This article explains what a BYOC number is, how it is billed, and how it differs from an External Number. Understanding these differences helps you avoid unexpected charges and ensures your numbers are configured correctly.
What is a BYOC number?
Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) is a voice solution that allows customers to use their preferred telecommunications carrier while leveraging Aircall's platform features, including call routing, IVR, recording, and analytics.
How BYOC is used within Aircall
BYOC can be used in two main contexts:
- Enhancing carrier availability: Aircall uses BYOC to address coverage needs in geographies where its own network has limited reach.
- Customer-driven integrations: Customers can connect their own preferred carrier to Aircall for greater flexibility and control.
Important: BYOC is not a self-serve feature. To configure a BYOC number on your account, contact our Account Management team. If you are not yet an Aircall customer, reach out to the Sales team.
How BYOC numbers are billed
Number subscription
BYOC numbers are billed as active numbers on your account. Even though the number is hosted by your own carrier, it exists in your Aircall Dashboard, supports inbound and outbound calls, and appears in reporting and analytics.
If you have questions about your number subscription cost, contact our Account Management team.
Call usage charges
Because BYOC calls are routed through your carrier's infrastructure rather than Aircall's, call usage is not billed by Aircall. This applies to both inbound and outbound calls made on a BYOC number.
Call usage costs are managed directly between you and your carrier and do not appear on your Aircall invoice.
Note: Aircall only bills for call usage when calls are routed through its own telecom infrastructure. Since BYOC calls are handled by your carrier, no usage cost is generated on your Aircall account.
BYOC numbers vs. External Numbers
BYOC numbers and External Numbers are often confused, but they serve different purposes and have different billing implications.
| Feature | BYOC number | External number |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Customer's own carrier | Not hosted by Aircall |
| Inbound calls | Supported | Not designed to receive inbound calls |
| Outbound calls | Supported | Supported |
| Number license | Billed | Billed |
| Call usage | Free (routed through your carrier) | Billed through Aircall infrastructure |
For more details on how call charges work, see understanding your call charges.
Best practices
- Use BYOC numbers when you need to retain your existing carrier, rates, or numbering plan.
- Validate your carrier-to-Aircall routing before going live.
If you need assistance, contact the Aircall Customer Support team to review your setup.
FAQs
Are BYOC numbers completely free?
No. The number license is billed as an active number on your account. Only call usage is free on your Aircall invoice.
Do BYOC numbers and External Numbers work the same way?
No. BYOC supports both inbound and outbound calls via your own carrier. External Numbers are designed for outbound display only.
Will my BYOC call usage appear on my Aircall invoice?
No. Since calls are routed through your carrier, no usage cost is generated within Aircall.
Can I set up a BYOC number myself in the Dashboard?
No. BYOC requires setup by your Account Manager or Sales representative and is not a self-serve option.
Can BYOC numbers receive inbound calls?
Yes. Unlike External Numbers, BYOC numbers support both inbound and outbound calls. Incoming calls are routed from your carrier to Aircall, where they are handled through your standard routing configuration, including Smartflows, IVR, and queues.
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