Choosing the right SIP trunk provider for your business means balancing price and service quality, with special attention to the available features of each company.
Details matter, so you need to make sure that the services offered by potential providers are compatible with your existing infrastructure and current needs. A provider you choose today may not have the features you need tomorrow. In order to ensure that you are making the most of your investment in a business VoIP system, it is important to get everything right from the start.
Table of Contents
Here are some tips for choosing SIP trunk providers:
Research multiple companies that offer SIP trunking services. Determine what each company has to offer and compare the pricing structure. Get an estimate of how much it will cost your business to move to a new provider if necessary. Be sure that the provider supports outbound calling, as well as inbound calls from outside numbers.
Check whether the VoIP provider offers professional installation and maintenance or if these services must be paid separately. Ideally, a provider should include these services at no additional charge or at a discount if they are purchased together as part of one contract. If a company charges separately for installation and maintenance, ask them about their rates and quality of workmanship before signing any contracts.
The best thing about purchasing from an experienced provider is that you know that the network will be stable and reliable. This is essential for providing good service to your customers. Providers with fewer than one year of experience should be avoided at all costs as they often have smaller networks with only a handful of POPs (Points of Presence).
Here are some points to consider when choosing an VoIP provider:
Price: First and foremost, you’ll want to compare the rates of the potential service providers. Many providers offer a free trial period where you can use their service before committing to a contract. This will allow you to determine whether their rates are competitive with other service providers.
Trial period: Ask if the provider offers a money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the quality of their service and/or your toll calls don’t work as they should.Be sure that the return policy is spelled out in the contract, and read it carefully before you sign anything.
Service features: Does this provider offer features such as call forwarding, three-way calling, voicemail and other options? The more features provided, the better.
Customer support: Some VoIP providers offer 24/7 customer support, while others only provide help during normal business hours (generally 9 AM – 5 PM). Does this provider have call centers in your area? If you have a problem at 9 PM on a Friday evening, will you be able to get assistance?
Customer satisfaction ratings: Finding out how satisfied customers are with this provider’s service may help you make informed decision.