Ticket NumberYT:PMD-3631
Project GoalEnable PortaSwitch to validate that the calling number (CLI) on both incoming and outgoing calls belongs to the operator who is sending or receiving it, by checking it against the Local Number Portability database already available on the system. Calls with a CLI that cannot be confirmed as belonging to the expected operator must be automatically rejected with a clear error code before reaching the destination. The feature must work at the carrier connection level so that the CSP does not need to configure it individually for each customer or reseller.
Why this project exists ?

South Africa's ICASA regulates CLI presentation under the ECNS licensing framework. Providers are prohibited from displaying numbers belonging to other ECNS-licensed operators unless those numbers have been legally ported. This feature is aimed at achieving the compliance. Other South African PortaSwitch operators face the same requirement and would benefit from the same feature.

Who are the users / whom we bring value ?
  • CSP: Gets automated ICASA compliance and fraud prevention across all environments and resellers without manual per-account work. Spend less time troubleshooting rejected calls because the SIP 603 response carries a specific reason that identifies the cause immediately.
  • CSP's resellers: Their customers are automatically prevented from sending invalid CLIs, reducing support escalations and compliance risk without any action on the reseller's side.
  • End users: Receive fewer spoofed or fraudulent calls, and the number displayed on their phone more reliably reflects who is actually calling.
What are the benefits for CSP/ PortaSwitch owner?
  • Regulatory compliance with ICASA without manual effort
  • Fraud and number spoofing prevention across all resellers
  • Faster troubleshooting through clear rejection reason codes
  • Scalable enforcement at carrier level — no per-account configuration needed
Target Release

AreaPortaBilling, PortaSIP

Additional Info

If an operator violates licence conditions (for example: misleading CLI presentation, unlawful number usage, or breaking numbering/porting rules), ICASA can:

  • issue formal warnings / compliance notices
  • order corrective action
  • open a case via the Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC)
  • impose financial fines
  • suspend or restrict licence conditions in serious cases
  • in extreme cases, revoke or refuse renewal of licences

Specifications

References

  1. ICASA: https://www.icasa.org.za/ 
  2. Numbering plan regulations by ICASA: https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/24123150/ICASA-46080gen900.pdf 

Definitions, acronyms and abbreviation

AbbreviationDescription
CSPCommunication Service Provider
CLICalling Line Identification
ICASAIndependent Communications Authority of South Africa
ECNSElectronic Communications Network Service - a license category regulated by ICASA