Yes, we run our own SMSC but in terms of functionality like routing and quality control we go way beyond what a normal carrier would be able to. CLEC is a US specific term and not needed to sign direct agreements with carriers. We operate our own SS7 stack, global titles and mobile network codes. This way we can interconnect with carriers as a carrier. Deploying an on-premise SMSC or E1's would be an old-school way of doing this. Most carriers use either Sigtran or connectivity through their SCCP provider.

I'd love clarity on this (specifically because it's hard for me to believe you've done smsc integration 220 times already).