VoIP Service Providers: How To Find The Right One?

VoIP Service Providers: How To Find The Right One?

by Ara Rubyan

Traditional phone service can't offer what VoIP offers -- and that's the reason why VoIP is growing so fast. Not only that: VoIP offers everything that your phone service offers today. And you'll pay less when you go this route. It shouldn't come as a surprise that VoIP is fundamentally remaking the way we all look at -- and use -- our telephones. Whether you are a business owner or simply a homeowner, it is a very viable alternative for nearly everyone.

For example, long distance calls are going to be free or nearly free on VoIP phone systems. This is because VoIP uses the Internet to send your voice messaging. And another thing: Wherever you go, as long as you have an Internet connection, you can have VoIP service. As I said before, VoIP service offers the sorts of features that we were used to paying extra for.

Here are some things that you should investigate when you're choosing a VoIP service provider:

Does it sound good?

Today's technology delivers excellent audio while greatly cutting down on noise. Expect the best from your VoIP service provider. Make a test call before you make any commitments. If you hear any kind of lag, or any kind of delay in your phone call, then that VoIP service provider is probably not for you.

If you think I'm exaggerating, think about a one second delay and what it can mean. It could mean that the person you are talking to is hesitating for some unknown reason. It could mean that the person you are talking to doesn't understand what you are saying, or is simply confused. Or it could mean that you have a slow Internet connection. Before you commit to VoIP service, eliminate the possibility that the delay is due to technical reasons.

Will It Be There When You Need It?

Business owners know: if your phone goes out in the middle of a conference call, you're losing customers. Even worse: if there are 10 people on the line at your office and 10 at the other locations. Even a 15 minute outage equals five man-hours of productivity lost. So don't cut corners with your VoIP service provider. Pay a little bit more and get top-notch, reliable service.

How's the customer service?

It should go without saying that your VoIP service provider should give you 24/7 customer support. Not only that: you shouldn't have to wait on hold -- you should be able to get a straight answer quickly. Look for a VoIP service provider that offers alternate modes of tech support, like live chat.

What Sorts of Features Are Available?

Your VoIP service provider should be able to give you all the standard features that you're accustomed to PLUS free long distance calls, e-mail, fax, Web conferencing, even videophone for no extra fee at all. Some VoIP service providers may not be able to deliver, instead charging you extra for these features. Be sure of what you want -- and ask for it -- before making a final decision on whom to go with.

...and speaking of price

We all feel that VoIP should be free or very cheap. At the very least you should be able to get free long distance and a low monthly service charge. But make sure you're getting more than you pay for. A low price with low voice quality is not a good value. If your VoIP service provider offers a trial, take advantage of it to make sure that you're getting your money's worth.

Despite the upside potential, be aware that there are some negatives to VoIP. For one thing, you still have to have high-speed Internet -- or be capable of it -- for VoIP phone service to work. If you have a power outage and lose your Internet feed, or if your Internet is just plain slow, VoIP will not work for you. So make sure that your Internet service is reliable and fast.

As for which companies are the best VoIP service providers, visit this page to find out how to make an intelligent comparison. You'll have to do a little bit of homework and find the best VoIP service providers available to you. But you'll find the investment of time to be worth it.

Bottom Line

Review all the issues -- pro and con -- before making an informed decision on VoIP service providers.