Telcordia connects content providers with operator info

Telcordia today launched Telcordia Mobile ID, subscriber information management software targeted at wireless operators and content providers looking to introduce value-added services to their subscriber bases. Mobile ID delves into mobile subscribers’ granular details, connecting content providers with information needed to deliver more relevant, targeted content and services.

Whereas mobile operators used to resist giving up control to third-party content providers on their network, they have realized they must work with them or be side-stepped by them, according to Joel Fisher, vice president of marketing for Telcordia’s Interconnection Solutions. Mobile users aren’t reliant on operator services – they can now be reached over the top or through a growing list of app stores.

“Every mobile operator is either figuring out how or testing how to open up the network to work with third-party providers,” Fisher said. “With that there is all this information that is needed by content providers and mobile operators as well, some of which the operator has, some the content provider has. We definitely see the world as mobile operators opening up their network, and mobile content providers working with them.”

Telcordia has long been running mobile number porting capabilities for operators in the more than 50 countries where consumers are allowed to keep the same number when switching networks. Without access to this routing information, content providers lose their customers. Mobile ID maintains this connection to the subscriber, but aims to take it a step further. Telcordia can extrapolate on that identify and provide the operator with more information about that user, the services they use and the content they are willing to receive.

“The more information you have, the more tailored and personal your services can be, which benefits your subscribers,” Fisher said. “But you need someone to broker that information.”

Using Telcordia’s Mobile ID a content provider can identify a subscriber’s mobile phone number, carrier, device type, location-based information, peak period usage and the services that user has opted-in to. App developers and content providers can then use this information to make services more relevant to subscribers based on these dimensions. By tying together the barrage of applications that most mobile phones house today, Telcordia is also aiming to provide a way for operators to offer compatible and functional third-party mobile content.