As the business model for the voice services industry continues to transform, service providers are inevitably being forced to adapt and create innovative methods of provisioning customers in a rapid and efficient manner.

With more and more emerging service providers, like Skype, Google (News - Alert) and MagicJack, as well as competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), introducing non-traditional voice services to customers, these service providers must look to more aggressive adaptations, like number portability and least cost routing, to meet these challenges.

According to a white paper released by least cost routing solutions provider Neustar, customers’ rapidly changing needs have prompted an overhaul of their traditional provisioning capabilities. While it may appear fixed-line telephone lines are falling behind due to fewer customers, it’s actually because consumers are simply looking elsewhere to get their voice services. With many providers redefining their roles and expanding their offerings, IP service delivery and telecommunications requirements for wireless, wireline, voice/data and cable have become more costly, resource-intensive and multifaceted.

Therefore, both traditional and non-traditional providers are moving away from the manually intensive process of provisioning and opting for automated processes. With so much involved in the complicated network of telephone exchanges and routes for connecting calls, least cost routing has become a primary focus for operators as they want to be able to deliver that service for the lowest price possible.

TransNexus (News - Alert) is a software company focused on providing solutions to next-generation networks for least-cost routing, number portability, traffic reports, profit analysis and wholesale billing. The company says its NexOSS Least Cost Routing features are easy to use and can do copy and paste rate provisioning from carrier rate plans. The solutions also offer support for up to 100,000,000 different VoIP routes; deliver least cost routing based on inter-state rates, intra-state rates and customized local calling areas; and include conversion of rate plans based on LATAs, OCNs and Tiers into a routing table and rate plans based on NPA (News - Alert) NXX-X breakouts.

With the right one-stop-shop automated solution, service providers can seamlessly manage subscriber expectations, process customers’ orders more quickly, and generate an uptick in revenue. Thanks to their comprehensive and flexible provisioning capabilities, both TransNexus and Neustar boast the ability to adjust their respective offerings to carriers’ changing business models and the ever-changing voice services industry.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell