Phone Cards Blog

The field of VoIP is growing very fast because it offers features and services that are not usually found in traditional phone service. In addition, it offers all the familiar features and benefits of traditional phone service. And it can do all this for a lower cost. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that VoIP is fundamentally remaking the way we all look at — and use — our telephones. It is a very attractive option for nearly every segment of the marketplace — commercial and residential alike.

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?

The newer VoIP technologies give you better sound quality, while reducing overall noise. You should expect excellent performance from your service provider. Make a test call before you make any commitments. A symptom of overall bad quality would be if you heard significant lags or delays while talking with the person you called.

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.

Can you count on it?

Business owners know: if your phone goes out in the middle of a conference call, you’re losing customers. Imagine what a disaster it would be if there were 20 people on the call — 10 at your office and another 10 around the country. Even a 15 minute outage equals five man-hours of productivity lost. So don’t cut corners with your VoIP service provider. You’ll get what you pay for — so pay for quality and reliability.

How are the customers treated?

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. Know what you need ask and for it at the best price before you make a decision.

…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.

Even with all of these benefits VoIP still has a couple of drawbacks. The most notable drawback is that you must have a high-speed Internet connection for VoIP service to work. If your Internet is slow, or if you lose power and have no Internet, you will not be able to use your phones. 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.

One last thing…

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

For moreinformation visit Ara Rubyan’s VoIP Solution.