> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.bolna.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Understanding Providers
> Learn about Bolna providers - the AI services that power your Voice AI agents. Connect your own Transcribers, LLMs, Synthesizers, and Telephony providers.
export const AiSensyIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const SarvamIcon = ({size = "50"}) => ;
export const RimeIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const PerplexityIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const OpenRouterIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const CalComIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const CartesiaIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const AzureOpenAIIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const DeepgramIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const ElevenLabsIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const OpenAIIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const VobizIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const ExotelIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const PlivoIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
export const TwilioIcon = ({size = "24"}) => ;
## What are Providers?
Providers are the AI services that power your Voice AI agents. Every voice agent in Bolna uses providers working together to handle conversations in real-time.
***
## Benefits of Connecting Your Own Providers
Use your own API keys and pay providers directly. No markup on provider usage.
Use specific models, voices, or features not available on Bolna's default providers.
Get enterprise SLAs, dedicated support, and compliance certifications from providers.
Already have provider accounts? Connect them to Bolna and use your existing credits.
When you connect your own provider, Bolna doesn't charge for that provider's usage. You pay the provider directly.
***
## How Providers Work Together
```mermaid theme={"system"}
flowchart LR
A[Caller speaks] --> B[Transcriber]
B --> C[LLM]
C --> D[Synthesizer]
D --> E[Agent responds]
```
1. **Transcriber (STT)** — Converts speech to text
2. **LLM** — Understands intent and generates a response
3. **Synthesizer (TTS)** — Converts text to natural speech
***
## Supported Providers
### LLMs (Large Language Models)
The brain of your voice agent. Understands caller intent and generates responses.
} href="/providers/llm-model/azure-openai">
Enterprise OpenAI deployment
} href="/providers/llm-model/openai">
GPT-4o, GPT-4o-mini, GPT-3.5
} href="/providers/llm-model/openrouter">
Access multiple models
} href="/providers/llm-model/openrouter">
Search-powered responses
***
### Transcribers (Speech-to-Text)
Convert spoken words into text. Accuracy and speed are critical for natural conversations.
} href="/providers/transcriber/deepgram">
Fast, accurate, great for calls
} href="/providers/transcriber/openai">
GPT Realtime Whisper
} href="/providers/transcriber/sarvam">
Indian language transcription
***
### Synthesizers (Text-to-Speech)
Convert text into natural-sounding speech. Voice quality matters for customer experience.
} href="/providers/voice/cartesia">
Ultra-low latency
} href="/providers/voice/elevenlabs">
Ultra-realistic voices
} href="/providers/voice/rime">
High-quality synthesis
} href="/providers/voice/sarvam">
Indian language voices
***
### Telephony Providers
Handle phone calls - both inbound and outbound.
} href="/exotel">
India-focused
} href="/plivo">
Cost-effective
} href="/twilio">
Global coverage
} href="/vobiz">
Enterprise telephony
***
### Tools & Integrations
Connect external services to enhance your voice agent.
} href="/integrations">
WhatsApp messaging
} href="/tool-calling/book-calendar-slots">
Calendar booking
***
## Quick Start
For testing and development, Bolna's built-in providers work out of the box. No configuration needed.
Ready to connect your own providers? See [Connect Providers](/providers) for step-by-step instructions.
***
## Recommended Setups
| Use Case | Recommended Providers |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Quick testing** | Use Bolna's built-in providers |
| **Production** | Connect your own accounts |
| **Indian languages** | Sarvam for LLM |
| **Lowest latency** | Deepgram + GPT-4o-mini + Cartesia |
| **Highest quality** | Deepgram + GPT-4o + ElevenLabs |
***
## Next steps
Add your provider credentials
View all available integrations
Create custom voices
Configure your agent