OSS and BSS: The Support Systems of IT Infrastructure

In the telecommunications sector, operations support system (OSS) and business support system (BSS) are two essential IT support systems that streamline workflow, improve efficiency, deliver superior services, resolve industry challenges, and boost productivity. OSS aids in management of network infrastructure to facilitate consistent operations through service assurance and fault management. On the other hand, BSS improves customer services by optimizing activities like customer relationship management, billing, and subscriptions. Collectively, OSS and BSS play a crucial role in improving telecom functions by ensuring effective network management and smooth customer service.

Understanding What is the Difference between OSS and BSS

OSS is a set of computer programs that enables telecom providers to manage, monitor, and organize networks. OSS consists of software and hardware tools such as routers, servers, computers, and other core components, which are essential for operations of telecommunication network. It further allows telecom facilities to manage and optimize network planning, service assurance, configuration, service provisioning, fault management, and network inventory. The system records entire network data and presents it in an easy-to-read format. Contrarily, BSS allows seamless interaction between telecommunication providers and customers by streamlining business tactics and customer-related operations, including customer relationship management, subscriptions, billing, product marketing, customer orders, revenue management, service fulfillment, and customer notifications. Thus, effective BSS solutions enable telecom companies to optimize workflows, ensure service quality, and quickly address customer concerns.

OSS and BSS Supporting 5G Monetization

Increase in adoption of next-generation operating systems significantly impacts the OSS and BSS industry. Depending on the findings from Allied Market Research, the OSS and BSS market is estimated to garner a revenue of $66.2 billion by 2033. The sector accounted for $19.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2024 to 2033.

Studies reveal that earlier only OSS was considered as the primary solution for businesses to function efficiently by managing network operations. However, the advent of 5G has demonstrated that BSS is equally important. While OSS is instrumental in analyzing, managing, and controlling network connections, BSS facilitates seamless transition from existing 2G, 3G, and 4G networks to 5G. This indicates that BSS is also becoming inevitably important in the telecom industry to support this change. Thus, the revenue growth is additionally fueled by rise in penetration of cloud-based OSS and BSS services and rapid transition of telecom infrastructure providers from 4G to 5G. As a result, OSS and BSS are essential for 5G monetization, as they enable efficient network management and revenue generation.

Apart from offering traditional services, telecom companies are now providing digital solutions to a wide range of industries such as advanced computing, self-driving cars, online shopping, and the metaverse, a 3D virtual world for social interaction. For the creation and progress of virtual worlds, 5G and 6G are expected to be vital in enabling seamless connectivity, ultra-low latency, and high-speed data transmission, making immersive experiences more realistic and interactive. This, in turn, is anticipated to increase the reliance on OSS and BSS in the coming years.

Ericsson Announced OSS/BSS Summit 2025

Hosted by the BT Group, the world-leading communications services company, the OSS/BSS Summit will be held from October 7 to 8 in 2025. The summit is exclusively for the communications service provider (CSP) community, which will be organized by Ericsson, a well-known communication service provider, in London. It is expected to feature an interactive session and global discussion wherein CSPs will share their opinions and insights on how OSS and BSS are transforming the telecom industry by facilitating faster and better customer services. The theme represented by the summit is “Shaping the innovative connected world: AI, autonomous networks, monetization and service excellence.” The summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, which will be focused on delivering real-world insights to engage, inform, and inspire the audience.

End Note

OSS and BSS are instrumental systems for the development of the telecommunications industry. Both these systems optimally manage each aspect of customer and network service by improving customer service and increasing revenue. Moreover, both play an important role in successful 5G transition, as OSS manages network operations and automation, while BSS handles billing, customer interactions, and service monetization, ensuring seamless connectivity and business growth.

Related Post