Delivering a Seamless and Reliable MVNO launch for a Major UK Fixed Line Operator
Project Overview
One of the UK’s largest Mobile Network Operators (MNO) engaged UTH to perform comprehensive testing for a major fixed-line operator launching a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). The MVNO would serve Business users on one MNO and Consumer users on another, requiring meticulous testing to ensure a seamless migration and uninterrupted services
Project Scope
UTH was entrusted with integration and end-to-end testing of:
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User Migration: Business and Consumer user transitioning on to the new MVNO platform
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Service Assurance: Validating Data, Messaging, Voice Service across 4G, 3G and 2G including Circuit Switch Fallback from 4G to 3G.
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Wholesale Billing: Extensive testing of the wholesale billing process, ensuring accurate billing for Voice, SMS, MMS and Data services.
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Online Charging: Validate the MVNO’s online charging capabilities for Consumer users, ensuring accurate charging for services utilised.
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BSS and OSS Integration:
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Seamless integration with the client’s existing BSS systems, ensuring accurate billing, customer management, and support functions.
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Verify OSS system integration to maintain robust operations, including network provisioning, device management, and service configuration
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Challenges
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Coordinating with Multiple Stakeholders: Managing the complex interactions between the fixed line operator and two MNOs requires meticulous coordination and communication.
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Ensuring Network interoperability: Testing the interoperability between different networks and technologies presented significant challenges.
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Billing Accuracy: Verifying wholesale billing and MVNO-specific consumer charging mechanism
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Meeting Tight Deadline: The project was subject to tight deadline to ensure a timely launch of the MVNO services.
Our Approach
UTH employed a structured testing framework to ensure seamless onboarding and service validation
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Test Strategy and Planning: Designed a comprehensive test strategy covering functional, integration, performance, migration and failover testing
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Network and Service Testing: Verified end-to-end call flows, data, connectivity, and messaging functionalities across different network technologies.
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Data Services: Conducted tests for data connectivity, speed, latency, and session stability across various geographic locations and device types. Included 3G, and 4G network variations to ensure compatibility and reliability.
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Voice Services: Performed extensive testing on call setup times, voice quality, dropped call rates, and handover scenarios across different network types (VoLTE, VoWiFi, etc.).
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Messaging Services: Tested SMS, MMS, and voicemail services to ensure prompt and accurate message delivery across network elements and devices.
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Migration Testing: Conduct controlled migration to identify and mitigate potential risks before full deployment.
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Billing Validation: Performed extensive tests on wholesale and consumer billing to prevent revenue leakage and ensure compliance.
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Defect resolution and Optimisation: Provide actionable insights to optimise network performance and enhance user experience.
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BSS/OSS Integration Testing:
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BSS Validation: Executed tests for billing accuracy, service activation, plan changes, and customer profile management to ensure seamless integration with MVNO-specific products.
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OSS Validation: Focused on provisioning workflows, device configuration, and monitoring capabilities. Ensured that all services could be managed efficiently within the existing OSS framework, including fault management and network resource allocation.
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Real-World Scenario Testing:
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Simulated real-life user interactions and edge cases, such as roaming, out-of-coverage scenarios, and network handovers.
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Validated interactions between BSS and OSS systems for a range of customer requests, including new activations, account changes, and service
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Results and Benefits
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Seamless User Migration: Business and Consumer users successfully transitioned with zero downtime.
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Enhanced Network Reliability: Ensured uninterrupted voice, messaging, and data services post-migration.
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Accurate Billing & Revenue Assurance: Verified wholesale billing mechanisms, preventing financial discrepancies.
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Optimised Service Performance: Identified and resolved potential network bottlenecks, enhancing overall service quality,
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