Dutch operator Ben Nederland B.V. recently launched its new international roaming solution for prepaid subscribers.  Nokia supplied for this solution it's leading CAMEL Phase 2 technology (Customized Application for Mobile network Enhanced Logic). The service is among the first to be commercially launched in Europe and enables all of Ben's prepaid customers to make and receive calls abroad.

 

The advantages of having a prepaid account are extended for roaming calls. Subscribers can make and receive calls and send and receive SMS' while they are charged from their prepaid balance. Ben subscribers are now able to make credit inquiries and upload their account. The roaming solution for prepaid customers is based on CAMEL technology.

 

For operators the technology provides a standardized protocol for connection with other operators' networks and true real-time charging. It decreases costs of rerouting calls to the home network and minimizes risk of non-payment by subscribers.

 

"Nokia is pleased to be able to continue our valuable relationship with Ben Nederland B.V. with the launch of this prepaid roaming service enabled by our leading CAMEL solution," says Jos Grond, Account Director Ben, Nokia Networks.

 

"Nokia is strongly driving standardization with the target to enable operators to offer a big diversity of services independent of the network," adds Grond.

 

CAMEL technology is enabled by the Nokia mCreate solution. Nokia Intelligent Network mCreate solution provides advanced call related services, including prepaid, for GSM, GPRS and 3G and is making use of CAMEL technology.

 

CAMEL has been standardized as part of 3GPP standardization and the technology is seen as a solution for connecting different vendor's networks to offer Intelligent Network services globally.

 

Nokia mCreate solution combines market-leading competencies of Nokia and its cooperation partners to provide Intelligent Network services to Nokia's customers. Nokia mCreate solution has two different platforms from its cooperation partners Hewlett Packard (HP) and Telcordia Technologies. Nokia's intention is to continue partnering with both companies to secure an evolution from GSM and GPRS to 3G and All-IP networks. 

 

Ben Nederland B.V. is a provider of mobile communication. The shareholders are T-Mobile International (50% minus one share) and Belgacom, TDC and CSFB (together 50% plus one share). Ben has more than 1.3 million active customers (May 2002) at its GSM 1800 network. T-Mobile International is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom. T-Mobile is one of the largest international mobile communications carriers with operations in two of ht four largest European Markets and positions in three of the leading Eastern European markets. Through Voicestream/Powertell in the United States T-Mobile has a unique position in the provision of transatlantic GSM mobile communications service.

 

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

 

Further information:

 

Global Communications Department,

Nokia Networks

Tel. + 358 718038198

Email: nokia.networks@nokia.com

 

www.nokia.com

 

Ben Nederland B.V.

Henny van der Heiden, Director Corporate Communications

Tel. +31 614095376

Mob. +31 624095376

E-mail: pers@ben.nl