Dialing in on selecting a VoIP Service Provider
by Roy King
VoIP service providers convey data transmissions of IP telephony signaling protocols called SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) which are fundamentally used for voice over IP (VoIP) calls. The provider is the main hub between networks which allow land line and VoIP users to connect.
Substantial savings from your traditional phone statement are one of the biggest factors many phone users have switched to this type of communication conveyance.
Setting up an account with a service provider is really no different than what one is accustom to compared to a land line or cellular phone service. Pricing, plans, features and quality of service will vary from provider to provider. There are some providers that may be able to save you upwards of 60 percent from your current phone bill by using their services. The absence of taxes and fees contribute to these large savings.
Service plans generally start around the twenty dollar mark and continue upwards depending upon the customers needs and the plans a service provider has to offer.
Features available by most providers may include: using your existing phone number, call waiting, call routing three way calling, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, instant messenger, prepaid phone cards, mobile phone service, and dedicated fax lines. Some providers may also offer an money back guarantee or a free trial period to test their products and or service.
Long distance plans may also vary by provider. Some may include free overseas plans with time restrictions. Be sure to ask which time zones apply to your plan. Other providers restrict which countries can be called with no additional charges being applied, additional country plans may be obtained for a low rate with certain packages.
VoIP service providers are required to provide 911 assistance of some type. The paramount problem with 911 VoIP service is that most providers still have yet not completely solved this issue. The name and address of a 911 VoIP emergency call is not immediately rendered by a dispatcher.
New technology in this area is presently being developed on a daily basis which will allow GPS and VoIP phone service to convey vital information needed to quickly process an 911 emergency call. It is important to survey your service provider and ask them where they stand on this issue, or if they have addressed the order given by the US FCC bureau for all VoIP providers to enhance their 911 emergency system.
Today's fast moving telecommunications are eagerly surveying IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which provides interconnectivity between current Internet technologies and the mobile world.
Many telecommunications companies are looking at the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which merges Internet technologies with the mobile world, utilizing a pure VoIP infrastructure. IMS internal structure allows current VoIP systems to interface with traditional telephone service and mobile cell phones. An Internet broadband connection will still be needed to provide service.
The upstream and downstream bandwidth connection rate should be taken into consideration when reviewing a possible broadband supplier. When a VoIP service provider performs quality customer service along with offering value packed phone service plans that are easy to use for the end user will undoubtedly see their profits soar. In the telecommunications business, pricing and customer service are paramount in deciding the success of your business.
The types of VoIP service plans will vary from each provider. Most providers today offer service that allows the user to call anyone with a telephone number, whether it's local, long distance, cell, or an overseas phone number.
Service providers usually will offer their clients three different ways to use a VoIP service. Phone systems will consist of either the customers computer to make their calls, a special VoIP phone issued by the provider, or telephone adapter that interfaces with the customer's present phone system.
If you decide to consider a VoIP solution to replace or add to your traditional phone service, research all factors that are important to you. The telecommunication world is quickly improving everyday to benefit us all with our demands and needs.
In conclusion, be sure to ask all the providers that you survey if the system you select can be upgraded when new technologies and or advancements evolve. Most all the VoIP service providers will require you to sign a one year contract for their services provided.
Showing posts with label Traditional phone service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traditional phone service. Show all posts
Monday, January 7, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
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.
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.
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