This page contains instructions on how to add exceptions to a charging plan. |
Overview
The Charging Plans feature is available only if charging is enabled on the VoipNow system. The charging exceptions are added for certain area codes and override the general cost rules set up in the charging plan.
To navigate to the Charging Destination Exceptions page, go to the Charging Plans table and click the 
icon, under the D (Destinations) column.
Add destination cost exception
To add/remove several destination cost exceptions at the same time, you may use the +/- buttons.
- Fill in the area code: For calls to <area_code>, description: <description>.
- If you're using For Fixed Prices as a charging method, fill in the following fields:
- <area_code>: Specify the prefix of the destination phone number. This prefix indicates the geographical location for which you want to impose the charging exception.
- <description>: Associate a maximum 128 characters description to the destination charging cost exception.
Depending on the Charging method chosen for the current charging plan, you must fill in one of the following options:
Cost <indivisible_cost> <currency> for the first <indivisible_interval> seconds, then charge <cost> <currency> every <charging_interval> seconds
Select the checkbox if you wish to define an exception cost for the calls initiated to the chosen area code: | Option | Details |
|---|
| <indivisible_cost> | Set up a fixed cost that is charged even if the call duration is less than the <indivisible_interval>. | | <currency> | This is the system currency, as set up in the Unified Communications → Settings → Zero Priority → Charging tab. | | <indivisible_interval> | Specify the number of seconds for which the <indivisible_cost> is charged. The account has to pay the same amount even if an outgoing call lasts less than the <indivisible_interval> specified here. | | <cost> | Set up the fee that is charged for every <charging_interval> of an outgoing call. | | <charging_interval> | If an outgoing call lasts more than the <indivisible_interval> previously defined, then VoipNow charges the service provider the <cost> set above for every <charging_interval>. Specify this time interval. |
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Cost <n> x call cost + <adjustment> <currency>/ <charging_interval> seconds for call to <area_code>
Select this checkbox if you wish to define an exception cost for the calls initiated to the chosen area code: | Option | Details |
|---|
| <n> | Specify the call cost's multiplier based on the real cost charged by the channel provider. Usually, this parameter should be greater than 1. | | <adjustment> | Specify the amount that is added to the call cost every <charging_interval> seconds. | | <currency> | This is the system currency, as set up in the Unified Communications → Settings → Zero Priority → Charging page. | | <charging_interval> | Specify the number of seconds after which the <adjustment> is added to the call cost. |
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You can also add free minutes to your charging plan by filling in the options below:
Free minutes every month from package <free minutes package>
Select the text box if you wish to grant a free minutes package for the chosen area code:
| Option | Description |
|---|
| <free minutes package> | Select a free minutes package (if defined). |
You cannot add different costs for the same area code. VoipNow displays an error message if you try to override an area code that is already in the exceptions list.
In the example below, all the calls to area code 021 are charged with 0.05 USD for the first 30 seconds, regardless if the call is shorter than this time interval, and with 0.025 USD for every 15 seconds when it exceeds this period. Also, the Bucharest minutes package is offered with this rule, providing the service provider 500 free minutes. 
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In the example below, all calls to area code 021 are charged with the channel cost multiplied with 1.2 (if the price charged by the channel provider for calls to this destination is, for example, 0.01 USD/30 seconds, then the service provider has to pay 1.2 * 0.01 = 0.012 USD/30 seconds). To this amount, the service provider is charged an extra 0.003 USD for every 30 seconds. If we consider a 1 minute call, then the total fee charged is 2 * 0.012 + 2 * 0.003 = 0.03 USD. Also, the Bucharest minutes package is offered with this rule, providing the service provider 500 free minutes. 
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voipnow300_billing/billing_destinations |