E-TopUp: Prepaid Airtime On The Move
The E-TopUp system enables a subscriber to do a direct recharge of their prepaid account using STK, the Web or USSD. It defines a hierarchical structure of airtime distributors and a management interface for each distributor to manage sub-distributors lower in the hierarchy. The system calculates the commission on each level of the hierarchy.
The E-TopUp system provides a powerful way for Mobile Network Operators to improve the convenience of prepaid mobile communications. It allows MNOs to manage the complete lifecycle of electronic airtime, including the distribution of funds within the distribution chain. For the subscribers it enables electronic top up directly from the handset. A feature rich solution, it increases efficiency and convenience for all members of the mobile telecommunications industry supply chain, while reducing risk for MNOs.
Features
The E-TopUp solution provides several key features for the management of the prepaid airtime as well as the distribution channels:- Fraud Control. Configurable business rules for preventing high-risk transactions, including support for different rules based on account types;
- ATM Recharge. A self-service channel that leverages the extensive networks of ATMs to sell prepaid airtime;
- Direct recharge on IVR/SMS/Web. Functionality to setup a payment profile, including a payment source (e.g. credit card), to perform on demand recharges from the subscriber's handset or via a web interface;
- Auto Top Up. Automated recharges for subscribers with validated credit/debit cards, based on day of the month;
- Comprehensive Reporting. Provides detailed information of activities at various levels of the distribution chain;
- SMS Recharge. The system allows distributors or resellers to sell airtime directly from a mobile handset using SMS;
- Loyalty & Promotions. Configurable programs to change prepaid subscriber recharge behavior to favor lower cost channels;
- Subscriber-To-Subscriber Amount Transfers using SMS.
Advantages To Mobile Network Operators
Advantages of the E-TopUp solution apply to Mobile Network Operators as well as their distributors and subscribers. These include:- Offers convenient and flexible reload options (through banks, ATMs, and the Internet);
- Distributed channel management;
- Multi-level security features;
- Detailed Reporting;
- High service availability;
- Superior web-based interface for customer support enquiries.
Distributor Management
The E-TopUp system allows for a multi-level reseller and distributor hierarchy, and provides powerful tools to manage the hierarchy. It provides online revenue settlements for channel partners, ensuring efficient settlement of commissions:- Commission calculations and settlements are done automatically by the system;
- Stepped and tiered commissions - daily, weekly, monthly, multi-month, and yearly sales targets;
- Tiered volume discounts - different commissions on different PIN denominations.
Customer Loyalty
The customer loyalty module is configurable to enable the Mobile Network Operator to introduce several different loyalty programmes:- Frequency of denomination purchase. E.g.: Recharge two $50 cards in a week to get 25 loyalty points;
- Specific denomination purchase. E.g.: Buy a $100 card to get 50 loyalty points.
- Replenishments on specific date and time. E.g.: Valentines’ day special - replenish any denomination to get additional 10 loyalty points.
- Volume based account spending. E.g.: Spend $200 in 30 days to get 100 loyalty points (billing integration required).
Fraud Management
Ensuring the security of each transaction is a critical aspect of any airtime distribution system. The E-TopUp uses the following fraud management mechanisms:- Strong business rules to manage fraud at subscriber/reseller levels;
- Configurable fraud rules with an additional matrix built from payment time, payment type, subscriber type, and channel type;
- Rules are customized for corporate customers, retail customers or direct handset E Top
- Up sales;
- Distributor credit limits;
- Payment type and spending volume rules.
