The network provider can serve information, beyond normal billing records, relating to mobile handset utilisation which can be especially valuable in identifying usage, activity, patterns and the movements of a given mobile telephone handset. This information can be served in a variety of formats and due to the structure and complexity is typically reviewed by telephone forensic experts to identify information of evidentiary value. The three most common formats include:
HANDSET BILLING RECORDS which are produced by the service provider with whom the customer is contracted. This information is derived from the wholesale billing systems of the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) which gives the service provider the date and time of each call, the number called and the duration. The service provider will manipulate this data to meet his own billing format and requirements and insert the call costs. The customer will receive a bill from the SP which shows the time and date of each call, the number called, the duration and the cost.
CDRs and mobile telephone network Billing Records
CALL DETAIL RECORDS (CDRs): This information is available only from the mobile network operators and shows the information from the wholesale handset billing records plus information on the cell sites (telephone masts) used during these call or messages.
Billing Records in Evidence
ENHANCED CALL DETAIL RECORDS (CDR’s) which again is only available from the network operators and maybe subject to a court order or other specialist requirement (i.e. authoritative police service sign off or defence solicitor identification). Some of the network operators produce these CDR’s which shows all the previous information plus the address of the cell site and the post code from a single database, others require a search of a separate system. This information is fundamental to each and every case where the accurate mapping of cell site coverage is required.
In accordance with the Data Retention Directive 2006/24/EC, UK network operators hold billing records and further information for between 6 to 12 months, meaning that it is essential to make the application for this data as soon as is practically possible. We are also experienced to comment upon matters concerning legislation including the ‘Data Protection Act 1998′ (DPA), ‘Communications Act 2003′ (CMA), ‘Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)’.
Billing Record Expert Witness to assist court case preparation
Our analysts can assist in understanding expert evidence; ensuring that the instructing party secures suitable disclosure so that adequate case preparations can be made. Telecommunication analysts at Afentis Forensics have access to the very latest in electronic evidence tools and techniques – including the world’s most advanced Billing Record and Cell Site Analysis investigation system; engineered exclusively in-house and utilised by investigators and police forces around the world.
AFENTIS FORENSICS can assist in detailed and comprehensive assessment of telephone schedules, sequence charts, and billing records. From testing the overall accuracy, through to distilling thousands of pages of records into a few pages of empirical statistics that will allow insight into the evidence.
The findings of all examinations can be documented in comprehensive Expert Reports and supported by certified and experienced Billing Records Expert Witnesses that can deliver clear testimony in either civil or criminal court proceedings.