Consumers looking for alternatives to rigid monthly data allowances may be in luck.

Telecommunications software company Comptel Corporation has developed a new solution called FWD that allows consumers to choose from time-based data packages, ranging from one minute to as long as a week.

According to Comptel’s head of new business ventures Harry Järn, ‎FWD is comprised of several elements, including the end-user application where consumers purchase their data packets, a management console with reporting and analytics where carriers can sell, target and market and the solution’s cloud-based operating system.

In addition to eliminating pain points like bill shock for consumers, Järn said FWD also benefits operators by providing them with a white label, sales and marketing platform, provided via Software as a Service (SaaS). FWD, he said, also has the potential to significantly increase data average revenue per user (ARPU) and customer stickiness while providing carriers with continuous consumer engagement and deep analytics of user behavior.

Overall, he said, it’s a win-win solution.

“Carriers will learn totally new, relevant aspects of their customers, enabling them to make even better offers,” Järn said. “FWD will also enable carriers to offer affordable internet access to consumers with less spending power, without having to compromise on prices. Consumers will have always suitable buying options available. No need to plan smartphone usage in advance, but use it without fear of bill shock when there is the need.”

Järn said FWD functions as a digital sales channel on cellular networks. If a user has registered the FWD app and has an active data plan from an operator, FWD will only offer a carrier’s data packet once the user’s data plan expires.

Rather than replacing existing plans, Järn said, the service is meant to serve as an alternative way for consumers to buy and consume data.

Järn said FWD’s initial release on prepaid Android devices will be followed with the introduction of an iOS version in the spring as well as other use cases – like postpaid and roaming – at a later time.