HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and telecommunications operator, is working with XConnect, a Somos Company, the provider of world-class numbering intelligence solutions, to reduce its losses from Origin Based Rating (OBR) in Europe and deliver predictable business margins within the region.
By deploying XConnect’s Global Number Range (GNR) data to determine if its A numbers are valid, HGC has been able to reinstate almost half of its routes terminated into Europe that had been previously removed because of costly OBR surcharges.
OBR takes into account both the origination and termination of a call when billing. The terminating network will apply a surcharge to the mobile termination rates based on the country of the call’s origin. Unanticipated surcharges can be 10x cost with some as high as 35x the standard termination rate.
XConnect’s GNR database is continuously constantly reviewed, refined and cleaned to ensure that it is accurate and up to date for its customers. The outcome is highly accurate data that enables carriers to efficiently and effectively route their traffic, while lowering costs and increasing end user satisfaction.
Carrie Chan, VP of Voice and Cloud Communications at HGC
In an evolving voice landscape, OBR has become a critical consideration that carriers of all sizes must face. To stay ahead, it was essential that we acted quickly to take the necessary steps to reduce its impact on our business. By deploying XConnect’s GNR data, we have been able to cut disputes to almost zero and restore our routes, allowing us to focus on uninterrupted business growth. XConnect’s solution has enabled us to continue providing a seamless service for our customers whilst removing risk to our margins.
Tim Ward, VP Number Information Services at XConnect
OBR adds complexity to an already challenging voice market. As a growing number of countries implement OBR across the globe, carriers are becoming more fearful of facing costly surcharges. In HGC’s case, this caused it to discontinue up to 50% of the routes it was terminating into Europe. By harnessing our data for checking A-Numbers, HGC can be confident that it is maximising profitability while protecting against surcharges. As a result, it has been able to reinstate all its discontinued routes. We are committed to helping carriers to increase their sustainability and health of voice business across the globe.
