Module 5

Module 5
One platform for total control

Centralize devices, SIMs, KPIs, and actions to keep routes stable and predictable.

See the software in action

Next: Finding & Working with Clients

Monitoring + Alerts
See issues early and act automatically

Mini-thresholds : ASR <35% warn / <25% crit · ACD <40s/<25s · PDD >4.5s/>6s · Jitter >25/40ms

Track ASR/ACD/PDD/CLI/MOS, jitter/loss, utilization, SIM status

Rolling thresholds (15–30 min) to cut noise

On breach → prefer backup route, cap CPS/CC, notify ops

Evidence in alerts: last CDRs, KPI graphs, test-call result

Mini-thresholds ASR <35% warn / <25% crit · ACD <40s/<25s · PDD >4.5s/>6s · Jitter >25/40ms

SIM Lifecycle & Natural Dialing

KPIs and route context buyers
use to judge your node.

ASR & ACD

Answered-call ratio (ASR) and average call duration (ACD).
Higher ASR/ACD = healthier demand, fewer disputes, more stable volumes.
PDD

Post-Dial Delay — time from dialing to ring/answer.
Keep it low to improve answer rates and user experience.
CLI

Caller ID presentation.
Required by many buyers; clean, consistent CLI usually commands better price.
MOS (Voice quality)

Perceived audio quality (MOS) depends on jitter, packet loss and codec.
Track RTP stats and keep network clean to avoid degradations.
Route & traffic types

CLI vs non-CLI affects demand and payout.
Retail vs wholesale have different quality expectations, dispute rules, and stability.
Myths vs reality

Myth: “Only hardware matters.” → Ops discipline (monitoring, SIM lifecycle, risk control) drives profit.
Myth: “Any country is the same.” → SIM/KYC, logistics, power/network vary widely by region.

Market overview

Opportunities differ by region—align payout potential, SIM/KYC policy, logistics & power, and your ability to keep QoS stable.

AFRICA

Strong wholesale demand; attractive payouts on solid CLI routes.
SIM/KYC rules can be strict; sometimes local presence/agreements are needed.
Power and last-mile links vary—plan UPS, backup ISP/LTE, quality antennas.
Import/customs and IMEI/registration policies may add lead time and cost.
Best fit: if you can ensure uptime and follow local SIM rules with a reliable local partner.

Asia

Very large, diverse markets with dense urban coverage; rates are competitive.
Compliance/KYC can be stricter; expect documentation and usage-pattern controls.
Tariffs and FUPs differ by operator; watch thresholds that trigger SIM scrutiny.
Gear is easier to source locally; network quality is usually strong in cities.
Best fit: if you run tight documentation, clean CLI, and disciplined QoS.

Latin America

Consistent payouts on quality routes; once stable, scaling is predictable.
Customs/duties and shipping times vary widely by country—plan spares ahead.
Residential power/ISP can be inconsistent; prefer FTTH + LTE failover.
SIM registration typically required; policies differ per operator.
Best fit: if you can plan procurement, maintain QoS, and secure reliable hosting

Your first country

Start with wide payout − cost spread and realistic compliance/logistics.
Verify site basics: stable power + internet, room for antennas, secure space.
Ensure supply chain: trusted equipment and SIM sources + spares.
Line up 1–2 reliable buyers; run a 7-day test with clear SLA & CDR evidence.
Model economics: break-even minutes, sensitivity ±10% payout, plan to add a second node when stable.

Profit & Unit Economics

Calculate margin and payback with a simple model. See which levers actually change results.

Core formula

Gross Margin = (Payout/min − Effective Cost/min) × Billable Minutes.
Everything in the business rolls up to these three variables.
Payout per minute

The rate your buyer pays. Improve it by keeping clean CLI, good ASR/ACD, and reliable delivery; negotiate after a stable test period.
Effective cost per minute

Your real cost to originate a minute: SIM plan, connectivity (ISP/VPN/IPsec), power/UPS, hardware depreciation (gateway/SIM server/antennas), and ops overhead (spares, space, maintenance).
Utilization & uptime

More stable minutes/day = more margin. Control CPS/CC, prevent incidents, use monitoring/alerts and simple runbooks to reduce downtime.
Quality & disputes

Buyers watch ASR, ACD, PDD, CLI, MOS. Keep test calls and CDRs; agree a lightweight SLA to avoid revenue loss in disputes.
Risk & compliance to include in the math

Local regulation & SIM/KYC, SIM lifecycle/blocks, traffic-fraud patterns (short-stopping/refiling/CLI tampering), and power/ISP failures. Plan mitigations and budget for them.

Download sample P&L

Illustrative scenario for 12,000 daily minutes
(e.g., GOIP-8 at moderate load)
*for orientation only

Actual results depend on country, SIM/KYC, logistics, and how well you maintain QoS.

Quick glossary
(for consistent wording across the course)

ASR: Answer-Seizure Ratio (% answered).
ACD: Average Call Duration (avg length of answered calls).
PDD: Post-Dial Delay (dial → ring/answer).
CLI: Caller ID presentation.
MOS: Mean Opinion Score (voice quality).
SIP trunk: IP connection for VoIP minutes.
Gateway: Device that originates calls into the mobile network using your SIMs.
CDR: Call Detail Records (billing/quality evidence).
BTS: Base Transceiver Station (cell tower).

How Module 1 works

From concepts to real-world choices—everything you need to see the full picture.

Step 1 — Business model

What GSM termination is, how you earn, and where margin comes from.

Step 2 — End-to-end flow

SIP trunk → Softswitch/SBC → GSM gateway → SIM/BTS → Callee.
What each piece does and how QoS is measured (ASR/ACD/PDD/CLI/MOS).

Step 3 — Market map

Signals & constraints in Africa, Asia, LatAm; principles to pick your first country.

Step 4 — Profit engine

Formula: (Payout − Cost) × Minutes. What drives results: quality, uptime, costs, buyer mix.

Go to Module 2: Equipment & Stack