CGRateS
CGRateS: A self-hosted engine for configurable telecommunications usage charging. Ranked #2 of 4 in OSS/BSS Software by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams needing open-source real-time usage charging.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams needing open-source real-time usage charging
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Service fulfilmentNo
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Rates and charges telecommunications usage events in real time
- Configurable logic supports tailored rating and charging rules
- Open-source GitHub project with integration interfaces
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment leaves hosting and operations to the adopting team
- Does not cover service fulfilment workflows
- Does not include network inventory
Our verdict on CGRateS
CGRateS provides real-time rating and charging for communications-service usage. It processes usage events, applies configurable rating logic, and exposes interfaces for integration with other systems. The product is positioned for small, mid-market, and enterprise teams that need an open-source charging component rather than a packaged end-to-end OSS/BSS suite. Its focus suits telecom engineering or billing teams defining their own deployment and integration approach.
The project uses an open-source model with a free plan and is distributed through GitHub. Deployment is self-hosted, with Linux and API listed among its supported platforms, so teams can place it within an on-premises environment or connect it to surrounding applications through its integration interfaces. This model gives organizations control over how the charging engine fits into a broader telecommunications stack, while requiring them to handle the deployment context themselves. Buyers should assess the interfaces against their existing systems and rating workflows before adoption.
CGRateS is strongest when the requirement centers on usage rating and charging depth. The published scope does not extend to service fulfilment or network inventory, so organizations seeking those OSS/BSS functions will need additional components or a broader suite. Teams that want a focused, configurable charging engine and are comfortable with self-hosted operation should consider CGRateS. Organizations looking for an integrated platform spanning fulfilment, inventory, and charging should choose a product with those capabilities included.
Your product? Our editors can test CGRateS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
CGRateS pricing
CGRateS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment options | On-premises |
| Service fulfilment | No |
| Network inventory | No |
| Billing and charging | Yes |
| Customer management | Not verified |
| Standards support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to CGRateS
- Ericsson BillingA broad prepaid and postpaid billing system for communication service providers.9.0
- Incognito Broadband Command CenterDeep broadband network provisioning and DDI with contact-sales pricing and focused OSS/BSS scope.6.8
- Etiya Digital BSSA web-based BSS portfolio spanning service fulfilment, billing and customer management.6.2
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CGRateS vs the competition
- CGRateS vs Ericsson Billing
- CGRateS vs Incognito Broadband Command Center
- CGRateS vs Etiya Digital BSS
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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