A VoIP phone system offers a variety of benefits for virtually every type of company, regardless of the business size or industry, with the most attractive feature being the cost-saving advantage. Consumers also enjoy other unique features VoIP has to offer which cannot be replicated with a traditional phone system, such as online call monitoring and online phone system access, as well as phone portability. With such a wide variety of benefits, a VoIP phone system holds ideal features suited to fit a large array of business needs. A great virtual phone system provider will offer two types of plans, which include flat-rate and usage-based. Most companies find that flat-rate plans will produce the most savings for their needs and like the advantage of knowing exactly how much they can expect to pay every month. Businesses that make or receive limited call may find that a usage-based plan might better suit their needs.
Before choosing which plan is ideal for your needs, you must first determine the suitability of your network by running a VoIP speed test. By taking advantage of a VoIP test, you can gauge whether or not your Internet connection is suitable to run a hosted PBX system using VoIP technology. This test measures your network’s bandwidth, latency, and jitter, as well its port status. If this test deems your network unsuitable, a good provider will offer you other recommended routers and network options. Once you determine that your network is suitable for VoIP, you may then choose which type of plan best-suited to your needs:
Flat-Rate Plans (Office Plans)
While flat-rate plans vary from one provider to another, it is typically the best option for companies who use the phone on a regular basis. It is also most beneficial for employees who work in offices or home offices with broadband internet. These flat-rate plans are usually extremely affordable and save your business money in the long run, particularly for companies who are in regular contact with long distance numbers. A typical flat-rate plan will have unlimited free minutes for typical business use, including inbound and outbound calls. With this plan, you can take calls on VoIP phones or auto-forward to any other phones.
Usage-Based Plans (Anywhere Plans)
Anywhere plans are ideal for companies with low phone use… why pay for unlimited use when your needs are little? Usage-based plans usually have a low starting rate per month with a minimal number of minutes included. After you use your allotted minutes, the price then increases based on your phone use, so you then pay only for minutes used. This offers businesses the lowest cost when phone traffic is light and is great for those that want to route calls to existing cell phones and landlines.
Consider your business’ needs and speak to a VoIP provider to find the best plan for you. Regardless of the plan you choose, you should receive the same great added features and lower startup and monthly costs to save your business money.