FCI (Furnish Charging Information)
FCI (Furnish Charging Information) is a technical term used in telecommunication networks, particularly in the context of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. In simple terms, it is a mechanism that enables mobile network operators to provide their subscribers with information about the cost of using various network services such as voice calls, messaging, and data services. This information is typically displayed on the user's mobile phone screen or in their billing statement.
The FCI mechanism is an important aspect of GSM networks as it helps to promote transparency and fairness in the way that network operators charge their customers for the services they use. Without the FCI mechanism, customers may be unaware of the actual costs of the services they are using and may be charged more than they expect.
The FCI mechanism works by sending information about the cost of a particular network service to the user's mobile phone. This information is typically sent in the form of a text message or a pop-up message on the user's screen. The information includes details such as the cost per minute of a voice call, the cost per message for messaging services, or the cost per MB for data services. This information is updated regularly to reflect changes in pricing or promotional offers.
One of the key advantages of the FCI mechanism is that it helps to prevent bill shock. Bill shock occurs when customers are surprised by the high cost of using a particular network service, such as when they travel abroad and use data roaming services. By providing customers with information about the cost of services in real-time, the FCI mechanism helps to prevent this from happening. Customers can monitor their usage and make informed decisions about how to use their mobile phones.
The FCI mechanism is a standardized feature of GSM networks and is mandated by the GSM Association, which is the industry body that oversees the development and deployment of GSM networks around the world. This means that all mobile network operators that use the GSM standard must support the FCI mechanism and provide their customers with information about the cost of network services.
The FCI mechanism is implemented using a protocol called the Short Message Service Cell Broadcast (SMSCB). The SMSCB protocol is used to broadcast messages to all mobile phones within a particular cell or area. The messages are sent as text messages and are displayed on the user's screen as pop-up messages.
The FCI mechanism is typically implemented by mobile network operators using specialized software and hardware components. These components are integrated into the network infrastructure and are responsible for generating and broadcasting the FCI messages to mobile phones.
The FCI mechanism is an important aspect of the GSM standard and is widely used by mobile network operators around the world. It helps to promote transparency and fairness in the way that network operators charge their customers for network services. It also helps to prevent bill shock and enables customers to make informed decisions about how to use their mobile phones.
In conclusion, the FCI (Furnish Charging Information) mechanism is a key feature of GSM networks that enables mobile network operators to provide their customers with information about the cost of using various network services. It is an important tool for promoting transparency and fairness in the way that network operators charge their customers for services. The FCI mechanism is implemented using the Short Message Service Cell Broadcast (SMSCB) protocol and is mandated by the GSM Association. It is widely used by mobile network operators around the world to provide their customers with real-time information about the cost of network services.