Voice-over IP – Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is VoIP?
Voice delivered using Internet Protocol (IP). It is a term used in IP Telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the IP. In general, this means sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
How does the quality compare to fixed line?
With ISPhone your customers won’t notice the difference. We use dedicated switching and one carrier. That means your calls will not travel over the public internet. As well, our network is backed by 24/7 monitoring and SLAs.
How do I convince my customers the quality is as good as fixed-line?
Give them a thirty-day trial period. If they’re not happy with the price and quality, they can return the equipment for a full refund. But if they are happy (and they will be), tell them to cut the Telstra tether and start saving big!
What do my customers need to get started?
Depending on their telephony needs and existing PBX, they can start with as little as a small gateway (about the size of a TV set-top box). These can be delivered and pre-configured by us, so all they have to do is plug them in and start calling. Alternatively, we offer complete IP-PBX customized solutions for the more advanced end user.
What are the upfront costs to get started?
For you, nothing! Equipment costs for your small business customers start as low as $700. However, these costs can be financed and amortized over a longer period, allowing your customer to get started with zero outlay, thus bringing them immediate savings and you immediate returns!
What are the savings compared to traditional voice?
Depending on how much your customer calls the answer could be thousands! Most of our calling rates are well below fixed-line charges, yet still have sufficient margins to insure you have a profitable product. And our line rental fees are more than half what you will find from any PSTN carrier.
What are the choices for incoming numbers?
We have number ranges in all capital cities. All your customers have to do is choose the city and we will assign a series of numbers to their account. There is no additional fee for this service.
Where can they call internationally?
Anywhere in the world – at rates well below fixed-line.
Do customers still need PSTN lines?
We recommend retaining one PSTN line for emergency services and failsafe. If for any reason there is a problem with the network calls can be routed over the PSTN. As well, many businesses run their ADSL over this line.
Can they have a fax line?
Yes. All they will need is a dedicated port and a fax machine.
How will I be billed?
You will receive a bill from us each month detailing CDRs for each of your customers, as well as the recurring number fee. It will be simply and clearly laid out for you with no hidden charges.
How does it work exactly?
Please see the following section for an example of how a customer can migrate to VoIP and what sort of savings/profits can be had.
Where and when will I see returns?
With our solution, you are able to see immediate and significant returns as soon as your customers migrate to VoIP. Most of our clients are able to add a 30-50% markup and still offer their end users a lower rate than fixed-line. And a zero capital investment on your part means you earn from the first minute.
How do I get my customers to move to VoIP?
Simply put, cost savings and functionality. Your customers will save money with VoIP; those with multiple sites can create a wide-area network (WAN) with free on-net calling; and you can bundle voice and data into one great package! And don’t forget – we provide you with all of the tools you need to market your new VoIP product.
Why shouldn’t I just do it myself?
3 reasons – cost, time and human resources. In order to do it yourself you will have to build and run a switch, learn how to manage it and negotiate agreements with each vendor. There are also the issues of billing, cost and quality control, marketing, scalability, connectivity…the list goes on and on.
What about companies who offer ridiculously low rates?
These days you can find a “provider” that will offer you internet telephone calls for next to nothing. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what you’ll get in terms of quality! And forget about customer service or support. Cheap VoIP companies run their calls over the public internet where they bounce around multiple networks with zero quality control. It is not a managed service. With our product you will be able to offer your customers a quality, full supported and managed service that is still much less expensive than the PSTN.
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