Customize your VoIP System

Every business has its own unique needs. We can help you make the right decision on your hosted VoIP service. A small call center requires different services than a large construction company. Before you begin contacting vendors, here are five things to consider:

1. Do you have a high-speed Internet connection? You may need to increase the size of your Internet connection to handle the additional phone traffic generated by your new VoIP system.
2. What is your budget? VoIP pricing can vary widely since there are so many different ways to deploy VoIP within a small business. You have to determine if you want to pay for everything upfront? Have a monthly recurring charge? Or pay for some of the system upfront and pay the rest off monthly?
3. Is your network VoIP ready? Now that you've defined your business requirements, you need to determine whether your existing infrastructure is VoIP ready. If you use the web extensively or send lots of large files, you might consider a separate network or VLAN just for voice. As switching prices come down, the minor cost investment is worth the ability to ensure quality of service.
4. What are your calling habits? How many hours does your business spend on the phone? How many calls are long-distance or international? What is your call volume like during peak hours? It's important to know the capabilities and bandwidth you will require.
5. Which services/capabilities are most important to you? Purchasing unnecessary services can result in additional costs so it's important to determine what you truly need. Do you want an auto-attendant? Or a call queue to handle incoming calls? Do you regularly conduct conference calls? Does your company send a lot of faxes?

Service Provider - Answers to Common Questions.

1. Are there any early termination penalties? What is the impact of getting out of a contract early? Are there termination fees? Be sure to check policies on equipment, as well as those that apply to basic service. At Talk2, we are so confident that our service will meet your expectations that we do not require term agreements and do not apply termination penalties.
2. Are there additional (hidden) start-up costs? Although VoIP is less expensive to set up and maintain than traditional phone services and premise systems, be sure to understand all start-up fees. Initial discussions with vendors revolve around software and/or telephone fees. Ask each vendor what you need to set up and get the service working. You may need to purchase SIP phones or invest in a router or other network add-ons. Talk2 Sales Agents include all fees in quotes and will ensure that you understand them completely.
3. What costs are not covered by your Business VoIP quote? No matter what phone service technology you are looking for, additional fees for calling features and services may magically appear on your first bill. Even vendors that bundle services into a monthly rate provide options to add on functionality for extra fees. To prevent surprises, make a list of the features you need and ask whether those features are included in the monthly recurring fee or will appear as a separate charge. Any quote you receive should detail all fees. Your Talk2 VoIP Specialist will help you create a list of features your business needs and provide a quote that identifies all fees.
4. Can I "plug-and-play" my fax machine? Talk2 supports electronic faxing (sending and receiving faxes into an email box), as well as standard fax machines with an adapter. Other VoIP providers require special fax solutions. Some can't handle them at all. Most VoIP solutions set up a "user" to act as your fax line and require an adapter to interact with a standard fax machine.
5. What are additional costs for upgrading? Ask your VoIP provider whether there are any hidden fees to upgrade or downgrade your account. Making changes to a VoIP account is cheaper than with traditional or hardware-based solutions—however adding services and users does add fees. At Talk2, upgrading fees depends on the type of functionality, service plan and number of users you are purchasing.
6. Will my business VoIP system be useful when I am away from my desk? At the heart of VoIP is the promise to deliver the same services whether a worker is remote or in the office. Talk2 specializes in remote users. In addition to web-based call management, Talk2 provides mobile controls that extend the power of Talk2 to employees on mobile phones.
7. How do I use my old phones on my new Business VoIP system? For old analog phones, you need a handset. Talk2 can recommend inexpensive handsets to replace what you currently have. With basic handsets, you get the kind of features you'd get with complex and expensive in-house PBX systems.
8. Can you guarantee a certain level of Quality of Service? VoIP delivers quality and stability better than traditional phone systems. Quality of service depends on several key factors: a) your office network, b) phone hardware, c) carriers who handle calls to termination, and d) the VoIP provider's network. At Talk2, we recognize that we are delivering phone service a critical need for your business and not just providing software. We will support you and act quickly to resolve issues. If you have a problem with your local network, we will help you understand the issue and work with you to provide a solution. If the issue lies with a carrier you should contact them and get them to help you to resolve the problem.
9. Can I keep the same phone number? In most cases yes. Talk2 supports Local Number Portability. Check for fees associated with managing this request and the timeframe to deliver. Portability turnaround cannot be guaranteed because of the careful negotiation required with carriers. On average, it takes about 2 to 6 weeks for a number to be released.
10. Do I need a broadband connection? All VoIP service requires access to the Internet. Some providers will sell you network access directly, while others require you to "bring your own broadband." Be careful of hidden markup fees for Internet access. Broadband access fees vary widely based on the provider and proximity to the network. At Talk2, we do not sell broadband services.
11. If I dial 911 from my Business VoIP phone, will dispatchers know my location automatically? All VoIP providers are required to provide emergency services. Talk2's Business VoIP provides three kinds of 911 service—Enhanced (or e911), Basic 911 and Operator-Assisted 911.