The course is made up of six topic groups. Four modules covering the essential core topics are mandatory. In addition, two optional modules must also be taken, allowing a degree of specialisation.

Note that further additional modules may be taken (at an additional fee) at any time.

Module Contents

Mandatory Modules:

1 - The Mobile Market

• Types of Network
• Services, and the User Perspective
• Segmenting the Market
• Focus on the GSM Family of Technologies
• Regional Activity
• Competing and Complimentary Technologies
• Operators
• Manufacturers
• Content Providers
• Looking Ahead
• Market Forecasts
• Standardisation
• Standards Organisations
• Roaming and Interoperability
• Industry Bodies
• Regulation

2 - Technology Principles

• Telecommunications Principles
• Defining -       Services and Applications
• Transmission
• Switching
• Signalling / Control
• Billing
• Networking
• Radio Systems
• Main Features and Characteristics
• Propagation Explained
• Interference Problems – Errors and Error Correction
• The Cellular System
• Principles of Signalling and Control
• Providing and Managing Mobility
• Making and Receiving Calls
• Keeping the Call Active
• Accessing the Internet and Other Data Applications
• Packet Switching vs Circuit Switching
• Establishing Sessions

3 - Mobile Infrastructure and Supporting Systems

• Requirements of a Cellular System
• The Terminal
• The Radio Elements
• The Core Network Elements
• Circuit Switched
• Packet Switched
• GSM Explained
• GPRS Explained
• UMTS Explained
• Service Platforms
• Voicemail
• Messaging Platforms
• WAP Gateway / Content Platforms
• Intelligent Networks / CAMEL and Service Control Points
• Charging and Billing
• Example Procedures

4 - Handsets, Services, Media and Content Distribution

• Terminals – The Requirement
• Capabilities and Limitations
• Operating Systems
• Analysis – Current Handsets
• Standard and Supplementary Services
• Voice & Data
• Freephone, Premium, National, Local Rate Calling
• Billing Features and Services
• Content and Downloads
• Content Type
• Internet Access
• Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
• Messaging
• Short Message Services
• Instant Messaging
• E-Mail
• Media Types
• Media Delivery Platforms
• Roaming and Interoperability
• Security
• Billing Aspects

Optional Modules:

A - Radio Systems

• The GSM Air Interface Scheme
• Adding GPRS
• Adding EDGE
• The W-CDMA and UMTS Air Interface
• Radio Planning Aspects
• The Terminal as a Radio
• The Radio Network
• For GSM and GPRS:
• Base Transceiver System (BTS)
• The Base Station Controller (BSC)
• The Transcoder and Rate Adaption Unit (TRAU)
• Interfaces, Protocols, Signalling, and Interconnections
• For 3GSM (UMTS)
• The Node B
• The Radio Network Controller
• Interfaces, Protocols, Signalling, and Interconnections
• Includes ATM
• Procedures
• Idle Mode – Selecting / Reselecting Cells
• Dedicated Mode – Making Calls, SMS, Location Updating
• Radio in Context - The end-to-end Service

B - Core Network Systems

• Fixed Telecommunication Principles
• Understanding the Legacy
• Transmission / Transport, and Switching
• The Telephone Exchange
• Switching
• Control
• Billing
• Features and Adding Functionality
• Voicemail
• Intelligent Networks
• Updates
• Signalling and Control
• SS7
• Access Signalling
• An End-to-End Call
• The Packet Switched System
• IP in Modern Networks
• General Packet Radio Service
• Establishing the Session
• Transport and Control
• GPRS and WAP
• GPRS and MMS
• Roaming and Interoperability
• Signalling and Control

C - Business Processes

• Telecommunication Operators Functions and Responsibilities
• The Business Environment
• The Basic Requirements
• Operational
• Administrative
• Internal Organisation
• Major Divisions and Responsibilities
• Key Functions
• Interrelationships
• Processes and Procedure Flows
• Marketing and Sales
• Provisioning
• Engineering Processes
• Fault Reporting and Rectification
• Billing and Charging
• Customer Care Facilities
• The TeleManagement Forum and the eTOM Model
• Support Systems
• Operational Support Requirements
• Business Support Requirements
• Business and Operational Support Technologies and Capabilities
• The Architecture and Framework
• Effective OSS / BSS Infrastructure
• Bringing it All Together – The Integrated Approach

D - Marketing, Branding and Services

• Setting Strategy and Direction
• Measuring Performance – Net Adds, ARPU
• Segmenting the Market
• Regional Issues
• Handsets
• Service Types
• Voice Based
• Data Services
• Messaging
• Content and Media
• Adding Value for the User
• Accessing the Services
• Increasing Revenue
• Evaluating Customer Needs
• Loyalty / Churn Issues
• Establishing a Brand
• Marketing Campaigns - Examples

E - Billing and Mediation

• Billing Requirements
• Types of Mobile Billing
• Post Paid
• Mobile Prepaid
• Blended
• Real time / Hot Billing
• The Billing Processes
• The Creation of Call Data Records
• Rating and Tariff management
• Mediation – Requirements, Process, Solutions
• Invoicing, Statements, and Customer Care
• Revenue Assurance – Considerations and Platforms
• Interconnect Billing, Roaming Agreements, and TAP
• Billing Solutions - Post-paid and Prepaid
• Systems – Architecture, Interfaces and Integration
• Performance and Reliability
• Third Party Billing – OSA and APIs
• Customer Care
• Voucher Management
• Fraud Problems and prevention

F - Network Implementation - Basics

• The Requirements
• The Planning Process
• Radio System Planning
• Core Network Planning
• Radio Site Selection
• Radio Components
• Subsystems
• Rack Mountings
• Power
• Environmental
• Alarms
• Security
• Network Switching Subsystem Components
• Subsystems
• Rack Mountings
• Power
• Environmental
• Alarms
• Security
• Transmission System Requirements
• Connecting it all together
• Terrestrial Links
• Microwave Links
• Cables and Connections
• Remote Access
• Importance of Record Keeping

Module Structure:

Each Module is made up of written material, coursework (questions, worked examples and research), regular self-marked exercises (in the form of multiple choice questions), and tutor support.

Written material provided will be nominally between 70 – 100 A4 pages, and (with exercises, worked examples, and tests), require 20 hours work per module / month.

Administration:

Material will be delivered in hard-copy format at appropriate intervals. Modules are available in soft copy via our website.

An optional face-to-face question and answer session will be held mid point in the course. Although not compulsory, the session allows participants to meet the tutor(s) and other participants, and for participants to review and consolidate coursework, and facilitates questions / answers.

A Course Director will provide technical support and a consistent point of contact for participants throughout the course, and will also oversee the marking of any tutor set assignments.

Assessment:

Criteria for student assessment are based on a Final Examination. Examinations are Web-Based using an appropriate adjudicator.

In addition, module self tests are provided throughout the course in order that progress can be measured.