Medallion’s Interconnect and Clearinghouse Services
Interconnection means the physical and logical linking of telecommunications networks used by the same or different operator in order to allow the users of one telecommunication network to communicate with the users of the same or another telecommunication network or to access services provided by a telecommunication network. Medallion therefore sets up Interconnect Houses where operators not only have the opportunity to interconnect with multiple operators in one location, but equally share the available telecom infrastructure thereby reducing overhead.
In a multi-operator environment, seamless interconnection is the most important factor that could affect the growth of the industry. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) estimates that in most telecom environments, at least 60% of all traffic is interconnect.
The ability of a country to enjoy the full benefit of interconnection as outlined above is greatly dependent on the interconnect scheme adopted by the operators. Operators can either interconnect on a peer-to-peer arrangement, where each operator is directly interconnected to the other operators; or they can be interconnected using an interconnect exchange operator.
The ITU has recommended the adoption of interconnection through a clearinghouse as the ideal model for all emerging telecommunications markets because of the tremendous benefits it offers to the growth of the industry. An interconnect clearinghouse as recommended by the ITU combines the traditional transit switching functions of a tandem operator with the financial services of a clearinghouse in the provision of efficient interconnect links.
Medallion provides interconnect and clearinghouse services to Mobile Network operators, Fixed- Line/Fixed-Wireless operators, VAS and Virtual operators. Medallion’s infrastructure is designed to be robust and protocol independent to enable all classes of operators to interface seamlessly, for both TDM and IP-based telecom operators, as well as interface with any internet exchange points to ensure that local content providers are adequately catered for.
ONE STOP SHOP FOR INTERCONNECT NEEDS
Need For Interconnect Expansion
Medallion is embarking on two (2) phased expansion programme within Nigeria in 2020.- There is also an expansion programme into selected countries in West and East Africa in the coming months.
- In line with the national license obligation issued by NCC, Medallion intends to expand its services to at least 6 additional cities in Nigeria by 4th quarter 2020 namely Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Asaba, and Enugu. The expansion of the interconnect service to other state capitals in Nigeria will among others enable operators expand their services to new cities; help existing operators in these cities to localize their calls thereby ensuring higher quality of service at cheaper cost; help operators reduce their operating cost by saving on the transmission cost; and ensuring prompt and efficient settlement of interconnect charges amongst operators.
- The decision in selecting expansion cities is based on several factors including: number of operators, the estimated volume of traffic, existing interconnection scheme amongst operators in the location, availability of transmission links, and geo-political considerations.
- The NCC mandated that operators have switching centers in every state capital of Nigeria. That has not been done by operators. Medallion will put in place the infrastructure to make this happen