Buyer Frequently Asked Questions

It's simple.
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  • How do I buy a Route?
    First Login, or Sign Up if you do not have an account.
    Buying on CarrierCloud means subscribing to a Rate Sheet.
    You don't pay anything until that Rate Sheet is added to your My Rate Sheet Subscriptions and send calls to Routes on that Rate Sheet.

    Creating a Rate Sheet Subscription doesn't actually mean you are paying any money, it just means that you would like to use that Rate Sheet's Route in the future. To send traffic to a Route you need to subscribe to a Rate Sheet, see "What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?".
    To find a specific route:
    1. Go to the Search for Routes page; find it on your Account Dashboard under the 'Buyer' category or the Menu in the 'Buyer' tab. 2. Specify search options - or - simply browse with the 'Next' button.

    3. Click on the cart icon link next to the Route you want.

    4. Subscribe to that Rate Sheet, see "What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?"


    To find a Rate Sheet:
    1. Go to the Search for Rate Sheets page; find it on your Account Dashboard or the Menu in the 'Buyer' tab. 2. Specify search options - or - simply browse with the 'Next' button.

    3. Click on the cart icon link next to the Rate Sheet you want.

    4. Subscribe to that Rate Sheet, see "What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?"


    Next see "What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?".
  • What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?
    To start sending Calls to Route(s) on CarrierCloud you must first subscribe to the Rate Sheet that contains the Route(s) you want.

    To Create a Rate Sheet Subscription:
    1. Click the cart icon next to that Route or Rate Sheet you want.
    2. This will open a 'Create Rate Sheet Subscription' page.
    -Type a subscription name, by default it is set to the Rate Sheet's name.

    -Enter the IP you will be sending calls to CarrierCloud with.

    -Optionally, specify a Tech Prefix to use. If you have multiple Rate Sheet Subscriptions with the same IP you will use Tech Prefixes so that CarrierCloud can determine which Rate Sheet Subscription to use when calls are received.
    3. Download the Rate Sheet to load in to your switch on the 'My Rate Sheet Subscriptions' page.
  • What is a Complex Subscription, and how do I create one?
    A Complex Subscription is a Rate Sheet Subscription with multiple Rate Sheets with Priority(Ordered) or LCR routing. The available routing modes are:
          Ordered(Default):
                The Switching Fabric will try to route your call via all the selected Rate Sheets in the order you specify.
          LCR Failover:
                The Switching Fabric will order the compatible Routes from the selected Rate Sheets by lowest price and do
                failover real time.
          LCR Lowest:
                The Switching Fabric will pick the lowest priced Routes from the selected Rate Sheets and will ONLY
                use those routes.


    To create a Complex Subscription you need to have at least one normal Rate Sheet Subscription.
    A Rate Sheet Subscription is automatically changed in to a Complex Subscription when an additional Rate Sheet is added. To add a Rate Sheet to an existing Rate Sheet Subscription or Complex Subscription just click the link "Add to an existing Subscription (Create Complex Subscription)" when you go to Subscribe.

    You can change the Routing Mode on an existing Complex Subscription by going to 'My Rate Sheet Subscriptions' page and clicking the 'View Rate Sheets' link.
  • How do I send calls to a Route?
    See "How do I configure my switch in order to send calls to a Route?"
  • When will CarrierCloud cut off my calls if my balance is low?
    Because Sellers get paid into their account after every call, a Buyer must make certain that a positive balance in excess of $100 is in the Buyer’s account at all times. If funds run out, or are below the $100 threshold, any current calls will be disconnected.

    Strict enforcement of this policy guarantees that the Seller will always be paid immediately.
  • How do I configure my switch in order to send calls to a Route?
    After you have subscribed to the Rate Sheet with the Routes you want(See 'What is a Rate Sheet Subscription, and how do I create one?'), simply send calls to CarrierCloud's IP: 66.241.108.21 with the Tech Prefix(if any) from the IP you set in your Rate Sheet Subscription.
  • How do I provision my switch or gateway?
    It is really very simple and easy to setup or change your switch connection to CarrierCloud.
    CarrierCloud's IP: 66.241.108.21 is where CarrierCloud will send/receive calls to/from you.
    As a Buyer you will manage the IPs and Tech Prefixes for your Rate Sheet Subscriptions on the 'My Rate Sheet Subscriptions' page.

    Note that if your system or traffic requires any Tech Prefix you will need to also include that information as part of the online configuration.
  • How does CarrierCloud authenticate calls coming from your equipment?
    CarrierCloud uses IP based authentication, with an optional Tech Prefix.
    As a Buyer you will manage the IPs and Tech Prefixes for your Rate Sheet Subscriptions on the 'My Rate Sheet Subscriptions' page.
  • Which codecs does CarrierCloud support?
    All codecs are supported but depend on the codecs that the route vendor supports for that route. Codecs supported on each route are listed in the route information. CarrierCloud doesn’t handle the media which is why we can help ensure the highest voice quality worldwide.
  • What are the costs for Buyers? (none)
    CarrierCloud is FREE for Buyers. Unlike other online marketplaces, CarrierCloud does not charge a fee to the Buyer. As a Buyer, “what you see is what you get”. There are no added or hidden per-minute fees.
  • How does a Buyer make payments to CarrierCloud?
    All funds are sent to CarrierCloud’s secure escrow account at Wells Fargo Bank, the second largest bank in the USA, with affiliates worldwide. Buyers prepay for estimated use in order to maintain a positive balance in their account. The minimum wire transfer is $200.

    A Buyer can withdraw funds at any time but must maintain a minimum balance of $100 in order to keep the account open and active on CarrierCloud. If a Buyer elects to close his account all funds are returned to the Buyer’s bank account the same day.
  • Is there a delay between making changes on the site and routing calls?
    Changes to all information, including Dial Plans, Routes, Rate Sheets, etc. can be delayed a little bit before becoming "live" on the switching equipment. Usually this takes about 5 seconds but, in exceptional circumstances, it may take up to a minute.
  • How do I get traffic, CDR or funds reports?
    Real-time reports on traffic, earnings and account funds are available online, 24/7/365.
    Check your 'Account Dashboard' to find the Reports.
  • How much time will it take for the recharges (money) to take effect?
    Incoming wire transfers will be posted immediately, within the hour or even sooner. Buyers are encouraged to plan ahead so that the account balance will be sufficient to pay for calls.
  • When does a Buyer see payment activity in the Buyer’s Funds account?
    Calls are billed upon the completion of each call. The cost of that call is immediately deducted from the Buyer’s funds and credited to the Seller’s Funds account. All call activity and funds management happens in real-time. This assures that the Buyer and Seller are treated fairly, and the Buyer can keep track of call activity and costs in real-time.