SEATTLE-Billing and content management company Qpass Inc. released a new version of its software platform, dubbed Prosperity Series, which the company said allows carriers to change way they sell and charge for wireless data, from text messaging to Java-based application downloads.
Tom Trinneer, vice president of products for Qpass, said the Prosperity Series software will allow the company’s carrier customers to bill for value rather than bytes. Most wireless carriers now charge per megabyte for their data services. Using Qpass’ software, carriers can instead put dollar values to specific applications and services, and can offer a range of billing options for each type of application.
For example, Trinneer said, carriers can offer access to selected Internet sites for free, but can charge for other sites. Carriers can bill per use or on a subscription basis, and can even bundle selected applications-such as similarly themed ring tones, graphics and Java games-into one package with one price.
Further, Qpass has added support for Wi-Fi networks to its billing system, allowing carriers to add high-speed Internet access to their data offerings.
Trinneer said Qpass’ product works with carriers’ current billing systems and requires little infrastructure investment. The company currently operates the billing and management services for AT&T Wireless Services Inc.’s mMode data offering and Cingular Wireless’ DirectBill service.
