Over the years, analog landlines are slowly being phased out and replaced by digital phone service providers. These services use Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit phone calls, instead of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
There are a lot of providers out there, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you – especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. However, by doing some research and carefully considering your needs, you can find a perfect solution from the many options available to you.
Before You Start…
Contacting providers shouldn’t be the first thing you do. Instead, it’s essential to wrap your head around the basics of Voice over Internet Protocol. First, let’s start with the two common concerns that every business faces when uprooting their phone system:
How Does VoIP Work?
VoIP providers route your voice call data over their private networks and the public internet. When you make a call using VoIP technology, your voice is converted into digital data and sent as packets over the internet.
The packets are then routed to the provider’s network and converted back into audio on the receiver end. This process works in reverse for incoming calls. This scraps the need for expensive international calls and long distance call budget without hindering your business communication. Instead, it even gives it a boost with some additional features for more advanced call handling and customer service.
Is It Easy to Upgrade from Landline to VoIP?
The transition from PSTN to internet telephony is fairly straightforward. VoIP doesn’t require any specialized hardware and there’s no need for a heavy time or money investment for a new setup. There is no need to buy a special VoIP phone or replace your current analog phone. You can simply buy an analog telephone adapter and enjoy VoIP services. Alternatively you can also repurpose your personal devices with the help of mobile apps.
You won’t even have to change your number! You can simply port your current number and avoid any inconvenience, especially if you already have an established customer base.
The only essential factor to take into consideration is the quality of your internet connection. You may need to upgrade your internet plan to accommodate the additional bandwidth required and guarantee the best quality of your IP calls.
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone Service Provider
With so many providers out there, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here are six factors you should consider that will help you make the right decision:
1. Advanced Features
Whether you are using VoIP Service Providers for your business or at home, you can fully cover the functions of the traditional phone lines. But that’s not all! There are multiple other advantages to uprooting that you should consider. For instance, you can maximize your business efficiency with features like:
- call forwarding
- voice mail
- auto-attendant
- video conferencing
Plus, thanks to the majority of the VoIP providers offering mobile apps you can access your business line from your mobile phone, tablet or a web application. It’s not only easy and convenient, but can be a lifesaver for businesses with remote workers who need to stay productive regardless of their physical location. Regular telephone services are typically a lot less flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing work environments.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to choosing a digital phone provider, the cost is often one of the most important factors. In general, the big-name providers are usually more expensive, but they tend to offer faster speeds and better coverage. For small businesses and families, it may be worth it to pay a little extra for a reliable network.
If you’re just using your phone for personal use, several smaller providers can offer comparable plans at a fraction of the cost, and be sure to read the fine print before signing any contracts. Some service providers may require a long-term commitment or charge hidden fees.
It is worth noting, that despite these charges, with international calling made easy, as well as no dedicated hardware required – VoIP solution remains the ultimate budget-friendly choice. Almost always, there’s an affordable connectivity program available regardless of whether you are based in the United States or abroad. The only word of caution refers to the rural areas that may not have the infrastructure to support high-speed data and reliable internet service with slower speeds. However, it shouldn’t be an issue with major carriers that typically offer nationwide coverage.
3. Expertise
By choosing a reputable provider, you can minimize the risk of disruptions to your plan. When you’re looking for a new provider, be sure to ask about their experience with the type of service you’re interested in. The average person doesn’t give much thought to the phone lines that connect their home or business to the outside world.However, when the service goes down, it can be a major inconvenience. That’s why it’s important to choose a phone service provider that has a team of experts who can quickly and efficiently restore it.
4. Scalability
As technology evolves, so do the capabilities of phone service providers. Traditional landline service is notoriously inflexible, making it difficult (if not impossible) to scale up or down as needed.
Digital services like VoIP, on the other hand, are highly scalable, allowing businesses and individuals to easily adjust their plans to address future communications needs, even if on a short notice. Whether it’s adding new features or adding your users – your needs will always be covered.
5. Third-Party Integrations
One way to narrow down your choices is to look for a company that offers third-party integrations. As mentioned earlier, many VoIP providers already offer an exciting list of tools to equip your business system for success. However, when adopting IP telephony, you should also consider third-party integrations that are available and how well they fix into your current setup. One of the most important ones to consider is the integration with CRM, Microsoft Teams, amongst others.
6. Security
In today’s digital age, security is more important than ever. With so much of our lives taking place online, it’s essential to have a phone service company that can offer the features and support you need to stay safe. With features like caller ID and call blocking, these companies can help to protect their customers from unwanted calls and harassment.
In addition, many wireless providers now offer data encryption and other security features to help protect their customers’ privacy. Always check if your provider offers any support to help you troubleshoot any security issues.
Final Words
Choosing a digital phone service provider can be a daunting task. There are wireless carriers and so many plans to choose from, but with a little research, you can find the perfect one for your needs. This post will help with most of the research, and if you’re looking for more, Voip-Info.org has company listings, user reviews, forum discussions, and buying guides to help you make a more informed decision.
April 7, 2023
Phone System 