As the European Commission’s July 2014 roaming regulations deadline to provide consumers the right to choose a different operator for roaming draws near, a new opportunity is emerging for European operators to monetize LBO. The regulations are intended to provide more competition and compelling roaming packages in the European mobile data market, but LBO monetization capabilities also present enhanced business opportunities for operators all around the world. By using real-time policy and charging to package services through LBO, operators everywhere can offer visitors data roaming services more like those offered by their home network provider, but at a more competitive price point, and without having to change devices or SIM cards.

“The next tranche of EU roaming regulation is creating added urgency for EU operators to enable LBO; but LBO is something all operators should be evaluating,” says Teresa Cottam, Chief Strategy Officer, Telesperience. “Roaming bill shock is bad for all parties. It’s a trust-killer that generates fear and uncertainty, meaning travellers simply switch off their mobile data connections and use WiFi alternatives, and it’s a reputation-killer, resulting in bad publicity, complaints and churn. If operators can get their roaming strategy and offers right, there’s enormous additional revenue potential.

Volubill