Description
The Subscriber Content Charging Function (SCCF) is a component of the 3GPP Online Charging System (OCS), defined to facilitate real-time charging based on the content being accessed by subscribers. It operates by interfacing with application servers or content providers to receive charging events related to specific services, such as video streaming, music downloads, or gaming. The SCCF evaluates these events against subscriber profiles and pre-defined charging rules to determine the cost, applying policies that may consider factors like content type, data volume, session duration, or quality of service. This enables operators to implement flexible, granular charging models that align with the value of the content delivered.
Architecturally, the SCCF is part of the broader OCS framework, which includes functions like the Charging Trigger Function (CTF) and Account Balance Management Function (ABMF). It communicates using standardized protocols such as Diameter, particularly the Ro reference point, to exchange charging information with network elements. When a subscriber initiates a content service, the application server sends a charging request to the SCCF, which then performs credit reservation, rating, and balance updates in real-time. This ensures that subscribers are charged accurately and immediately, preventing revenue leakage and supporting prepaid or postpaid billing scenarios.
Key components within the SCCF include the charging rule database, which stores policies for different content types, and the rating engine, which calculates charges based on tariff plans. Its role extends to supporting subscription-based services, where it manages recurring charges, and event-based charging, for one-time transactions. By integrating with policy control systems, the SCCF can also enforce spending limits or offer promotional discounts, enhancing the subscriber experience. This functionality is crucial for modern mobile networks, where content-driven services are a significant revenue stream.
Purpose & Motivation
The SCCF was introduced in 3GPP Release 5 to address the growing need for sophisticated charging mechanisms as mobile networks expanded beyond voice to offer diverse content services like video, music, and applications. Prior charging systems were often limited to simple time- or volume-based models, which did not adequately capture the value of premium content. The SCCF solves this by enabling content-aware charging, allowing operators to differentiate pricing based on what subscribers access, thereby maximizing revenue opportunities.
Its creation was motivated by the rise of mobile data services and the demand for real-time billing to support prepaid models and prevent fraud. By providing a standardized function within the OCS, the SCCF facilitates interoperability between network elements and content providers, addressing limitations of proprietary charging solutions that hindered service innovation. This evolution supported the business models of operators transitioning to all-IP networks, where content delivery became a core offering.
Classification
Detected Changes Across Releases
from 3GPP Change RequestsSpecific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (34 CRs across 5 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.
Studied in Rel-5, normative work from Rel-15.
In Release 15, the SCCF was enhanced to improve the UE location description for IMS charging when connected over WLAN. Additionally, editorial issues regarding the Access Network Charging Identifier were resolved to ensure clarity in the specification.
In Release 16, the SCCF saw enhancements primarily focused on refining IMS charging procedures, including updates to volume-based charging descriptions and the introduction of a service-based charging interface. The release also provided more detailed specifications for charging triggers and the general architectural description for IMS charging. Furthermore, it defined mechanisms for CHF (Charging Function) selection within the IMS charging framework.
In Release 17, the SCCF was enhanced through the introduction of a new IMS converged charging architecture and a service-based architecture for offline charging. This included updates to the converged charging trigger tables and the addition of specific IMS charging information for the Charging Function (CHF). Furthermore, the release clarified charging service selection and updated the handling of Charging Data Records (CDRs) for converged charging.
- Adding data description for IMS converged charging TS 32.260CR0405
- Add service based architecture for offline charging TS 32.260CR0407
- Add IMS offline only charging information TS 32.260CR0410
- Update of converged charging trigger tables using IMS node TS 32.260CR0412
- Addition of converged charging IMS information TS 32.260CR0413
- Clarify Charging service selection TS 32.260CR0415
+ 9 more changes
In Release 18, the SCCF's capabilities were expanded to include duration-based charging specifically for the IMS data channel, introducing a defined termination process for this new charging principle. This enhancement allows operators to apply a distinct charging model based on the elapsed time of a data channel session. Additionally, the release introduced IMS Charging Diagnostics to aid in troubleshooting and monitoring the charging system.
In Release 19, the SCCF was enhanced to support new charging principles and information for emerging services, specifically for IMS Data Channel application download charging and Avatar communication charging. Furthermore, the release introduced new charging triggers, principles, and updated message flows for UE-satellite-UE communication. These additions expanded the SCCF's capabilities to handle duration-based charging for standalone IMS data channels and the unique requirements of direct satellite-based user equipment communication.
- Rel-19 CR 32.260 Support duration-based charging for standalone IMS data channel TS 32.260CR0438
- Rel-19 CR 32.260 Charging architecture for IMS DC application download charging charging TS 32.260CR0439
- Rel-19 CR 32.260 Charging principle for IMS DC application download charging TS 32.260CR0440
- Rel-19 CR 32.260 Charging information for IMS DC application download charging TS 32.260CR0441
- Add charging principle for UE-satellite-UE communication TS 32.260CR0443
- Add charging trigger and charging information for UE-satellite-UE communication TS 32.260CR0444
+ 3 more changes
Explore further
Broader topics and technologies where SCCF plays a role.
Defining Specifications
3GPP specifications that define or reference SCCF, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.
| Specification | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| TS 23.815 v1500 | IMS Charging Implications | Rel-5 |
| TS 32.260 vj10 | IMS Charging Management | Rel-19 |