Why Telecoms Must Modernize with BCE Billing

Why TAP No Longer Works

Telecom operators are under pressure to modernize their billing infrastructure. For years, Transferred Account Procedures (TAP) were the standard for roaming settlement. But TAP was designed for a different era — one driven by voice and SMS. It cannot support today’s data volumes, usage variability, or complex commercial agreements.

Enter BCE: A Modern Framework for Modern Telecoms

Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE), developed by GSMA, is quickly replacing TAP. BCE enables real-time validation, flexible settlement models, and scalable reporting formats that reflect today’s service landscape. According to GSMA, more than half of global operators are now planning or deploying BCE frameworks.

IoT Demands Flexible, Cross-Border Billing

IoT devices often operate across borders, consume small amounts of data, and require flexible pricing models. Legacy billing systems struggle with this complexity. BCE simplifies billing through flat rates, aggregated thresholds, and usage-based rules — making accurate settlement possible even in high-volume, low-margin environments.

Cisco projects that connected IoT devices will generate over 80 zettabytes of data by 2025. This level of scale demands a modern, automated settlement system.

5G Services Require Granular Billing Capabilities

5G introduces a new class of services, from enterprise-grade SLAs to network slicing. These services depend on accurate and timely settlement data. BCE supports these needs through detailed Usage Data Reports and Billing Statement Reports. Operators gain better visibility, partner alignment, and billing accuracy.

The Cost of Inaction

Sticking with TAP comes at a price. Delayed settlements, lost revenue, and limited flexibility are common risks. Without BCE, operators will struggle to onboard new partners, detect anomalies, or support new services. BCE enables telecoms to meet business and operational demands without overhauling their entire IT stack.