Public Service Account Setup

What is a Public Service?

A public service is a virtual company account used for online public subscriptions. Customers go to a Web site to signup. They get to choose their subscription packages and options, enter their user information and their billing method. The public service account is managed in the same manner as a company account. As the public service administrator, you are responsible to select the service packages offered for online user signup, the call restrictions, the billing, DIDs, etc.

Configuring the Public Service Account

As the VAR Administrator, you are responsible for configuring and managing the public service settings. Login as the System Administrator on your Web Portal to configure the public service account as follows:

The following configuration tasks must be completed when you login for the first time as the VAR Administrator. Any tasks remaining will be shown in the VAR Account Setup Status section of your Settings page.

In the Companies view, click on the Public Service company name to start its configuration and provisioning as follows:

  • Company Name: Enter the name of the public service. This will be shown on all communications with users: signup confirmation, billing, etc.
  • Subscription Keys: In the Free Keys field, enter the number of Subscription Keys assigned to the Public Service account. This sets the maximum number of people that can subscribe to the service.
  • Telephony Provider: Select the telephony provider to be used to make and receive calls. Go to Telephony Providers for more.
  • Call Restrictions: Click on Call Restrictions to open the Call Restrictions window where you can view and edit existing restrictions. You may also click New Restriction to define a new call restriction for public subscribers.

Go to Companies for more details on how to configure company accounts.

Step 1 - Change your Password

Your may still be using the default password generated and sent by the system. Change the password of your Public Service Admin account to a more personal code. Go to Changing the Company Administrator Password to learn how.

Step 2 - Select the Service Packages

Your public service account must have service packages to enable users to subscribe to them. The details of each package (services and rates) should be defined by your service provider. Users can only subscribe to pre-defined service packages. The list of active service packages is automatically offered on the public signup web site. Go to Managing Service Packages for details.

Step 3 - Provision DID Phone Numbers

Enter or import DID numbers to make them available to users and services. Use one telephone number as a DID for the virtual assistant service. See Provisioning DID Phone Numbers.