Insights

ANI Networks Unlocks the Future of Call Routing at TFUS19

Oct 17, 2019

When Toll-Free Numbers were first introduced in the mid-1960s, the world was a very, VERY different place, with limited ways to go about Making the Perfect Connection. Then, the internet entered the playing field and forever changed life as we know it.

Think the shift fazed the Toll-Free industry? Think again! As an ambitious and entrepreneurial community driven by success, Toll-Free industry players have strategically expanded their solutions and offerings to meet and exceed the demands of an ever-evolving landscape year after year.

One such player is ANI Networks. As a leader in Toll-Free and Call Peering, ANI is a seasoned telecommunications organization that not only has their own patented portal (ARK) but also an enviable portfolio that includes more than 500,000 managed Toll-Free Numbers and 40 Responsible Organization (Resp Org) IDs.

At the 2019 Toll-Free User Summit, Gary Fry, CEO of ANI Networks, led a thought-provoking Industry Perspective Breakout Session centered around IP Peering and how this technology is streamlining call routing and completion. As one of the first companies to adopt and offer IP call routing, ANI has seen its share of wins, challenges and everything in-between.

Gary began his presentation by offering some helpful recommendations based on ANI’s experience in IP Peering. Specifically, he shared the following best practices with attendees:

• Obtain more working Resp Org ID Numbers – Help perfect your system
• Make sure to test 503s/pushbacks – Eliminate looping and keep service stable
• Clean up your database – Only service the numbers you WANT service with
• Switchless or Off-Net Numbers – Should be handled separately within your RespOrg

In addition to best practices, Gary shared some of the benefits that IP Peering has to offer. One of the biggest benefits of Peering, according to Gary, is that it allows for a one-to-one connection that eliminates complex routing records. Not only does this make it a more practical, stable method of routing calls, Peering has also provided ANI with a quantifiable improvement in call execution and completion.

To end the conversation, Gary let the audience in on a few of his secrets to building a successful IP Peering network. First and foremost: Know your traffic and keep agreements simple! A little bit of homework can save you a LOT. Specifically, when setting up Peering arrangements, study your originating call logs and see who is sending you the most calls, who you know the best and trust, etc. As we continue to make these one-to-one connections, it’s more important than ever to forge strong relationships with members of the Toll-Free community.

To learn more about IP Peering and ANI Networks, please contact: Peering@aninetworks.com