To remain relevant in the Web 2.0 era it is important for an operator to first identify the unique network assets they have and then design an architecture that will maximize their usage, while at the same time protect them. Mobile operators are currently at risk of becoming bit-pipes as a result of the latest web technologies and properties. Competition is becoming very intense and operator revenues are likely to substantially decrease as a result. And by the time a mobile industry standards committee has the chance to meet, analyze and agree on a situation or latest protocol to create and deliver a new service, numerous Web 2.0 sites will have already come and gone.

If mobile operators want to remain relevant, they will have to open the networks and allow innovation to flourish. This is the role of either a Service Delivery Platform, or an effective Service Delivery Environment created by operators and based on their key assets and strengths. In general, a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) has four main assets that ensure competitive advantage compared to content or application service providers (ASPs).

Identity
MNOs have the necessary infrastructure to manage the identity of a subscriber. Once a subscriber is on the network, the MNO can provide identity information to the application provider. There is no need for a new login process when using a service. A Service Delivery Environment should facilitate delivery of subscriber identity to authorised ASPs.

Billing
MNOs have a billing relationship with the subscriber. They can enable content and application providers to sell material and non-material goods to users. For soft, non- material goods, they can act as a trusted third party, reserving the funds, performing the delivery and confirming the transaction. Using a Service Delivery Environment that integrates online charging, the MNO can provide applications that charge immediately on content delivery, thus simplifying the charging process and making sure it is fraud free and safe for both users and content providers or ASPs.

Location and presence
A MNO knows the location of a subscriber with varying precision, and whether the person is reachable or not. This information can be relayed to an ASP or content provider to create enhanced services. Location-based services are certainly enhanced by having GPS-enabled phones, which communicate directly with the application. This feature is not universal and is restricted to high-end phones. Providing a user’s location to the application as part of the Service Delivery Environment empowers ASPs to write compelling applications very easily.

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