Creating a successful payment architecture [mobile data services]

The introduction of GPRS and UMTS data services for mobile operators greatly increases the complexity of payment solutions since services can no longer be charged on simple duration basis but have to be tailored to the value of service being offered. At the same time, payment schemes need to be affordable and easy to understand for commercial success. The paper describes Nortel Networks' view of the problem domain, where 3GPP IMS (IP multimedia core network subsystem) and OSA (open service access) models provide support (or not) and explains its approach to addressing these problems through a modular, but integrated, solution.