CALLINCARD

Prepaid and postpaid calling card services represent one of the fastest-growing types of enhanced voice services. A variety of consumer segments - students, business and leisure travelers, expatriates, immigrants - have fueled their growth. These services are especially popular among mobile phone users, as an alternative to mobile operators’ outrageously high international rates and roaming fees.

Who is it for?

	Resellers launching a prepaid calling card business, especially in newly deregulated markets
	Service providers who already offer prepaid and postpaid calling card services over a switched circuit network
	Telecom companies and other service providers interested in offering calling card services to a wide range of important target communities (students, MLM, etc.)

How does it work?

	The caller dials in, using either the local or 800 phone number for the service provider.
	Alternatively, the call can be placed using compatible PC phone client software (Windows Messenger, X-Ten).
	The VoIP gateway, assisted by the IVR server, prompts the caller to enter his/her account ID (PIN).
	Once the previous step is completed, the system authenticates the caller, prompts the VoIP gateway to announce the account balance to him/her, and signals him/her to dial the destination number.
	After the destination number has been entered, the system calculates the maximum call duration and plays it back to the caller via the gateway’s IVR. Once the call is completed, it is charged to the caller’s account balance.
	The calling card user may log in to the account self-provisioning interface at any time to access call history (CDRs), payment information (credit card info), language options, and many other features.

Solution components

The core elements of a VoIP-based calling card solution include:

	A VoIP Gateway that supports RADIUS/AAA (Cisco, Quintum, etc.); this functions as an interface for the originated call from the PSTN (caller’s phone) to the IP network (Internet), and includes an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) server that provides voice prompts describing the account balance and minutes available for the call
	Billing Software, a real-time billing and customer care platform that keeps track of calls and corresponding charges; redundant system architecture (dual database).
	SIPServer software, a call control software package based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and providing a full array of call routing capabilities as well as a solution to the NAT traversal problem. (This is required by clients using PC phone software and/or when sending calls to a SIP carrier.)

Key Features

	Compatibility with most existing VoIP carriers (H323 or SIP)
	Customizable, wizard-driven call rating, including peak and off-peak periods
	Unlimited number of prepaid calling cards hosted by the system
	Easy management of calling cards, batches and corresponding accounts (PINs)
	E-commerce module for web signup, and credit card payment system
	Customizable reporting of CDRs
	In-depth analysis per VoIP carrier based on traffic and generated revenues
	Comprehensive reporting functions allowing CallingPlaces to track any and all types of call information (by destination, time, ASR, etc.)
	IVR support, including recharge vouchers
	Fully compliant with the Visa security standard
	Toll free, original line information, roaming

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Calling Places Ltd.  is not liable for any consequential or indirect damages incidental to purchasing or using Calling Places  hosted calling cards. The cardholder should hold his or her PIN (Account Number)  in confidence. Calling Places  is not liable for any lost or stolen cards, or account numbers sent by e-mail. Calling Places hosted cards have no cash value, are not transferable, and are non refundable. BT  has imposed a pay phone surcharge for 0800 calls made from a payphone. Any 0800 calls made from a payphone will be subject to a surcharge. Rates are subject to change depending on origin of calls, and destination of calls without prior notice.