Understanding carrier classifications
How to read Voice Provider and Carrier Type in your CSV, and why dashboard labels can look different.
What your download contains
Voice Provider identifies the voice carrier returned for the number. Carrier Type preserves the carrier classification returned by the underlying data source. The API exposes this classification as carrier_type.
The CSV is a formatted export that keeps those classifications intact for analysis and integration. It does not replace codes such as CLEC or PCS with the dashboard’s simplified labels.
Why the dashboard looks different
The dashboard uses plain-language display labels: for example, WIRELESS and PCS appear as “Mobile,” while CLEC, ILEC and RBOC are grouped under “Landline.” These are display categories, not an additional lookup or a separate determination of the end user’s service technology.
CLEC does not, by itself, establish whether a number uses VoIP or a traditional landline. The dashboard’s “Landline” grouping should not be treated as proof of a physical landline connection.
Carrier Type reference
| Returned value | Meaning | Dashboard label |
|---|---|---|
| WIRELESS, CELLULAR, MOBILE | Wireless or mobile classification. | Mobile |
| PCS | Personal Communications Service; a wireless classification. | Mobile |
| CLEC | Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. A carrier category, not proof of the subscriber’s connection technology. | Landline (simplified grouping) |
| ILEC | Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier. Describes the carrier’s role, not necessarily the technology used for an individual service. | Landline (simplified grouping) |
| RBOC | Regional Bell Operating Company. Describes the carrier category. | Landline (simplified grouping) |
| LANDLINE, FIXED | Landline or fixed classification as returned by the source. | Landline |
| VOIP | Voice over Internet Protocol classification as returned by the source. | Internet (VoIP) |
| VOWIFI | Voice over Wi-Fi classification as returned by the source. | Internet (VoIP) (simplified grouping) |
| TOLLFREE | Toll-free classification. This does not identify the technology at the answering destination. | Toll-free |
This reference explains recognized values; it does not replace the returned classification. Preserve other returned values rather than guessing a mobile, landline or VoIP category.
Example: Onvoy / CLEC
Voice Provider: Onvoy identifies the returned voice provider. Carrier Type: CLEC identifies its carrier classification. Those two fields alone do not establish whether the end user’s service is VoIP or a traditional landline.
If your workflow requires a definitive VoIP-versus-landline determination, do not convert every CLEC result into either category. Retain CLEC as returned; this classification alone does not resolve that distinction.
Read voice and messaging evidence together
A wireless provider with a WIRELESS or PCS classification supports a mobile interpretation. A matching messaging provider adds context, but a provider match alone does not prove a number is mobile. Text-enabled landline and VoIP numbers exist, and messaging may be handled separately from voice.
For example, WIRELESS with a wireless voice provider is different evidence from CLEC with a hosted voice provider. If the result remains ambiguous, preserve the returned classification instead of assigning a definitive technology.
You can request enhanced LRN and messaging data together. Use the single-number and bulk API examples, or let an agent follow the MCP quote, lookup and results workflow. Your CSV retains its original fields and classifications.
Background: FCC carrier definitions.
Product prices · public rates
Each selected product adds its per-number cost. Estimates do not submit lookups or charge your wallet.
- lrn
- $0.000500 per number
- enhanced_lrn
- $0.000000 per number
- messaging_provider
- $0.000900 per number
- cnam
- $0.006000 per number
- spam
- $0.007000 per number