GSMA Pathfinder

The transition from the voice-centric circuit switched world to an all-Internet Protocol (IP) environment supporting voice and data brings both opportunities and challenges. As services migrate to a converged infrastructure, operators require solutions that support route identification and deliver interoperability for all new services.

The Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) and Neustar have been working with leading operators to provide a standards-based solution to this problem. This solution is the Number Translation Service, or PathFinder.

PathFinder is a GSMA Number Translation Service operated by Neustar. The service facilitates IP inter-operability by translating telephone numbers to IP-based addresses. Interoperability is particularly important in facilitating the uptake of emerging services such as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), IP-Multimedia Service (IMS), and Packet Voice.

Based on Carrier Electronic Numbering (ENUM), PathFinder is available to mobile operators, fixed network operators, and related service providers.

As next generation IP-based services proliferate, operators can utilize PathFinder to position new services behind the telephone number already used by subscribers. Whenever a telephone number is used to identify an end user, the Number Resolution Service (NRS) service will facilitate the discovery of Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI) containing information specific to the service being provided.

PathFinder is provided as an off the shelf managed service, inter-operable on a global basis, providing all the facilities and features necessary to implement an operator's interconnect policies. Pricing is based on a cost effective “pay as you go” model with no up front capital investment required. PathFinder thus helps lower the entry barrier for new services and promotes innovation by simplifying the product development and implementation process.

Visit the GSMA Pathfinder web site at www.gsmworld.com/pathfinder .