Reliable communication is key to a business’s productivity and success, so choosing the voice and carrier service that fits your company’s unique needs is paramount.
Though they are separate systems, voice and carrier services work in tandem to provide businesses with seamless communication. At their core, voice services connect employees, suppliers, and customers. With technological advances, nearly a third of companies have moved to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), allowing phone calls and other integrated services to take place over the internet rather than traditional landlines. Carrier services, which provide internet connectivity for a business, are the backbone of a VoIP system.
VoIP is ideal for growing companies and mobile workforces. It also has the benefits of scalability, quick installation, simple management, and providing average cost savings between 30% and 50% compared with traditional landline systems.
While VoIP services vary by provider, basic VoIP phone systems feature automated menus, company directories, music on hold, call recording, and extension dialing.
More advanced VoIP systems feature a unified communications platform: phone calls, video conferencing, chat, and text messaging, often available within a mobile app or web browser. Additional top-tier options include an auto attendant and interactive voice response for smooth customer service. AI-powered tools such as real-time call transcriptions, automated email recaps for video meetings with transcripts, or the removal of background noise from phone calls for improved clarity increase efficiency. Some systems even integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) systems to facilitate better customer service.
Let’s say you’ve decided to find a VoIP system for your business. Below are the top 5 things to consider when finding the perfect provider.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Finding the Perfect Voice and Carrier Provider
1. Assess Your Needs
The first step in choosing a voice and carrier service for your business is identifying your unique needs. How many phone lines do you need? Where are your employees making their calls? Are they in the office, on the road, or at home — or a combination of all three? Small businesses will likely focus on overall cost and customer service to guide their decisions. Larger companies looking to increase revenue or efficiency may consider top-tier plans with premium features.
2. Consider Potential Savings
Choosing a system that fits your company’s budget is essential, but ensure you get the features your business needs to thrive. VoIP phone systems tend to lower costs and offer greater flexibility. The cost of these systems is typically based on the number of users. Your business’ call volume will also be a consideration when determining the service cost. Vendors often bundle services to provide a more economical deal for your company.
3. Determine the Contract Length
Switching to a new voice and carrier service can be a big commitment, both in time and money. When transitioning to a new voice and carrier service, consider a month-to-month contract initially to give you time to see if the services are the right fit for your company. Many providers offer this flexibility, while others may propose annual contracts. Selecting the best contract option depends on what suits your company’s requirements, including the desired commitment length.
4. Match Features With Your Team’s Technical Skills
Various services differ significantly in the layout of user dashboards; some are intuitive, and others are quite complex. When choosing a VoIP system, you’ll want to consider whether your team adapts to changes in technology quickly or would be better suited to an easy-to-use platform.
5. Inquire About Customer Service
Before you purchase a new voice or carrier service, check the company’s customer service reviews or ask other customers about their experience. You’ll want to determine how accessible the service’s customer support team will be to you as you start the new service. Outages or non-working features lead to wasted employee time, so ensuring a customer service representative will be there when needed will be critical.
Choosing voice and carrier services for your business is an important decision that involves many considerations. Consulting with experts in telecommunications is an important first step.
Applied Innovation partners with several voice and carrier services to tailor a package that fits the unique needs of your business. Take the next step and reach out to one of our voice and carrier experts in Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio.