Telecom domain knowledge is a grasp of telecommunications technologies, networks, and business processes. It is required for anybody who works in the telecommunications business or Telecom IT applications development and design.
Telecom is a complex industry that involves a wide range of technologies, regulations, and business models. Having a good understanding of the industry is essential to be able to work effectively in this field.
You can learn telecom domain by joining a formal course or by attending a short-term training program. Techcanvass offers a Telecom domain training course.
Telecom Domain basics
The Telecom domain consists of any services that serve and help in communication and examples can include voice service, data service, IPTV, fixed line internet, enterprise services and many more. It covers all the aspects of the product and service lifecycle spanning from developing a strategy to launching a product until customers use it and it generates revenue for telecom operators. It covers strategies for market launch, systems, frameworks and business processes required to fulfill and invoice the services opted by end customers and maintain the Quality of Service on the network for the customers.
Types of Telecommunication Services
There are various types of communication services that fall under the telecom domain. Business use case, network topology, equipment and resources used, way of fulfilling these customer orders and management of these network elements will all differ from service to service.
Telecom services are broadly categorized into two categories:
- Residential:
- Services like voice, data over cellular networks (3G,4G,5G, etc.), and data services offered by copper or fiber such as FTTx, Wi-Fi, etc. are all part of residential services. It covers communication services opted for by residential customers.
- Enterprise:
- Services like voice and data over fixed line Ethernet and network services such as LAN, WAN, MAN or VPN, Extranet, etc. used by organizations spread across various locations, cities and countries are all part of enterprise services. It covers communication services opted by organizations for their business purpose.
The difference in the above services lies in their usage and it’s underneath infrastructure. For example, FTTx services used by the residential customer have a fiber spread across a common point and are common for various customers that are present in the same locality but dedicated fiber service opted by an organization for high speed internet is an example of enterprise service.
OSS and BSS
The complete telecom domain is covered under these two terms: OSS and BSS.
OSS:
OSS is Operations Support System and is defined as “the hardware and software that service providers use to manage their network infrastructure, deploy services and provide connectivity.” Network centric systems are collectively termed as OSS.
Functional Areas of OSS:
- Network Planning and Engineering
- Inventory Management
- Service Planning and Development
- Provisioning and Service Activation
- Performance Management
- Fault Management
- Network Maintenance and restoration
BSS:
BSS is Business Support System and is defined as “business systems” dealing with customers, supporting processes such as taking orders, processing bills, and collecting payments.” Customer centric systems are collectively termed as BSS.
Functional Areas of BSS:
- Billing and Customer Care
- Mediation
- Revenue Assurance
- Invoicing and Collection
- Sales Automation
- Customer Relationship Management
The two systems together are often abbreviated OSS/BSS, BSS/OSS or simply B/OSS. Using OSS/BSS automation system means the best ways to run a network/the best ways to run a business.
TMForum
TMForum (Tele Management Forum) – a global association comprising of all telecom operators, vendors, system integrators and other stakeholders – develops best practices, standards and frameworks for Telecom domain to come up with various business cases, accelerate innovation to cope up with cutting edge technologies and deliver better services to customers.
Telecom Domain Courses
There are various courses offered by TMForum – accepted and appreciated industry wide. Some of the courses are below:
- Business Process Framework (eTOM) Fundamentals
- Business Process Framework (eTOM) Practitioners’ Course (onsite)
- Open Digital Framework
- TMF Open API
Alongside these, Techcanvass provides comprehensive Telecom Domain Training, designed to equip participants with a broad fundamental understanding of the telecom domain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the telecom domain is a vast and complex field that encompasses various technologies, regulations, and business models. Having a good understanding of this domain is crucial for anyone working in the industry, including Business Analysts, Project Managers, Testing professionals, and others. It enables individuals to understand the industry better, develop effective solutions, and provide superior customer service.
Telecom Domain Knowledge’s importance cannot be emphasized. It not only improves one’s capacity to operate efficiently in the industry, but it also offers new prospects for progress in one’s profession. Because the telecom sector is always changing, staying up to date on the latest trends and technology is critical.
