Capacity groups#
Capacity groups let multiple DID numbers use shared flat-rate channels, metered channels, or both. Use Capacity groups when Capacity should be allocated to a set of DID numbers instead of reserved directly for one DID number.
What capacity groups are#
A Capacity group is created in a Capacity pool and assigned to DID numbers from Phone Numbers > My Numbers. DID numbers assigned to the same group can use the group’s shared channels and metered channels when those resources are available according to Capacity priority.
Capacity groups are required for shared channels and metered channels. Dedicated channels are assigned directly to DID numbers and do not use Capacity groups.
Why capacity groups exist#
Capacity groups make shared allocation possible. Without a group, Capacity can only be assigned directly to individual DID numbers as dedicated channels or provided through channels included with the DID number service.
Groups are useful when several DID numbers need access to extra inbound call Capacity, but not every DID number needs a separately reserved channel amount. They also make it possible to combine shared flat-rate channels with metered channels so a group can use fixed monthly Capacity first and usage-based Capacity as overflow.
flowchart LR
A["Incoming call"] --> B["DID number 1"]
A --> C["DID number 2"]
A --> D["DID number 3"]
B --> E["Capacity group"]
C --> E
D --> E
E --> F["Shared channels"]
F -->|if shared channels are exhausted| G["Metered channels"]
F --> H["Destination PSTN"]
G --> H
class A customerAction
class B,C,D customerAction
class E staffAction
class F status
class G status
class H reviewComplete
classDef customerAction stroke:#38bdf8,fill:#e0f2fe,stroke-width:2px,color:#1f2d3d
classDef status stroke:#fb923c,fill:#fee2e2,stroke-width:2px,color:#1f2d3d
classDef staffAction stroke:#facc15,fill:#fef3c7,stroke-width:2px,color:#1f2d3d
classDef reviewComplete stroke:#2dd4bf,fill:#ccfbf1,stroke-width:2px,color:#1f2d3d
Metered channel allocation#
Metered channels are pay-per-minute channels assigned to a Capacity group. They can be used alone or with shared channels in the same group.
Metered channels are used after higher-priority Capacity resources are unavailable. For priority behavior, see Capacity priority.
Metered channel allocation defines how many concurrent inbound calls can use pay-per-minute Capacity through the group. A Capacity group can have up to 1,000 metered channels. It does not reserve flat-rate channels or create a fixed monthly channel charge.
To assign or unassign metered channels, see Manage metered channels.
Group behavior#
Capacity groups belong to a selected Capacity pool. The pool determines the countries, pricing, and available channel resources that can be used by the group.
A group can contain shared channels, metered channels, or both. When both are configured, shared flat-rate channels are used before metered channels. This allows predictable traffic to use fixed monthly Capacity while metered Capacity remains available for overflow.
DID numbers must be assigned to the group before they can use the group’s Capacity. Removing a DID number from a group stops that DID number from using the group’s shared or metered channels.
Group limits#
Capacity groups have channel allocation limits and DID number eligibility requirements. At least one shared or metered channel must be assigned when creating or editing a Capacity group, and only DID numbers that support additional Capacity can be assigned to a group.