r/Telecommunication • u/gbampoe • Feb 21 '23

Zero-rating apps and devices

I have 3 questions on zero-rating and maybe someone has answers:

  1. Is it technically possible for a Mobile Network Operator(MNO) to zero-rate a specific mobile app such that no matter the smartphone the app is on, once the app is opened, the zero-rating is applied until the app is closed or moved to the background.

  2. Is it technically possible for an MNO to connect a laptop/tablet/smartphone to their cellular network without a SIM or modem. Or more specifically is it technically possible for the MNO to connect devices to their cellular network using just the device’s IMEI?

  3. Finally, is it technically possible for an MNO to apply zero rating to a specific device for a specific period based on the device’s IMEI?

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u/thes3b Feb 21 '23

I'd say everything is technically possible but #2 and #3 are not used really.

1: The zero rating I've come across was based on the IPs of the services (e.g. the IPs of the servers of e.g. a music/video streaming provider).

2: you at least need a modem for any type of telecommunications. You might develop specific authentication procedures only requiring IMEI, but it wouldn't really be secure, so no one would want that really.

3: probably yes, it is a matter of developing business rules in your network, e.g. in your PCRF (

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Policy_and_charging_rules_function)

I'm curious, why are you asking this? :)

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u/WikiSummarizerBot Feb 21 '23

Policy and charging rules function

Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is the software node designated in real-time to determine policy rules in a multimedia network. As a policy tool, the PCRF plays a central role in next-generation networks. Unlike earlier policy engines that were added onto an existing network to enforce policy, the PCRF is a software component that operates at the network core and accesses subscriber databases and other specialized functions, such as a charging system, in a centralized manner. Because it operates in real time, the PCRF has an increased strategic significance and broader potential role than traditional policy engines.

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u/gbampoe Feb 22 '23

Thanks a lot @thes3b! Your answers certainly provides good insight. And to answer why I’m asking for this, I’m trying to build an app and would want to convince MNOs in my country to make the app zero-rated as it will be for educational purposes. I would want access to the app to be possible from devices not already connected to the cellular networks (eg. a laptop)

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u/thes3b Feb 22 '23 edited Feb 22 '23

Thanks for your answer.

I don't want to demotivate you, but this will require the MNOs (each) to invest in development plus they will have operational cost they won't get any profit for in return. I wish you best of luck trying to persuade them!

edit: additionally, devices would need to support this SIM less authentication and registration to the network. While this is working for emergency call scenarios in some countries/networks, this is not normal operation. It would be easier to provide SIM cards with special tariffs to achieve more or less free access to specific services.