5. Costs of VoIP Services for Businesses

  1. Though you are likely to save big using a VoIP service, there are a few costs worth considering before you make a final decision.


    VoIP Service Costs

    VoIP service providers bill similar to a traditional phone service company - as a monthly charge.  Cost will be different depending on whether you choose a hosted system (where calls are routed through a provider location before they are sent to your office) or a “traditional” system, where calls are routed straight to your own location.  An internet and telephone service providers offer “bundled” services that include the cost of VoIP phone service with your monthly charges for wireless internet and other basic business services, such as maintaining an “800” number.  These packages can be a great deal if you just need a few basic features.


    Start-up Costs

    The installation of the system and other associated costs (such as upgrading your internet connection to accommodate increased web traffic created by phone calls) will not be included in a monthly service charge.  Before installing a system, a provider technician will test your current internet connection to make sure your office has a stable power supply and a connection fast enough to support the type of VoIP phone system you want to use.  Consider the costs of installing additional routers or other equipment- if you have a new office and do not have an established internet connection, start-up costs will be less expensive.


    Operational Costs

    Both equipment upgrades and maintenance fall into the category of operational costs. Providers might charge a low monthly fee for equipment maintenance, where they’ll provide a technician if your system needs repairs.  The contract should specify wait times, acceptable downtimes, and the type of problems that warrant on-site repairs.  You can cut these costs significantly by using a hosted system.

    New offices, or those without an established internet connection, benefit the most from choosing VoIP phone systems - your equipment and connection speed can be configured to the needs of the system, which is especially cost effective.

     

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