Client overview
Vodafone Ukraine stands as one of the country’s top mobile operators, serving an impressive customer base of over 18.8 million subscribers. With more than three decades of experience in the telecommunications market, the company offers robust network coverage. Its 3G services extend to more than 86% of Ukraine, while 4G connectivity reaches over 71% of the population. Vodafone is widely recognised for delivering reliable, high-quality telecom services to a broad and varied audience.
Client feedback
“Telesens provided an adaptable solution that met our needs with agility. Their ability to handle complex infrastructure changes, while maintaining clear communication, has been instrumental in the success of this project.”
– Iurii Potiienko, Senior Project Manager, Vodafone Ukraine
Business needs
To maintain its competitive edge, Vodafone Ukraine identified the need to upgrade its Ring Back Tone (RBT) service. The modernisation objectives included:
- Reducing operational expenses by streamlining implementation and deployment processes.
- Adopting advanced technologies, such as IP protocols, virtual networking, and cloud-based solutions.
- Enhancing revenue opportunities by incorporating new monetisation features into the RBT service.
What is RBT and how does it work?
The Ring Back Tone (RBT) service is a type of Value-Added Service (VAS) that replaces the traditional dial tone callers hear with custom audio, such as songs, music, or personalised messages. Instead of the standard ringing sound, the caller experiences the audio content chosen by the subscriber.
The T-RBT solution not only offers subscribers a unique, personalised experience but also enables telecom operators like Vodafone to integrate additional features. This creates opportunities for innovative business models and collaborations with content providers, unlocking new revenue streams.
RBT Workflow
Subscribers can enable the Ring Back Tone (RBT) service using a self-service portal, a dedicated mobile app, or a web-based platform. Once activated, whenever a call is initiated, the T-RBT system retrieves the subscriber’s selected audio content to replace the standard ringing sound. This audio is seamlessly delivered to the caller while the connection is being established. The T-RBT system efficiently handles the entire process, logging activities and providing users with the flexibility to update their preferences at any time. This tailored approach not only enhances the user experience but also generates additional revenue through premium content options.
Challenges
Vodafone’s previous RBT system encountered several obstacles that hindered its efficiency and growth:
- Scalability limitations: the outdated system struggled to accommodate an expanding subscriber base, resulting in operational bottlenecks.
- Dependence on manual operations: managing the old infrastructure required significant manual input, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
- Restricted revenue potential: the legacy system lacked the advanced monetisation features necessary to unlock new income opportunities.
- Complexity in modernisation: transitioning to a cloud-based infrastructure and adopting IP protocols required a comprehensive overhaul of the existing system, presenting significant technical challenges.
Telesens’ Solution
Telesens designed and deployed a custom T-RBT software package to meet Vodafone’s specific requirements. This advanced solution brought significant modernisation to their RBT system by delivering the following features:
- End-to-end software development
Our team provided complete back-end and front-end development services, enabling a seamless transition to an advanced platform. - Flexible and scalable architecture
The updated system supports scalable voice and audio services while effortlessly integrating modern technologies such as IP protocols and cloud-based deployment. - Personalised user experience
Subscribers now have the ability to customise their RBT service by selecting personalised content, such as melodies or ringtones, which can be easily managed through an intuitive mobile app or web interface. - Improved network efficiency
By reducing the number of dropped or abandoned calls, the system optimises resource utilisation across the network. - Enhanced revenue opportunities
The solution introduces a robust platform for content providers to share their media, enabling Vodafone to expand its business through new partnerships and monetisation avenues.
Technologies applied
- Back-end architecture: Java, Spring
- Database integration: jOOQ
- Database management: MySQL Galera Cluster
- Deployment scalability: Docker Swarm
- Operations: Oracle EE, Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Project team
- Project Manager
- Quality Assurance Specialists
- Back-end Developers
- Front-end Developers
This solution not only modernised Vodafone’s RBT system but also set a foundation for scalable growth and innovative revenue streams.
System features and opportunities
RBT Capabilities:
- Storage of melodies.
- Subscriber profile management, including service status, personal library, and playback rules.
- Comprehensive RBT service management.
- Seamless interaction with telecom operator systems.
Operator benefits:
- Integration with operator systems for smooth service activation.
- Try & Buy service offerings to attract new users.
- Implementation of Happy Hours for increased engagement.
- Integration of new content providers.
- Controlled access for content providers to the platform.
- Tariff management for RBT usage.
- Automated SMS responses to customer inquiries.
Subscriber features:
- Traditional RBT functionality.
- Gift RBT options.
- System-based RBT.
- Personalised RBT for individual subscribers.
- Group RBT for specific groups.
- Corporate RBT tailored to business needs.
- Time-based playback, allowing melodies to vary by day, week, or time.
- Automatic melody renewal for seamless user experience.
Service control channels:
- SMS
- Web portal
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
- USSD
- Mobile App
- CRM integration
- Billing system integration
Content types:
- Public content (uploaded by content providers):
- Single melodies.
- Melody packages.
- Music channels.
- Private content (uploaded by subscribers or corporations):
- Personal content.
- Corporate content.
Impact of the solution
- 10+ million active RBT subscribers: a scalable solution that seamlessly supports millions of users while integrating with Vodafone’s infrastructure.
- 2+ million content units: a diverse library of ringtones and melodies accessible to subscribers.
- 25+ content providers: a unified platform for easy content distribution and management.
- 5 management interfaces: simplified operations through cohesive system management.
Key results
- Scalability: the solution is designed to grow with Vodafone’s needs, allowing for increased transactions and subscribers without performance loss.
- Enhanced user experience: subscribers can easily personalise and manage RBTs through multiple interfaces, boosting satisfaction and loyalty.
- Operational efficiency: automated processes reduce manual efforts, streamline workflows, and optimise resource utilisation.
- Increased revenue: new monetisation features enable Vodafone to expand partnerships with content providers and unlock additional revenue streams.
Unlock the potential of your RBT services
Looking for a scalable and cost-effective RBT solution? Contact Telesens today to explore how we can optimise your telecom services and help you create innovative revenue opportunities.