Origin Based Rating, also known as Origin Based Charging for voice termination, takes into account both the origination and termination of a call when billing. The terminating network (usually mobile) will apply a surcharge to the mobile termination rates (MTRs) based on the country of the call’s origin.

The risks associated with Origin Based Rating (OBR) can hurt a transit carrier’s profitability in two ways. They can either block risky voice traffic or carry traffic and charge the highest surcharges. Both options can result in loss of market share and reduced profitability… The challenge is to gain greater visibility into their traffic and route it with confidence. Transit carriers that take action will grow traffic volumes and capture higher margins.

Increasing numbers of mobile operators within the European economic area have introduced origin based rating for voice termination and more are expected. . In March 2020, German mobile network operators are expected to introduce significant surcharges in mobile termination rates (MTRs), based on the country of call origination.