Research Highlights How Changing Approach to Monetisation Can Unlock BSS Transformation and Save Millions Annually

    LONDON, ENGLAND, February 20, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- STL Partners, a leading analyst firm in technology, today released their latest report, "Why legacy billing restricts telco growth," commissioned by MATRIXX Software, a global leader in 5G and digital monetisation solutions. The report highlights insights from a recent research programme aimed at understanding CSPs' current revenue management operations and transformation approach.

"Telcos are investing heavily to make their networks more flexible and agile and seeking to use APIs to unlock network capabilities for third-party developers. However, all of this is useless if they cannot realise value due to limitations with legacy billing systems. A focus on billing consolidation is not enough – there is a need to replicate network improvements in billing and embrace flexible and agile monetisation systems," said Chris Barraclough, CEO, STL Partners.

Key findings:

• Traditional billing and charging systems, tailored for basic connectivity, are proving inadequate for the fundamentally different business models of 5G services.
• For a typical Tier-1 operator, shedding legacy architecture can unlock an estimated 20% greater efficiency in billing operations and deliver up to $13 million in annual cost savings.
• Embracing transformation enhances operational efficiency and delivers innovative and personalised services.

"We have worked with telcos who have tried, and invested significantly in, IT simplification programs that attempt to consolidate multiple billing streams into a single legacy platform," said Jennifer Kyriakakis, founder and CMO, MATRIXX Software. "What they realise every time is that legacy platforms struggle to deliver the flexibility and efficiency required to innovate and cannot adapt to new multi-party business models across consumers, enterprises and partners without significant investment and customisation."

Embracing Transformation for Operational Efficiency

The report highlights that many operators are currently focusing on consolidating legacy billing systems. However, even if legacy systems are reduced in number, the inherent complexity continues to pose challenges and hinder innovation. Overcoming challenges related to customer adoption and payment for new services is crucial for achieving a robust return on investment. Therefore, telcos need to adopt a transformative strategy to revolutionise core processes and achieve greater operational efficiency. The business case for this should be built around cost savings from reducing operating expenses and infrastructure capital expenditure.

Innovative Architectures for 5G Evolution

In addition, operators can enhance efficiency by adopting converged architectures, offering a unified view of customer interactions and reducing maintenance costs. Prioritising low-code/no-code solutions can empower non-IT teams to make changes to products and services without depending on specialised BSS engineers. Embracing open and scalable architectures is essential for quick adaptation to the increasing number of devices associated with 5G and evolving service portfolios.

Download the full report here.

About the Report's Methodology

STL compiled the insights from an interview programme with senior decision makers in CSPs and a focused survey with individuals from CSPs worldwide. STL also evaluated the financial value through cost savings of transforming billing and charging across telcos' operations. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss access to the underlying data.

About STL Partners:

STL Partners is a leading research and consulting firm that focuses on the telecoms industry and adjacent markets, by supporting telcos and their partners innovate, grow and stay ahead of the competition.

About MATRIXX Software:

MATRIXX Software delivers a modern converged charging and digital monetisation solution proven at scale. MATRIXX enables commercial innovation and real-time customer experiences that drive revenue and growth opportunities across multiple markets.

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