Optimizing steering of roaming traffic with a-number billing under a rolling horizon policy

Abstract

In this study, we focus on single service steering international roaming traffic (SIRT) problem by considering telecommunication operators’ agreements and “a-number billing” while keeping service quality above a certain threshold. The steering decision is made considering the origin and destination of the call, total volume requirement of bilateral agreements, quality threshold and price quote of partner operators. We develop an optimization model that considers these requirements while satisfying projected demand requirements. We suggest a framework based on rolling horizon mechanism for demand forecasting and policy updating. The results show that the steering cost is decreased approximately 11% with deterministic demand and 10% with forecasted demand compared to the base cost value provided by the company. Also, the model provides approximately 26% decrease in unsatisfied committed volume in agreements.