Packages 

Packages are the pricing construct used to define various service and tariff combinations under which telecom operators provide their customers with different offerings using the Telecom Billing component. This charging schema is used for chargeable services, whether voice calls, SMS, data, or any other value-added services. Packages create flexible and affordable segmentation among different client groups, including individuals, families, small businesses, and corporations.

Telecom packages, in other words, are those bundles of services that can be systematically defined in a viable way based on bundled items, pricing, usage limit, and validity.

Many telecommunications companies offer lots of different types of packages to suit various usage patterns and their customer profiles. This would necessitate that such telecom billing systems handle the packages effectively so that billing processes are accurate and smooth customer experiences. Packages vary on data usage limits, fair usage policy, international roaming, add-ons, and discounting. Operators have to continuously update their packages to keep themselves competitive.

Prepaid Packages are those packages in which a customer pays beforehand for telecommunications services. As the customer uses the service, the usage is counted in real time. Prepaid services are flexible and allow control over usage.

Characteristics of Prepaid Packages

⏺️ They do not have any monthly bills; users recharge their accounts.
⏺️ Recharge period options: daily, weekly, and monthly.
⏺️ Limits on calls, SMS, and data for each plan depending on the selected alternative.
⏺️ Night packs, weekend packs, and promotional packs are available at special tariffs.

Problems in Prepaid Billing

⏺️ Real-time deduction of balance and verification of service is required.
⏺️ Complex tariff structure for different recharge denominations.

Under this plan, customers can avail of services for the whole month after which they shall be billed at the end of the billing cycle for all the services consumed within the period. This is a favored method adopted by corporate users and high-data-end users.

⏺️ Monthly rentals are based on the plan chosen.
⏺️ Additional usage beyond the defined limit is charged additionally.
⏺️ Comprehensive invoices showing usage breakups are generated.
⏺️ Facility for international roaming and data boosters.

⏺️ High-value plans require a credit check.
⏺️ Possibility of billing disputes due to incorrect calculations or late bill generation.

The hybrid model combines prepaid and postpaid elements. The customer pays a fixed fee every month and pays as they go for additional services.

Example: 100 GB of data + unlimited calls; any extra data usage will be charged separately.

Family/group plans allow multiple users to share data, voice, and SMS from the same account, simplifying billing and reducing costs.

Distinctive Features

⏺️ A single bill is prepared for all users in the group.
⏺️ The primary account holder controls usage distribution.
⏺️ Discounts for new members.

Corporations and enterprises have unique telecommunications needs, including bulk calling, dedicated internet lines, and VPN. Corporate packages offer personalized price plans, priority assistance, and consolidated billing.

⏺️ Bulk calling and data consumption with discounts.
⏺️ User/department-wise descriptive usage reports.
⏺️ Secure communication options, private APNs, and VPN.