Established in 1994, EDCH provides a complete solution to mobile operators for roaming facilities to be provided to their customers.

EDCH is the only Data Clearing House based in the Middle East and is successfully serving many leading operators in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

EDCH offers comprehensive roaming solutions specifically Data Clearing, Financial Clearing, Revenue Assurance, Value Added Services, Mobile Money Hub and other customized solutions.

To know more about EDCH, visit our website at www.edch.com.

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Table of Contents 1.Introduction.......................................................................................................... 4 2.Service Description ............................................................................................. 5 2.1.Service Options ............................................................................................. 6 2.2.Reports ......................................................................................................... 9 3.Implementation .................................................................................................. 12 4.Client support .................................................................................................... 12 5.Related Services ............................................................................................... 13 6.Document Reference ........................................................................................ 14 7.Glossary ............................................................................................................ 14

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Emirates Data Clearing House P.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE marketing@edch.com www.edch.com Tel: +971 2 499 9444 Fax: +971 2 635 4663

File errors, incorrect billing data and inconsistent financial settlement records are just few of the many challenges that roaming businesses face when errors in TAP files are mishandled.

Returned Account Procedure (RAP) makes sure that your TAP files are handled properly in case of errors to prevent delays in processing valid call records. This automated Rejects and Returns process is a GSMA standard procedure that checks TAP call records for errors and returns them back to the sender for revisions. In this manner, TAP files can be processed efficiently and revisions for errors are handled properly.

EDCH provides a complete implementation of Returned Account Procedure through RAP Handling. We will help you establish the entire process of RAP and facilitate file generation, processing, exchange and reporting.

Having EDCH RAP Handling capability at the early stages of TAP processing saves time, decreases month end disputes and allows for an easier invoice settlement.

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1. INTRODUCTION
When processing TAP files, a roaming business must have effective protocols in handling file errors and revisions

Figure 1: Private vs. Public Network Domain

A Private Network Domain is where data is exchanged between the client and EDCH. A Public Network Domain, on the other hand, is where data is exchanged between EDCH and other data clearing house. Acting as a mediator, EDCH prepares clients TAP files and handles RAP files before they are sent to their roaming partner for final processing. With EDCHs years of experience and expertise, we provide our clients quality service in handling their TAP and RAP files. EDCH RAP Handling is an excellent service that ensures proper implementation of GSMA standard RAP procedure in an operators system.

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2. SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Returned Account Procedure (RAP) makes sure that your TAP files are handled properly in case of errors to prevent delays in processing valid call records. This automated Rejects and Returns process is a GSMA standard procedure that checks TAP call records for errors and returns them back to the sender for revisions. In this manner, TAP files can be processed efficiently and revisions for errors are handled properly.

EDCH provides a complete implementation of Returned Account Procedure through RAP Handling. We will help you establish the entire process of RAP and facilitate file generation, processing, exchange and reporting.

Figure 2: Returned Account Procedure

As TAP files are received, EDCH checks each call record for errors such as invalid data or incorrect format. These invalid call records will be rejected due to a Severe Error. Partial TAP file containing only valid records will be delivered for processing. Meanwhile, EDCH creates a RAP file for the invalid records and send it to the Client. Client will revise call records and resend them to the next TAP file Sequence.

In the case of FATAL errors, the whole file will be rejected. A corresponding validation report will be sent to the client for their immediate action, to revise the entire RAP file.

Having EDCH RAP Handling capability at the early stages of TAP processing saves time, decreases month end disputes and allows for an easier invoice settlement.

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2.1. SERVICE OPTIONS

Choose from the following RAP Handling service options.

1. VPMN sends TAP to EDCH; EDCH sends RAP back to VPMN In this scenario, EDCH receives TAP file from client (VPMN) and replies with the corresponding RAP file. 1) VPMN sends TAP file to EDCH with Sequence Number 00001. 2) EDCH rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error. a) EDCH creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001. b) If no errors are found, EDCH sends TAP file to HPMN. 3) EDCH sends RAP file to VPMN for revisions. 4) Partial TAP file with valid call records will proceed to HPMN for processing. Note: Revised Call Records are resent through the next TAP file Sequence.

Client VPMN
Severe RAP TAP file Step 1
RAP Acknowledgement

EDCH

Step 2

Step 3 Invalid Step 2a: Rejections Step 4

Check TAP
Private Network Public Network

RAP

Valid Step 2b: No rejections

Partial TAP file

Roaming Partner HPMN

Figure 3: VPMN Sends TAP to EDCH; EDCH Sends RAP Back to VPMN.

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2. EDCH receives RAP from HPMN; EDCH forwards to VPMN In this scenario, EDCH forwards TAP file to Roaming Partner (HPMN) and receives the corresponding RAP file on the clients (VPMN) behalf.

1) VPMN sends TAP file to EDCH with Sequence Number 00001. 2) EDCH forwards TAP file to HPMN. 3) HPMN rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error. a. HPMN creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001. b. If no errors are found, HPMN submit TAP file for processing. 4) EDCH receives RAP file on the clients behalf. 5) EDCH then forwards RAP file to VPMN. 6) VPMN replies with the corresponding Acknowledgement file to EDCH. 7) Partial TAP file with valid call records will proceed to HPMN for processing. Note: Revised Call Records are resent through the next TAP file Sequence.

Severe RAP

Client VPMN
TAP file Step 1

Step 6 Step 5
RAP Acknowledgement

EDCH
Private Network Public Network

Roaming Partner HPMN

Step 3

Step 2

Severe RAP Step 4

RAP

Invalid Step 3a: Rejections

RAP

Step 7 TAP file Valid Step 3b: No rejections

Partial TAP file

TAP Processing

Figure 4: EDCH Receives RAP from HPMN; Forwards to VPMN.

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3. HPMN sends RAP to EDCH; EDCH adjusts RAP, then sends to VPMN In this scenario, the client (HPMN) receives RAP files from its roaming partner (VPMN) and EDCH handles RAP on HPMNs behalf.

1) VPMN sends TAP file to HPMN with Sequence Number 00001. 2) HPMN rejects one Call Event Detail in TAP file due to Severe Error. a. HPMN creates the RAP file with Sequence Number 00001. b. If no errors are found, HPMN submit TAP file for processing. 3) HPMN sends RAP file to EDCH for revisions. 4) EDCH reviews and adjusts RAP file to be sent to VPMN. 5) EDCH then forwards RAP file to VPMN. 6) Partial TAP file with valid call records will proceed to HPMN for processing. Note: Revised Call Records are resent through the next TAP file Sequence.

Client VPMN
Private Network Public Network

EDCH
Step 5

Step 1

Roaming Partner HPMN

Severe RAP Step 4 Invalid Step 2a: Rejections

Step 2

RAP

RAP

Step 6 Valid TAP file Step 2b: No rejections

Partial TAP file

TAP Processing

Figure 5: HPMN sends RAP to EDCH; EDCH adjusts RAP, then sends to VPMN.

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2.2. REPORTS

The following reports are standard in all the RAP Handling service options:

1. RAP Monthly Summary This report summarizes all RAP transactions and status of each RAP file. This can be viewed through EDCH online.

Figure 6: Sample RAP Monthly Summary.

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2. RAP Rejected This report displays all files that were rejected in the specified period and the corresponding reason. This can be viewed through EDCH online.

Figure 7: Sample RAP Monthly Summary.

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3. RAP Rejected Calls This report displays individual rejected call records in a specified period and the corresponding explanation of the error. This report can be viewed through EDCH online.

Figure 8: RAP Rejected Calls

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3. IMPLEMENTATION
To avail of this service, operators should contact EDCH Account Manager to make arrangements for implementation. Emirates Data Clearing House P.O. Box 17500, Dubai - UAE marketing@edch.com www.edch.com Tel: +971 2 499 9444 Fax: +971 2 635 4663

4. CLIENT SUPPORT
EDCH has a support team of dedicated and highly-qualified professionals that is ready to assist you 24/7 on any concerns regarding RAP Handling.

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5. RELATED SERVICES
TAP Correction TAP Correction Service will validate all TAP files according to international standards set by GSM TADIG. TAP file validation is performed as per GSM TADIG specifications. In case file correction is required, EDCH can assist clients with correcting large volumes of data. Re-Rating EDCHs Re-Rating service assists operators by applying new prices directly within the TAP files, thus requiring no changes to be made on their billing system. For operators who have concluded a preferred Roaming Agreement, re-rating call records to the discounted price simplifies the reconciliation and settlement procedures. IOT Check Inter-Operator Tariff Check is a facility that ensures that TAP records are charged according to the correct and updated IOT rate. The IOT check facility is a strong tool for revenue assurance that ensures files sent from and received by our clients contain valid charges, in accordance with the AA.14 and the special agreements agreed between the client and their roaming partner. Auto Removal Service EDCH offers an Auto Removal Service that automatically removes erroneous records within a TAP OUT file. This will allow valid records to be processed immediately while invalid records are reported back to the client for correction. Revised records will be resent through the next TAP OUT file. EDCH Online The EDCH Online website provides real time access to operators roaming business data. Having a strong insight into an operators roaming business is crucial in todays highly competitive environment. The many challenges and opportunities, such as steering, fraud, churn and frequent tariff updates, require a rich yet comprehensible reporting system. EDCH is in an ideal position to support operators increasingly sophisticated reporting needs, due to our experience of processing and extracting key information from roaming billing data.

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6. DOCUMENT REFERENCE
Document PRD AA.14 PRD BA.08 PRD BA.14 PRD BA.29 PRD BA.41 PRD TD.31 PRD TD.32 Description International Roaming Agreement Individual Annexes Timescales for Data Transfer Returned Account Procedure RAEX IOT Business Requirements IOT Handbook RAP Scenarios Rejects and Returns Process

7. GLOSSARY
Acronym AA.14 CDR CSV FDR FF FMS FTP GPRS HPMN HUR IMSI IOT IP MOC MTC NER NRTRDE RAP RP TAP VPMN VPN Description Roaming Agreement Call Detail Record Comma Separated Values File Delivery Report Fraud Forum Fraud Management System File Transfer Protocol General Packet Radio Service Home Public Mobile Network High Usage Report International Mobile Subscriber Identify Inter Operator Tariff Internet Protocol Mobile Originated Call Mobile Terminated Call NRTRDE Error Report Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange Rejected Account Procedure Roaming Partner Transfer Account Procedure Visited Public Mobile Network Virtual Private Network

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