By analyzing usage patterns, businesses can identify areas of inefficiency and adjust their services accordingly. For example, if a customer is overusing a particular service, the business can either adjust the service to better meet their needs or offer additional services that better meet their needs.

Who Uses VoIP Billing Solutions?

VoIP service providers include telecommunications companies, internet service providers, and resellers of VoIP services. These providers rely on VoIP billing systems to manage their billing and invoicing processes, as well as to track customer usage and generate reports to analyze business performance.

Telecom VoIP billing is a complex process that requires specialized software and expertise to ensure accurate billing.

Hosted VoIP billing systems are prevalent among small and medium-sized service providers, providing a cost-effective solution without expensive infrastructure.

VoIP billing solutions offer a range of benefits to service providers, including simplified billing processes, reduced errors, and detailed reporting and analytics that can help providers track revenue and manage customers more effectively. 

Overall, VoIP billing solutions are essential for any business offering VoIP services and can help providers streamline their operations, improve their services, and drive business success.

Tips for Choosing the Right VoIP Billing Software

Consider Your Business Needs

Before choosing a VoIP billing software, consider your business needs and requirements. Look for a software solution that provides the features and functionality you need to manage and bill VoIP services effectively. 

Evaluate the Software Features

VoIP billing software should provide essential features such as billing automation, call rating, and invoicing. Additionally, it should offer additional features such as analytics, customer management, and integration with other systems, such as CRM software. 

Check for Scalability

Choose a VoIP billing software that can scale as your business grows. Look for a software solution that can handle an increasing number of customers and services without compromising on performance or accuracy. 

Look for Integration Options

VoIP billing software should be compatible with other systems used by your business, such as CRM software or accounting software. This enables you to streamline your billing process and ensure consistency across all systems. 

Evaluate Customer Support

Choose a VoIP billing software provider that offers excellent customer support, including training, technical support, and regular updates. This ensures that you receive the necessary support and resources to use the software effectively and optimize your billing process. 

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, VoIP billing software can provide businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing and billing VoIP services, enabling them to save time, reduce costs, and increase revenue. By considering the tips above, businesses can choose the right VoIP billing software that meets their needs and enables them to manage and bill VoIP services effectively. Contact us today!

[mostlysignssomeportents]

China hacked Verizon, AT&T and Lumen using the FBI’s backdoor

On OCTOBER 23 at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

State-affiliated Chinese hackers penetrated AT&T, Verizon, Lumen and others; they entered their networks and spent months intercepting US traffic – from individuals, firms, government officials, etc – and they did it all without having to exploit any code vulnerabilities. Instead, they used the back door that the FBI requires every carrier to furnish:

https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/u-s-wiretap-systems-targeted-in-china-linked-hack-327fc63b?st=C5ywbp&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

In 1994, Bill Clinton signed CALEA into law. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act requires every US telecommunications network to be designed around facilitating access to law-enforcement wiretaps. Prior to CALEA, telecoms operators were often at pains to design their networks to resist infiltration and interception. Even if a telco didn't go that far, they were at the very least indifferent to the needs of law enforcement, and attuned instead to building efficient, robust networks.

Predictably, CALEA met stiff opposition from powerful telecoms companies as it worked its way through Congress, but the Clinton administration bought them off with hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies to acquire wiretap-facilitation technologies. Immediately, a new industry sprang into being; companies that promised to help the carriers hack themselves, punching back doors into their networks. The pioneers of this dirty business were overwhelmingly founded by ex-Israeli signals intelligence personnel, though they often poached senior American military and intelligence officials to serve as the face of their operations and liase with their former colleagues in law enforcement and intelligence.

Telcos weren't the only opponents of CALEA, of course. Security experts – those who weren't hoping to cash in on government pork, anyways – warned that there was no way to make a back door that was only useful to the "good guys" but would keep the "bad guys" out.

These experts were – then as now – dismissed as neurotic worriers who simultaneously failed to understand the need to facilitate mass surveillance in order to keep the nation safe, and who lacked appropriate faith in American ingenuity. If we can put a man on the moon, surely we can build a security system that selectively fails when a cop needs it to, but stands up to every crook, bully, corporate snoop and foreign government. In other words: "We have faith in you! NERD HARDER!"

NERD HARDER! has been the answer ever since CALEA – and related Clinton-era initiatives, like the failed Clipper Chip program, which would have put a spy chip in every computer, and, eventually, every phone and gadget:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipper_chip

America may have invented NERD HARDER! but plenty of other countries have taken up the cause. The all-time champion is former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who, when informed that the laws of mathematics dictate that it is impossible to make an encryption scheme that only protects good secrets and not bad ones, replied, "The laws of mathematics are very commendable, but the only law that applies in Australia is the law of Australia":

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-laws-of-australia-will-trump-the-laws-of-mathematics-turnbull/

CALEA forced a redesign of the foundational, physical layer of the internet. Thankfully, encryption at the protocol layer – in the programs we use – partially counters this deliberately introduced brittleness in the security of all our communications. CALEA can be used to intercept your communications, but mostly what an attacker gets is "metadata" ("so-and-so sent a message of X bytes to such and such") because the data is scrambled and they can't unscramble it, because cryptography actually works, unlike back doors. Of course, that's why governments in the EU, the US, the UK and all over the world are still trying to ban working encryption, insisting that the back doors they'll install will only let the good guys in:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/05/theyre-still-trying-to-ban-cryptography/

Any back door can be exploited by your adversaries. The Chinese sponsored hacking group know as Salt Typhoon intercepted the communications of hundreds of millions of American residents, businesses, and institutions. From that position, they could do NSA-style metadata-analysis, malware injection, and interception of unencrypted traffic. And they didn't have to hack anything, because the US government insists that all networking gear ship pre-hacked so that cops can get into it.

This isn't even the first time that CALEA back doors have been exploited by a hostile foreign power as a matter of geopolitical skullduggery. In 2004-2005, Greece's telecommunications were under mass surveillance by US spy agencies who wiretapped Greek officials, all the way up to the Prime Minister, in order to mess with the Greek Olympic bid:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_wiretapping_case_2004%E2%80%9305

This is a wild story in so many ways. For one thing, CALEA isn't law in Greece! You can totally sell working, secure networking gear in Greece, and in many other countries around the world where they have not passed a stupid CALEA-style law. However the US telecoms market is so fucking huge that all the manufacturers build CALEA back doors into their gear, no matter where it's destined for. So the US has effectively exported this deliberate insecurity to the whole planet – and used it to screw around with Olympic bids, the most penny-ante bullshit imaginable.

Now Chinese-sponsored hackers with cool names like "Salt Typhoon" are traipsing around inside US telecoms infrastructure, using the back doors the FBI insisted would be safe.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/07/foreseeable-outcomes/#calea

Image: Kris Duda, modified https://www.flickr.com/photos/ahorcado/5433669707/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

[ptseti]

Jesse Russell: The Hidden Architect of the Cell Phone Revolution When we talk about game-changers in technology, names like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dominate the conversation. But one name that deserves recognition is Jesse Russell, a pioneering engineer whose innovations laid the foundation for the modern cell phone. Born in Nashville in 1948, Russell’s brilliance took him from Tennessee State University to AT&T Bell Labs, where he became the first African American Director of AT&T’s Cellular Telecommunication Lab. His groundbreaking work led to the development of the first digital cellular base station, a critical advancement that made wireless communication more efficient and accessible. Before Russell, mobile networks relied on bulky analog systems with limited capacity. His innovations in digital cellular technology revolutionized mobile communication, allowing for the widespread adoption of cell phones we rely on today. Despite his monumental contributions, Russell’s name is often left out of tech history. His work didn’t just change the telecom industry—it changed how we connect with the world. So next time you make a call or send a text, remember the unsung innovator who helped make it possible. Jesse Russell isn’t just a name in history—he’s a legacy in every pocket.

[omgmaxsmith-blog]

Can Open Source Integration Services Speed Up Response Time in Legacy Systems?

Legacy systems are still a key part of essential business operations in industries like banking, logistics, telecom, and manufacturing. However, as these systems get older, they become less efficient—slowing down processes, creating isolated data, and driving up maintenance costs. To stay competitive, many companies are looking for ways to modernize without fully replacing their existing systems. One effective solution is open-source integration, which is already delivering clear business results.

Why Faster Response Time Matters

System response time has a direct impact on business performance. According to a 2024 IDC report, improving system response by just 1.5 seconds led to a 22% increase in user productivity and a 16% rise in transaction completion rates. This means increased revenue, customer satisfaction as well as scalability in industries where time is of great essence.

Open-source integration is prominent in this case. It can minimize latency, enhance data flow and make process automation easier by allowing easier communication between legacy systems and more modern applications. This makes the systems more responsive and quick.

Key Business Benefits of Open-Source Integration

Lower Operational Costs

Open-source tools like Apache Camel and Mule eliminate the need for costly software licenses. A 2024 study by Red Hat showed that companies using open-source integration reduced their IT operating costs by up to 30% within the first year.

Real-Time Data Processing

Traditional legacy systems often depend on delayed, batch-processing methods. With open-source platforms using event-driven tools such as Kafka and RabbitMQ, businesses can achieve real-time messaging and decision-making—improving responsiveness in areas like order fulfillment and inventory updates.

Faster Deployment Cycles: Open-source integration supports modular, container-based deployment. The 2025 GitHub Developer Report found that organizations using containerized open-source integrations shortened deployment times by 43% on average. This accelerates updates and allows faster rollout of new services.

Scalable Integration Without Major Overhauls

Open-source frameworks allow businesses to scale specific parts of their integration stack without modifying the core legacy systems. This flexibility enables growth and upgrades without downtime or the cost of a full system rebuild.

Industry Use Cases with High Impact

Banking

Integrating open-source solutions enhances transaction processing speed and improves fraud detection by linking legacy banking systems with modern analytics tools.

Telecom

Customer service becomes more responsive by synchronizing data across CRM, billing, and support systems in real time.

Manufacturing

Real-time integration with ERP platforms improves production tracking and inventory visibility across multiple facilities.

Why Organizations Outsource Open-Source Integration

Most internal IT teams lack skills and do not have sufficient resources to manage open-source integration in a secure and efficient manner. Businesses can also guarantee trouble-free setup and support as well as improved system performance by outsourcing to established providers. Top open-source integration service providers like Suma Soft, Red Hat Integration, Talend, TIBCO (Flogo Project), and Hitachi Vantara offer customized solutions. These help improve system speed, simplify daily operations, and support digital upgrades—without the high cost of replacing existing systems.

[theculturedmarxist]

Every single "oh please OH PLEASE get out and vote they're so important 🥺" post I see just drips with idealist nonsense. They have no idea how politics work. They have no idea how their government works. They have no idea how political parties work.

Absent an overarching political program, none of this bullshit matters. You can vote and vote and vote, and it doesn't fucking matter one single fucking bit because as long as you're voting for a bourgeois party, you're never, not ever, going to get what you want.

The Republican and Democratic parties are political machines designed to generate outcomes favorable to their donors. Unless you're a millionaire, they don't give a shit about you or what you want, because what you want is diametrically opposed to what millionaires and billionaires want, which is to keep all the misery and oppression of society in place, so that they can keep on being rich and powerful.

Let me give you an example. The USA has some of the worst internet in the world. It's already dogshit if you live in a city, and outside city limits it drops off a cliff and gets worse the further out you go. This was supposed to be fixed when the federal government provided the telecoms with huge subsidies to go out and build rural internet. Instead they took the money and just didn't do that, because it's a lot more profitable to just take the fucking money and then pay whatever piddling penalty they might get slapped with.

Mount Airy, NC, decided to do something about it. They built their own municipal broadband. It was the cheapest and fastest internet in the state, and probably still is. Time Warner Cable got wind of it and did what they usually do: lobby the government to keep competition down. They got what they wanted. The shiteating state assembly passed a law basically making municipal broadband impossible, and the shiteating blue governor Bev Perdue did nothing to stop it, because she's a bourgeois whore just like everyone else in the party.

More recently, Charlotte tried to pass a "bathroom bill" giving trans people the right to use the fucking bathroom, and hardly a day later Raleigh overrode it with their own dick hogging law (which also prevented localities from setting wage requirements for contract workers).

The two parties aren't local, or regional, or federal, they're systemic. Voting for them at the local level, even if they're "progressive," just reinforces the entire rotten apparatus. Because when push comes to shove, those local "progressives" you voted for will do as they're fucking told, or else they'll get primaried by "their own" party. Even if you do manage to swing, say, a state with progressive candidates, they'll just get ratfucked by the party apparatchiks, like they did in Nevada where "progressives and socialists" won, only for party operatives to rob them, then quit.

The entire system is fucking rotten and it can't be reformed from the inside, by design. You can't use it to vote for a better world, because making sure that wasn't an option was the entire point from the fucking beginning.

You're going to either resign yourself to the fact that you need to get your fucking hands dirty, or vote yourself into your grave.

[infinitywebinfopvtltd]

Eko API Integration: A Comprehensive Solution for Money Transfer, AePS, BBPS, and Money Collection

The financial services industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the need for seamless digital solutions that cater to a diverse customer base. Eko, a prominent fintech platform in India, offers a suite of APIs designed to simplify and enhance the integration of various financial services, including Money Transfer, Aadhaar-enabled Payment Systems (AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), and Money Collection. This article delves into the process and benefits of integrating Eko’s APIs to offer these services, transforming how businesses interact with and serve their customers.

Understanding Eko's API Offerings

Eko provides a powerful set of APIs that enable businesses to integrate essential financial services into their digital platforms. These services include:

Money Transfer (DMT)

Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)

Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

Money Collection

Each of these services caters to different needs but together they form a comprehensive financial toolkit that can significantly enhance a business's offerings.

1. Money Transfer API Integration

Eko’s Money Transfer API allows businesses to offer domestic money transfer services directly from their platforms. This API is crucial for facilitating quick, secure, and reliable fund transfers across different banks and accounts.

Key Features:

Multiple Transfer Modes: Support for IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), and RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), ensuring flexibility for various transaction needs.

Instant Transactions: Enables real-time money transfers, which is crucial for businesses that need to provide immediate service.

Security: Strong encryption and authentication protocols to ensure that every transaction is secure and compliant with regulatory standards.

Integration Steps:

API Key Acquisition: Start by signing up on the Eko platform to obtain API keys for authentication.

Development Environment Setup: Use the language of your choice (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js) and integrate the API according to the provided documentation.

Testing and Deployment: Utilize Eko's sandbox environment for testing before moving to the production environment.

2. Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) API Integration

The AePS API enables businesses to provide banking services using Aadhaar authentication. This is particularly valuable in rural and semi-urban areas where banking infrastructure is limited.

Key Features:

Biometric Authentication: Allows users to perform transactions using their Aadhaar number and biometric data.

Core Banking Services: Supports cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and mini statements, making it a versatile tool for financial inclusion.

Secure Transactions: Ensures that all transactions are securely processed with end-to-end encryption and compliance with UIDAI guidelines.

Integration Steps:

Biometric Device Integration: Ensure compatibility with biometric devices required for Aadhaar authentication.

API Setup: Follow Eko's documentation to integrate the AePS functionalities into your platform.

User Interface Design: Work closely with UI/UX designers to create an intuitive interface for AePS transactions.

3. Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) API Integration

The BBPS API allows businesses to offer bill payment services, supporting a wide range of utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, and telecom.

Key Features:

Wide Coverage: Supports bill payments for a vast network of billers across India, providing users with a one-stop solution.

Real-time Payment Confirmation: Provides instant confirmation of bill payments, improving user trust and satisfaction.

Secure Processing: Adheres to strict security protocols, ensuring that user data and payment information are protected.

Integration Steps:

API Key and Biller Setup: Obtain the necessary API keys and configure the billers that will be available through your platform.

Interface Development: Develop a user-friendly interface that allows customers to easily select and pay their bills.

Testing: Use Eko’s sandbox environment to ensure all bill payment functionalities work as expected before going live.

4. Money Collection API Integration

The Money Collection API is designed for businesses that need to collect payments from customers efficiently, whether it’s for e-commerce, loans, or subscriptions.

Key Features:

Versatile Collection Methods: Supports various payment methods including UPI, bank transfers, and debit/credit cards.

Real-time Tracking: Allows businesses to track payment statuses in real-time, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Automated Reconciliation: Facilitates automatic reconciliation of payments, reducing manual errors and operational overhead.

Integration Steps:

API Configuration: Set up the Money Collection API using the detailed documentation provided by Eko.

Payment Gateway Integration: Integrate with preferred payment gateways to offer a variety of payment methods.

Testing and Monitoring: Conduct thorough testing and set up monitoring tools to track the performance of the money collection service.

The Role of an Eko API Integration Developer

Integrating these APIs requires a developer who not only understands the technical aspects of API integration but also the regulatory and security requirements specific to financial services.

Skills Required:

Proficiency in API Integration: Expertise in working with RESTful APIs, including handling JSON data, HTTP requests, and authentication mechanisms.

Security Knowledge: Strong understanding of encryption methods, secure transmission protocols, and compliance with local financial regulations.

UI/UX Collaboration: Ability to work with designers to create user-friendly interfaces that enhance the customer experience.

Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in debugging, testing, and ensuring that the integration meets the business’s needs without compromising on security or performance.

Benefits of Integrating Eko’s APIs

For businesses, integrating Eko’s APIs offers a multitude of benefits:

Enhanced Service Portfolio: By offering services like money transfer, AePS, BBPS, and money collection, businesses can attract a broader customer base and improve customer retention.

Operational Efficiency: Automated processes for payments and collections reduce manual intervention, thereby lowering operational costs and errors.

Increased Financial Inclusion: AePS and BBPS services help businesses reach underserved populations, contributing to financial inclusion goals.

Security and Compliance: Eko’s APIs are designed with robust security measures, ensuring compliance with Indian financial regulations, which is critical for maintaining trust and avoiding legal issues.

Conclusion

Eko’s API suite for Money Transfer, AePS, BBPS, and Money Collection is a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand their financial service offerings. By integrating these APIs, developers can create robust, secure, and user-friendly applications that meet the diverse needs of today’s customers. As digital financial services continue to grow, Eko’s APIs will play a vital role in shaping the future of fintech in India and beyond.

Contact Details: –

Mobile: – +91 9711090237

E-mail:- info@infinitywebinfo.com

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

What to Expect When You’re Expecting the U.N. General Assembly (Foreign Policy) As world leaders descend on the United Nations headquarters in New York City, the international body is fighting to maintain its relevance in a world it wasn’t built for when it was established nearly 80 years ago. Global powers are increasingly circumventing the unwieldy U.N. system to conduct multilateral diplomacy, such as through the G-7, G-20, and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) blocs. Eight years ago, the U.N. outlined an ambitious batch of goals to tackle global poverty, gender equality, climate change, and other pressing global issues by 2030. But so far, the world is way off target in meeting those goals. The war in Ukraine has frontally challenged one of the U.N.’s most fundamental purposes, enshrined in its foundational charter, of averting major wars. The Western world’s laser focus on the conflict in Ukraine, meanwhile, has frustrated other countries in the global south as other dire humanitarian catastrophes—conflict in Sudan, coups across Africa, the migration crisis in Central America, and a lot of climate-related disasters—struggle for resources and high-level attention.

Canada’s surging food prices (Reuters) Canada’s plan to bring down food prices by tightening regulation could backfire and fail, raising the cost of doing business in the country without providing relief to consumers, lawyers and economists said. Canada’s weak competition law has been long blamed for allowing a few players to dominate industries ranging from banks to telecoms and groceries. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to amend the Competition Act to help bring down prices. Trudeau’s move comes as many Canadians reel under an affordability crisis with food prices jumping 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At the same time, the central bank’s efforts to bring down inflation by raising interest rates to a 22-year-high have pushed up mortgage costs for homeowners and made buying a home unaffordable for others.

U.S. National Debt Tops $33 Trillion for First Time (NYT) America’s gross national debt exceeded $33 trillion for the first time on Monday, providing a stark reminder of the country’s shaky fiscal trajectory at a moment when Washington faces the prospect of a government shutdown this month amid another fight over federal spending. It came as Congress appeared to be faltering in its efforts to fund the government ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline. Unless Congress can pass a dozen appropriations bills or agree to a short-term extension of federal funding at existing levels, the United States will face its first government shutdown since 2019. The debt is on track to top $50 trillion by the end of the decade, as interest on the debt mounts and the cost of the nation’s social safety net programs keeps growing.

Brazil’s Lula pitches his nation—and himself—as fresh leader for Global South (AP) “Brazil is back.” That has been Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s refrain for the better part of the last year, with the president deploying the snappy slogan to cast Brazil—and himself—as a leader of the Global South no longer content to abide the world’s outdated workings. During Lula’s travels, he has pushed for global governance that gives greater heft to the Global South and advocating diminishing the dollar’s dominance in trade. He has made clear that Brazil has no intention of siding with the United States or China, the world’s two largest economies and Brazil’s two biggest trading partners. And he has refused to join Washington and Western Europe in backing Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion, instead calling for a club of nations to mediate peace talks. After the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrest, Lula said he would review Brazil’s membership in the court.

Germany’s economy struggles (AP) For most of this century, Germany racked up one economic success after another, dominating global markets for high-end products like luxury cars and industrial machinery, selling so much to the rest of the world that half the economy ran on exports. Jobs were plentiful, the government’s financial coffers grew as other European countries drowned in debt, and books were written about what other countries could learn from Germany. No longer. Now, Germany is the world’s worst-performing major developed economy, with both the International Monetary Fund and European Union expecting it to shrink this year. It follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the loss of Moscow’s cheap natural gas—an unprecedented shock to Germany’s energy-intensive industries, long the manufacturing powerhouse of Europe. Germany risks “deindustrialization” as high energy costs and government inaction on other chronic problems threaten to send new factories and high-paying jobs elsewhere, said Christian Kullmann, CEO of major German chemical company Evonik Industries AG.

Evidence Suggests Ukrainian Missile Caused Market Tragedy (NYT) The Sept. 6 missile strike on Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine was one of the deadliest in the country in months, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring more than 30 others. The weapon’s payload of metal fragments struck a market, piercing windows and walls and wounding some victims beyond recognition. Less than two hours later, President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russian “terrorists” for the attack, and many media outlets followed suit. Throughout its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly and systematically attacked civilians and struck schools, markets and residences as a deliberate tactic to instill fear in the populace. But evidence collected and analyzed by The New York Times, including missile fragments, satellite imagery, witness accounts and social media posts, strongly suggests the catastrophic strike was the result of an errant Ukrainian air defense missile fired by a Buk launch system. Air defense experts say missiles like the one that hit the market can go off course for a variety of reasons.

In Moscow, the War Is Background Noise, but Ever-Present (NYT) Metro trains are running smoothly in Moscow, as usual, but getting around the city center by car has become more complicated, and annoying, because anti-drone radar interferes with navigation apps. Almost 19 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Muscovites are experiencing dual realities: The war has faded into background noise, causing few major disruptions, and yet it remains ever-present in their daily lives. There is little anxiety among residents over the drone strikes that have hit Moscow this summer. No alarm sirens to warn of a possible attack. The city continues to grow. Cranes dot the skyline, and there are high-rise buildings going up all over town. But for some, the effects of war are landing harder. Nina, 79, a pensioner who was shopping at an Auchan supermarket in northwestern Moscow, said that she had stopped buying red meat entirely, and that she could almost never afford to buy a whole fish. Nina said that sanctions and ubiquitous construction projects were some reasons for higher prices, but the main reason, she said, was “because a lot is spent on war.”

India, Canada expel diplomats over accusations Delhi killed Sikh separatist (Washington Post) India expelled a Canadian diplomat on Tuesday in a tit-for-tat move after Canadian officials accused Indian government operatives of gunning down a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia and threw out an Indian diplomat they identified as an intelligence officer. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of assassination, made during an explosive speech before Parliament on Monday, sent relations between the two nations tumbling toward their lowest point but also held broader ramifications for ties between the U.S.-led alliance and India, which the Biden administration has assiduously courted as a strategic counterweight to China. The Indian government issued a statement Tuesday rejecting Trudeau’s accusation as “absurd and motivated.” India’s Foreign Ministry went on to say that the allegations “seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern.” (BBC) India has been increasing the pressure on countries with significant Sikh communities, like Canada, Australia and the UK, saying they are failing to tackle what it calls "Sikh extremism." Mr. Nijjar is the third prominent Sikh figure to have died unexpectedly in recent months.

Libya’s flood turmoil (Worldcrunch) Hundreds of protesters rallied in Libya’s Derna on Monday, setting fire to the house of the man who was the city’s mayor at the time of the flood, to demand accountability one week after a flood that killed thousands of residents. Meanwhile, the UN has warned that a disease outbreak could create “a second devastating crisis” as people are falling ill from contaminated water.

Crisis and Bailout: The Tortuous Cycle Stalking Nations in Debt (NYT) Emmanuel Cherry, the chief executive of an association of Ghanaian construction companies, sat in a cafe at the edge of Accra Children’s Park, near the derelict Ferris wheel and kiddie train, as he tallied up how much money government entities owe thousands of contractors. Before interest, he said, the back payments add up to 15 billion cedis, roughly $1.3 billion. “Most of the contractors are home,” Mr. Cherry said. Their workers have been laid off. Like many others in this West African country, the contractors have to wait in line for their money. Teacher trainees complain they are owed two months of back pay. Independent power producers that have warned of major blackouts are owed $1.58 billion. The government is essentially bankrupt. After defaulting on billions of dollars owed to foreign lenders in December, the administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo had no choice but to agree to a $3 billion loan from the lender of last resort, the International Monetary Fund. It was the 17th time Ghana has been compelled to turn to the fund since it gained independence in 1957. The tortuous cycle of crisis and bailout has plagued dozens of poor and middle-income countries throughout Africa, Latin America and Asia for decades.

Many of today’s unhealthy foods were brought to you by Big Tobacco (Washington Post) For decades, tobacco companies hooked people on cigarettes by making their products more addictive. Now, a new study suggests that tobacco companies may have used a similar strategy to hook people on processed foods. In the 1980s, tobacco giants Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds acquired the major food companies Kraft, General Foods and Nabisco, allowing tobacco firms to dominate America’s food supply and reap billions in sales from popular brands such as Oreo cookies, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Lunchables. By the 2000s, the tobacco giants spun off their food companies and largely exited the food industry—but not before leaving a lasting legacy on the foods that we eat. The new research, published in the journal Addiction, focuses on the rise of “hyper-palatable” foods, which contain potent combinations of fat, sodium, sugar and other additives that can drive people to crave and overeat them. The Addiction study found that in the decades when the tobacco giants owned the world’s leading food companies, the foods that they sold were far more likely to be hyper-palatable than similar foods not owned by tobacco companies. In the past 30 years, hyper-palatable foods have spread rapidly into the food supply, coinciding with a surge in obesity and diet-related diseases. In America, the steepest increase in the prevalence of hyper-palatable foods occurred between 1988 and 2001—the era when Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds owned the world’s leading food companies.

Danish artist told to repay museum €67,000 after turning in blank canvasses (BBC) A Danish artist has been ordered to return nearly 500,000 kroner ($72,000; £58,000) to a museum after giving it two blank canvasses for a project he named Take the Money and Run. The Kunsten Museum in Aalborg had intended for Jens Haaning to embed the banknotes in two pieces of art in 2021. Instead, he gave it blank canvasses and then told Danish media: "The work is that I have taken their money." A court has now ordered him to return the cash, minus 8% for expenses.

[acuiti]

Telco Monetization Reinvented with Acuiti Labs: How Q2C and SAP BRIM Unlock Scalable Growth

Legacy revenue systems are no match for today’s telecom demands. At Acuiti Labs, we empower telcos to modernize monetization using SAP BRIM and intelligent Q2C transformation. Our work with Brightspeed proves how future-ready revenue architecture enables faster billing, seamless integrations, and scalable growth.

[mysticalbirddinosaur]

🚀 Helium Mobile: The Future of Wireless, Decentralized & Affordable! 📱🌍

In the world of mobile networks, Helium Mobile is shaking things up! Gone are the days of paying sky-high bills for mobile data you don’t even use. 🌐💸 With a cutting-edge decentralized approach and a sprinkle of blockchain magic, Helium Mobile is giving the power back to you—and your wallet. Let’s dive into why this new kid on the block is turning heads. 💥

What Makes Helium Mobile So Special?

Imagine a world where your phone’s coverage doesn’t depend on a massive corporate network of cell towers. Instead, it thrives on a decentralized network powered by people like YOU! 🙌📶 Here’s how it works:

Helium Mobile uses a network of independent hotspots—set up by everyday people. These hotspots connect you to the internet and send mobile data in a way that’s more affordable and efficient than traditional carriers.

These hotspots are run by individuals, and when they’re used for mobile data, they earn Helium’s cryptocurrency (HNT). So you’re not just getting cheaper mobile service—you’re also becoming part of a decentralized community that incentivizes YOU to grow the network. 🔥💸

Affordable Plans That Don’t Lock You In 🔓

Tired of paying for overpriced plans and getting stuck in long contracts? Helium Mobile says, "No thanks!" 🙅‍♂️❌

Pay-as-you-go plans with no strings attached. That means no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and you only pay for what you use.

It’s a budget-friendly alternative for anyone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of the typical mobile plan. More data-heavy users? No problem, you can still find something that fits your needs. 🤑

👀 Pro Tip: If you live in a rural or underserved area, Helium Mobile’s decentralized network can give you better coverage than traditional carriers that ignore those “hard-to-reach” places. 🏞️

Sustainability: A Greener Way to Stay Connected 🌱🌎

If you’re eco-conscious, Helium Mobile is a win for you! ♻️💚 While traditional mobile networks have a massive carbon footprint due to their energy-hungry cell towers, Helium Mobile is different. Each hotspot is energy-efficient and adds to the distributed network in a way that reduces overall energy consumption. 🌿⚡

As more people join the network, the environmental impact continues to shrink, making Helium Mobile a cleaner choice for conscious consumers. 🌍✨

The Blockchain Advantage 🔗

Helium’s decentralized system runs on blockchain technology, which makes it not just innovative but secure and transparent too. Think of it like a secure digital ledger that keeps track of every transaction and network interaction, ensuring that your data stays private and your service remains reliable. 🔒💎

More Than Just a Mobile Network 🌟

Helium Mobile isn’t just about cutting down on your mobile bills—it’s a community-driven revolution. Every hotspot you set up helps grow the network, and in return, you earn HNT tokens. It's the perfect way to turn your home into a small part of a global network, all while getting some passive rewards. 🏠🔌💰

And as Helium Mobile grows, so do the possibilities! Imagine having access to better coverage wherever you are and knowing you’re contributing to a futuristic, decentralized telecom system. Sounds pretty cool, right? 😎💡

The Road Ahead 🚗💨

This is just the beginning for Helium Mobile. As the network continues to expand, the service will keep improving, and more people will join the revolution. 📈 So whether you’re a techie looking for the next big thing or simply want cheaper mobile plans, Helium Mobile is your ticket to a new era of wireless connectivity. 🚀

Wrapping It Up: Join the Future 🌍📱

In a world dominated by giants, Helium Mobile is the underdog that’s ready to take over the game. Affordable, sustainable, and powered by YOU, it’s the future of mobile networks—and it’s here today. 🙌

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, set up your hotspot, earn some HNT, and enjoy your freedom on the go! 📲💥

[digitalsolutionsfortelecos]

Significance of a Powerful Telecom Billing Platform

The telecom industry comes across several challenges in its growth. One of the challenges includes complexities related to billing, which increases demand for an effective telecom billing solution. In recent years, telecom billing software has gained equivalent importance as other facets of the telecom segment. 

The complexities associated with mobile device technology and pricing have paved the way for a robust convergent billing system to cater to the demands of the current technological era. Global telecom billing software companies have consistently integrated various modules, features, and functionalities into their solutions to address billing-related concerns for both consumers and telecom operators.

Brief Overview of a Telecom Billing Platform

Telecom billing software is a vital solution used by telecom and communication service providers to determine the charges due from their customers. At times, it bills customers in real-time based on the services utilized, deducting the fees from a prepaid account automatically. 

Alternatively, for postpaid customers, the telecom billing management system produces invoices at regular intervals. Every telecom billing software, whether it is part of a digital BSS suite or an independent solution, encompasses features like billing calculations, rating, tariff management, discount application, prorating, and handling payments. It operates through the three primary billing methods: 

Prepaid

Postpaid and 

Convergent

Importance of Using a Powerful Telecom Billing Management Solution

Increase Billing Accuracy

Given the complexity of the billing process, telecom companies must prioritize accuracy. Even a minor mistake can lead to substantial financial losses. Telecom billing platform automates billing tasks, minimizing human errors and enhancing the efficiency of the billing process. It guarantees precise calculations, prompt invoice creation, and compliance with regulatory standards. Advanced telecom billing solutions ensure that users receive accurate bills, thereby minimizing customer dissatisfaction and the associated effort of rectifying mistakes.

Access to Comprehensive Billing Details

In the digital era, customers aim to manage their communication expenses effectively, including call and other telecommunication-related costs. Telecom billing solutions provide detailed billing statements allowing users to review each individual transaction associated with telecom and communication services. 

This type of comprehensive bill furnishes users with insights into monthly usage, including specific details like call durations, timestamps for calls and messages, internet data usage, and the capability to monitor outgoing calls. Telecom companies need to offer such detailed billing, a feat easily achievable through telecom billing management systems.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Telecom billing software plays a pivotal role in elevating customer contentment by ensuring precision in billing and punctual invoice dispatch, reinforcing confidence in the service provider's openness and dependability. This is the reason it is part of a digital BSS suite. The software presents flexible billing alternatives, encompassing online self-service avenues and tailored billing tariffs. 

This type of billing provision offers customers increased control over their billing preferences, further deepening their satisfaction and commitment. Moreover, by integrating telecom billing management systems with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, service providers gain a holistic understanding of their clientele. This synergy enables bespoke customer interactions, proactive problem-solving, and targeted promotional strategies, all culminating in heightened customer gratification.

Lower Expenses and Increase ROI

The implementation of telecom billing software yields substantial cost savings by reducing organizational expenses, minimizing billing errors, and enhancing operational efficiency. Through streamlined processes and accurate revenue tracking, communication service providers can swiftly identify and address revenue leakages. This can lead to improved cash flow, increased profitability, and an accelerated return on investment (ROI). 

Beyond cost savings, telecom billing solutions empower service providers to deliver value-added services to their customers. These services encompass real-time usage monitoring, personalized billing plans, and self-service portals. Moreover, offering value-added services not only attracts new customers but also increases customer retention. In short, overall ROI is boosted.

Conclusion

In summary, the significant advantages of a telecom billing solution underscore its importance in the telecommunications sector. Emerging technologies like convergent billing, and cloud technology are expected to revolutionize the telecom billing management system, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Telecom billing software is part of a complete digital BSS Suite, Canvas. This billing system stands as a pivotal module in the telecom digital BSS platform that streamlines billing operations within the telecommunications industry. Through process automation, assured accuracy, and the provision of various advantages such as cost savings, increased customer satisfaction, and amplified efficiency, this software significantly contributes to the success of service providers. To optimize these benefits, it is essential to choose the right software that aligns with your business requirements and offers the desired scalability, integration capabilities, and security.

6D Technologies offers a feature-packed digital BSS platform, Canvas, that has different modules to support all aspects of business support in the telecom business. A billing mediation platform for seamless billing and invoicing is one of the major modules available in this digital BSS suite. To learn more about this solution, please visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/digital-bss/billing-and-invoicing/

[newsnexttech]

MTN, Airtel begin deduction of USSD charges from airtime

Nigerian telecom operators have officially begun migrating banks to a new billing system that allows customers to make short codes or  Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) transactions directly from their airtime balance. In the past, banks deducted USSD fees from customers’ bank accounts but often failed to remit payments to telecom providers. The new billing comes into place following…

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar’s “The Big Fix”

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/05/ted-rogers-is-a-dope/#galen-weston-is-even-worse

The Canadian national identity involves a lot of sneering at the US, but when it comes to oligarchy, Canada makes America look positively amateurish.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/05/ted-rogers-is-a-dope/#galen-weston-is-even-worse

Canada's monopolists may be big fish in a small pond, but holy moly are they big, compared to the size of that pond. In their new book, The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians, Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar lay bare the price-gouging, policy-corrupting ripoff machines that run the Great White North:

https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/the-big-fix/

From telecoms to groceries to pharmacies to the resource sector, Canada is a playground for a handful of supremely powerful men from dynastic families, who have bought their way to dominance, consuming small businesses by the hundreds and periodically merging with one another.

Hearn and Bednar tell this story and explain all the ways that Canadian firms use their market power to reduce quality, raise prices, abuse workers and starve suppliers, even as they capture the government and the regulators who are supposed to be overseeing them.

The odd thing is that Canada has been in the antitrust game for a long time: Canada passed its first antitrust law in 1889, a year before the USA got around to inaugurating its trustbusting era with the passage of the Sherman Act. But despite this early start, Canada's ultra-rich have successfully used the threat of American corporate juggernauts to defend the idea of Made-in-Canada monopolies, as homegrown King Kongs that will keep the nation safe from Yankee Godzillas.

Canada's Competition Bureau is underfunded and underpowered. In its entire history, the agency has never prevented a merger – not even once. This set the stage for Canada's dominant businesses to become many-tentacled conglomerates, like Canadian Tire, which owns Mark's Work Warehouse, Helly Hansen, SportChek, Nevada Bob's Golf, The Fitness Source, Party City, and, of course, a bank.

A surprising number of Canadian conglomerates end up turning into banks: Loblaw has a bank. So does Rogers. Why do these corrupt, price-gouging companies all go into "financial services?" As Hearn and Bednar explain, owning a bank is the key to financialization, with the company's finances disappearing into a black box that absorbs taxation attempts and liabilities like a black hole eating a solar system.

Of course, the neat packaging up of vast swathes of Canada's economy into these financialized and inscrutable mega-firms makes them awfully convenient acquisition targets for US and offshore private equity firms. When the Competition Bureau (inevitably) fails to block those acquisitions, whole chunks of the Canadian economy disappear into foreign hands.

This is a short book, but it's packed with a lot of easily digested detail about how these scams work: how monopolies use cross-subsidies (when one profitable business is used to prop up an unprofitable business in order to kill potential competitors) and market power to rip Canadians off and screw workers.

But the title of the book is The Big Fix, so it's not all doom and gloom. Hearn and Bednar note that Canadians and their elected reps are getting sick of this shit, and a bill to substantially beefed up Canadian competition law passed Parliament unanimously last year.

This is part of a wave of antitrust fever that's sweeping the world's governments, notably the US under Biden, where antitrust enforcers did more in the past four years than their predecessors accomplished over the previous 40 years.

Hearn and Bednar propose a follow-on agenda for Canadian lawmakers and bureaucrats: they call for a "whole of government" approach to dismantling Canada's monopolies, whereby each ministry would be charged with combing through its enabling legislation to find latent powers that could be mobilized against monopolies, and then using those powers.

The authors freely admit that this is an American import, modeled on Biden's July 2021 Executive Order on monopolies, which set out 72 action items for different parts of the administration, virtually all of which were accomplished:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/party-its-1979-og-antitrust-back-baby

What the authors don't mention is that this plan was actually cooked up by a Canadian: Columbia law professor Tim Wu, who served in the White House as Biden's tech antitrust czar, and who grew up in Toronto (we've known each other since elementary school!).

Wu's plan has been field tested. It worked. It was exciting and effective. There's something weirdly fitting about finding the answer to Canada's monopoly problems coming from America, but only because a Canadian had to go there to find a receptive audience for it.

The Big Fix is a fantastic primer on the uniquely Canadian monopoly problem, a fast read that transcends being a mere economics primer or history lesson. It's a book that will fire you up, make you angry, make you determined, and explain what comes next.

[prachifeels224]

Digital Rajasthan: Rajyavardhan Rathore’s IT Revolution

Rajasthan is undergoing a digital transformation, and at the center of this movement is Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Minister of Information and Technology in Rajasthan. With his leadership, the state is embracing smart technology to empower citizens, improve governance, and boost rural development.

1. Expanding Digital Governance

As the head of the Department of Information Technology and Communications, Rathore has rolled out several digital services that make life easier for people across the state:

Online access to documents and schemes

E-payment portals for bills and taxes

Real-time service tracking

These changes reduce paperwork, increase transparency, and eliminate middlemen.

2. Internet Access for Every Village

Rathore is working closely with telecom companies and local bodies to ensure that even the most remote villages in Rajasthan are connected.

High-speed internet in thousands of villages

Support for online education and telemedicine

Boost to rural communication and digital awareness

His work supports the mission of the ministry of communication and information technology in Rajasthan and the broader goals of the Rajasthan ministry of information and communication technology.

3. Digital Skills for Youth Empowerment

Under Rathore’s leadership, various digital literacy and training camps are being held statewide:

Courses in basic computing, coding, and digital marketing

Skill-building in online business and freelancing

Training centers aligned with modern job markets

These efforts align with the goals of the department of communication and information technology to build a digitally capable generation.

4. Making E-Governance Efficient and Transparent

Rathore’s administration is strengthening e-governance infrastructure by:

Launching mobile apps and portals for grievance redressal

Digitizing citizen records and service data

Improving communication between departments through cloud platforms

These initiatives have made government more accessible and responsive.

5. Building Smart Villages and Panchayats

A major part of Rathore’s plan is to transform rural governance with smart tools:

Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas

Digital notice boards and solar charging stations

Real-time data systems for gram panchayats

This is a bold step towards an inclusive and Digital Rajasthan.

6. IT Infrastructure for the Future

The Rajasthan ministry of information and communication technology is investing in:

Data security and cloud storage

AI-driven decision making tools

Integrated digital frameworks for all departments

These improvements will ensure smoother inter-departmental communication and long-term efficiency.

7. Leadership That Listens

Rathore’s leadership style reflects his Army background and Olympic discipline:

Regular feedback sessions with citizens and IT experts

Quick adaptation based on user needs

Focus on transparency, speed, and public good

Conclusion

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, as the minister of information and technology in Rajasthan, is building a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive future. With expanded rural internet, improved e-services, and youth training programs, he is leading the way toward a truly Digital Rajasthan—where technology uplifts every citizen.

[sphereglobal]

2025 Trends in Telecom BPO Every SME Should Watch

In the dynamic world of telecommunications, 2025 marks a turning point for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). With advancements in AI, automation, and omnichannel strategies, Telecom BPO services have evolved from cost-saving tools into strategic growth enablers.

At Sphere Global Solutions, we help SMEs across the globe harness the latest in telecom BPO innovation—streamlining operations, reducing churn, and improving customer satisfaction.

In this article, we explore the top Telecom BPO trends in 2025 that every SME should pay attention to, backed by insights and action points.

1. Rise of Hyper-Automation in Customer Support

What’s Changing: In 2025, hyper-automation is no longer optional. Telecom BPOs are automating repetitive tasks using a blend of robotic process automation (RPA), AI, and machine learning.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces dependency on large customer support teams

Increases resolution speed and customer satisfaction

Cuts costs by up to 40% on repetitive call center operations

Example: Automating SIM activation, billing queries, or service upgrades through AI chatbots.

Learn how our Telecommunications BPO services use hyper-automation to scale your SME support operations.

2. Omnichannel Engagement Becomes the Norm

What’s Changing: Customers expect seamless communication across channels—voice, email, chat, WhatsApp, and social media.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Creates a unified customer experience

Increases first-contact resolution

Boosts customer loyalty

Real-World Impact: Companies using omnichannel support see up to 91% higher year-over-year customer retention (Aberdeen Research).

Discover how Sphere Global’s BPO Solutions can help you deliver consistent omnichannel support tailored for telecom SMEs.

3. Conversational AI Takes Over Tier-1 Support

What’s Changing: AI-driven voice assistants and smart chatbots are now handling over 70% of first-level customer queries in telecom.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces agent workload

Delivers 24/7 customer support

Handles high call volumes without hiring more agents

Next Step: Use AI to prequalify leads, route queries to the right team, and gather feedback in real-time.

4. Globalization of Telecom Support Operations

What’s Changing: Geographical boundaries are fading as BPOs provide multilingual, round-the-clock support globally.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Allows expansion into new markets

Supports international customers cost-effectively

Enables faster SLA adherence with distributed teams

Tip: Choose a BPO partner like Sphere Global Solutions that provides consulting and localization strategies for global telecom operations.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making Using Predictive Analytics

What’s Changing: BPO providers are using AI-powered analytics to forecast churn, identify upsell opportunities, and optimize workflows.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Retain more customers through proactive support

Track and reduce dropped calls and escalations

Optimize staffing and support hours using trends

Stats: Predictive support models can reduce churn by up to 25%, according to McKinsey.

6. Telecom-Specific PMaaS (Project Management as a Service)

What’s Changing: More BPOs are offering PMaaS models tailored for telecom SMEs needing tech migrations, CRM integration, or system upgrades.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Avoid hiring expensive in-house project managers

Get access to telecom project specialists on demand

Speed up digital transformation with expert guidance

Learn more about our Consulting Services for telecom SMEs seeking efficient project delivery.

7. Enhanced Cybersecurity in BPO Operations

What’s Changing: Telecom BPOs now prioritize end-to-end encryption, multi-layered access controls, and compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Protects sensitive customer data

Ensures regulatory compliance

Builds brand trust and transparency

Tip: Ask your BPO partner for regular security audits and secure cloud infrastructure.

8. Knowledge-Centered Service (KCS) for Agent Enablement

What’s Changing: KCS systems allow telecom agents to access and update a central knowledge base in real-time, improving accuracy and speed.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces training costs

Improves first-call resolution

Builds long-term process intelligence

Best Practice: Use AI to automatically update your KCS with frequently asked questions, solutions, and SOPs.

9. Feedback-Driven Optimization

What’s Changing: AI tools are analyzing voice calls and customer messages to identify sentiment, satisfaction, and feedback trends.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Catch customer dissatisfaction early

Personalize follow-ups and offers

Improve agent behavior through analytics

Stat: Companies using voice sentiment analysis improve CX scores by up to 18%.

10. Sustainable BPO Practices

What’s Changing: Eco-conscious telecom BPOs are embracing paperless workflows, green infrastructure, and remote teams to reduce carbon footprint.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Aligns with ESG goals

Improves brand image with sustainability-conscious consumers

Reduces utility and infrastructure costs

Partner with a BPO provider like Sphere Global Solutions that supports your sustainability goals with energy-efficient telecom processes.

🧭 What Should SMEs Do Now?

To stay competitive in the telecom space, SMEs must move from reactive to proactive support models. Partnering with the right BPO and consulting provider helps you achieve:

Scalability without increasing costs

AI-powered support with human oversight

Real-time data to drive business decisions

Future-proof operations through agile practices

Final Thoughts

The telecom BPO landscape is transforming fast—and SMEs that adopt these 2025 trends early will lead their market segments. At Sphere Global Solutions, we help telecom businesses like yours make that shift with confidence.

Whether you need an AI-enabled BPO team, smart automation, or consulting support—we’re here to drive measurable business impact.

FAQs: 2025 Telecom BPO Trends for SMEs

1. What is the biggest telecom BPO trend in 2025?

The integration of hyper-automation and conversational AI is revolutionizing customer support and operational efficiency.

2. How can SMEs benefit from telecom BPO?

SMEs benefit by reducing overhead, improving customer retention, gaining access to advanced technologies, and scaling faster.

3. Is BPO only for large telecom companies?

No, modern BPO services are now highly customizable and scalable—ideal for SMEs with lean teams.

4. Can Sphere Global handle international telecom BPO?

Yes. We offer multilingual, 24/7 support with global reach and localized expertise.

5. How do I get started?

Contact Sphere Global Solutions for a free discovery session to assess your telecom BPO needs.