Small businesses need to costs where they can, and cutting the cost of long-distance calling is an area where many can save money. There are two main kinds of phone services for businesses, VoIP providers and traditional telephone service. VoIP uses software to make your computer into a phone, as opposed to the traditional service of having dedicated lines in your office. The base price for VoIP is generally very low and it is a growing service in the communication business. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems, and there may be more system out there as well. VoIP systems are cheaper than traditional systems almost always. The best three long distance carriers for small businesses out there are Vonage Business, OnSip and Ring Central. With these systems you can also do video conferencing and faxing.
Vonage Business and Ring Central offer a basic service for $19.95 per month per user. OnSip offers its service at $15 per month per user, with a cost-per-minute charge. Their services are similar so some people may prefer one over the other because of individual needs.
OnSip is a cloud-based service and is great when you have employees in different locations. It has a simple setup with software that is easy to use. Their online support has a good reputation as well. OnSip is designed with the remote user in mind.
Vonage Business comes with phones that are pre-configure to use this setup, so if you use their phones you can start using the system immediately. They are a plug and play setup. Vonage also has a sound reputation for customer support.
RingCentral services 350,000 businesses, and they have been around a long time - relative to this type service. RingCentral has a reputation for being extremely reliable and offers a good value. A large company that has been around awhile is a good sign that they offer good service.
OnSip has a reputation for having the best video and audio quality with its service. It makes video-communication easy.
Long distance companies offer long distance calling cheap and they say they have 40-60 other services available. You can get a virtual receptionist to sort out calls, mobile apps, as well as faxing, copying, voice messaging and other electronic services. They can also make your phone ring wherever you like, such as your cellphone or your office. You can also do calls to multiple people at the same time.
Do a search by zip code to make sure the company you are considering covers your specific area. Keep in mind too, areas where you are likely to be, or where you will be calling most of the time.
Some companies like OnSip will work on any phone that will handle VoIP service. Vonage Business requires you use their phones, but they are part of the service. Some companies require you to buy their phones, and some offer service to any phone.
The VoIP uses the Internet for its infrastructure, so they do not have the same expenses traditional companies have. Traditional phone companies do offer unlimited plans at times, but they also often want contracts and have other fees that make them more expensive.
Calling cards can be used when you don't make long distance calls often. The calling card is pre-paid, so you call around your existing service. There are also dial-around services which are becoming much less popular than they used to be mostly because of cost. There are also some long-distance only companies that do nothing other than offer long distance service. These are very cheap but they are limited in what they offer.