In order to the telecommunication coverage as large as possible, between different operator networks is need to interconnect. This interconnection can happen between networks that to operated on the same country, or networks inter country. The charging between different networks operators also need arranged and matched. The financial settlement method between the network operators is known as accounting settlement.
Accounting settlement invented based on total use over time period that given, and paid from origin call network performed direct to all network operators. Settlement method can do with simple settlement or cascaded settlement. On figure 4.7 is showed accounting settlement model with both methods.
Simple settlement (direct)
Cascade settlement
Figure 4.7 Acutance settlement model between network operators
Accounting settlement with simple settlement method (figure 4.7.(a)) only possible to do if network provider A to know definitely a path that used by calls yang to aim at network C, after to pass network B. Example, If available route from network B to C via network fourth, that is E, then simple settlement method become impossible because network provider A cannot calculating divide financial on settlement with network provider E. This reason that caused always to used cascade settlement method, that model showed on figure 4.7 (b), which in this method performed proportional transit settlement and consecutively according to cascade.
Accounting settlements depend on totally used payment time that measured. This payment time, for every call is same with total time that used since call got respond until end of conversation. Settlement counted with multiply total time paid, that total with acutance cost that total already agreed first between network providers that connected each other. Several parameters that usually used as reference to ascertain acutance settlement cost is:
- Distance and call destination
- Service type
- Call duration
- Time call
- Switching equipment type
- Route
- Etc.
That currency used for payment from origin operator network to the other operators, ascertained based on agreement between network providers. If happen difficulty, payment can do with standard rate that recommended by CCITT Seri D.
