GSM World GSM World
GSM World
GSM World
GSM World
Public Policy
Bridging the
Digital pide
Spectrum
Mobile Content
Child Protection
Health &
Environment
Regulatory - European Mobile Observatory
Fraud & Security
Evolution to IP
Billing Standards
» » TAP Testing Toolkit
Etiquette

What is TAP3?

Roaming is a key feature of GSM, giving consumers seamless same-number contactability in over a hundred countries. Operators exchange call event details on these roaming subscribers.

TAP is the process that allows a visited network operator (VPMN) to send billing records of roaming subscribers to their respective home network operator (HPMN). TAP3 is the latest version of the standard and will enable billing for a host of new services that networks intend to offer their customers.

For more detailed information on TAP3, read the article Tapping the Potential of Roaming by TADIG Chair, Christer Gullstrand.

Additional Service Support
Such services include new Internet driven information services, new levels of fraud and security protection as well as new international prepaid roaming services and much more.

TAP3 Releases

Download Documents

TAP3 Release

Implementation Date

Brief Description

TD.57

TD.58

TD.60

TD.32

3.1

4 June 2000

Old

3.5.2

-

3.1.2

-

3.2

4 December 2000

Old

3.6.1

-

3.2.0

-

3.2

1 February 2001

Old

3.6.2

-

3.2.1

-

RAP1.1

1 April 2001

Old

-

-

-

3.4.0

3.3

1 May 2001

Old

3.7.1

-

-

-

3.4

1 November 2001

Old

3.8.2

-

3.3.1

-

RAP1.1

1 November 2001

Old

-

-

-

3.5.1

3.9

1 May 2002

Old

3.9.0

-

3.9.0

-

RAP1.2

1 May 2003

Old

-

-

-

3.6.4

3.10

1 May 2003

Old

3.10.1

-

3.10.3

-

RAP 1.3

1 May 2005

Old

-

-

-

3.11

3.11.11

1 May 2008

Current

3.11.11

1.7

3.11.7

-

RAP 1.4

1 May 2008

Current

-

-

-

4.2

Current version highlighted in blue

Access to the TAP3 Specification documents can be gained by completing the required information.

More on this...


Improved Rejects Handling

In some cases inpidual erroneous call event details are rejected, resulting in loss of revenue to operators. The new Rejects & Returns process deals with this by providing an automated, standardised method for handling erroneous TAP files.

The Home Network will validate incoming TAP transfers and reject call event details that do not conform to the TAP standard or to the terms of the agreement.

The incorrect call event details will be returned to the Visited Network so that valid call event details can be processed in the billing system of the Home Network and be billed to the subscriber in a timely manner.

This will allow the Visited Network to recoup roaming revenue from the Home Network for corrected, resubmitted TAP files and call event details.

Key benefits
Rejects and Returns process includes the ability to:

  • Maximise the collection of revenue for both Home Networks and Visited Networks
  • Allow the Home Networks to bill their subscribers in a timely manner
  • Deliver fewer call event details in the reclaims process allowing for a simpler invoicing process, which could help to facilitate any future net settlement requirement
  • Support non-standard validation checks which may have been agreed bilaterally between roaming partners

The implementation of the Rejects & Returns process requires TAP3

For all TAP-related queries, please contact tadig@gsm.org


Home | About GSM Association | The GSM Family | GSM Roaming | Using GSM | Media Centre | GSMA Events | Membership | Public Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap | Advertise

GSM World - the world wide web site of the GSM Association.

© GSM Association 2008
GSMA, the GSMA logo and the various logos containing the letters GSM are trade marks of the GSM Association or GSMC Limited

Compliance | Anti-Trust Policy Statement | Disclaimer | Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy

Labelled with ICRA

* GSM customer counter, located on the homepage of GSM World is indicative only, estimated from market data collected by Wireless Intelligence. It is not a precise figure, nor usable for legal purposes