CGRateS review
A self-hosted engine for configurable telecommunications usage charging.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
CGRateS pros and cons
- 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
CGRateS fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update