Finding repair services for phone equipment and systems

Written by Steven Bryan

Even with cellular phones, e-mail, and text messaging, the telephone sitting on your desk is arguably the most important lifeline that exists between you and your clients. If anything interferes with that lifeline, you need to find someone who specializes in phone equipment and systems service and repair as soon as possible.

What kind of phones do you have?

Before you start looking for a technician, it is essential to identify the kinds of phone equipment you and your staff use in the office. Here are the most popular varieties:

• POTS. This is most basic phone service, which generally is referred to as a "plain old telephone system" (POTS). If your office employs fewer than a dozen people, you probably have basic handsets on each desk connected to phone jacks similar to the ones found in homes, where each phone is connected to its own outside line.
• PBX. Larger offices tend to use "private branch exchanges," which connect all the extensions within your company. Customers can call an extension directly or dial the main office number to speak to a live operator or an automated receptionist. PBX phones also let you share outside lines between many extensions.
• VOIP. Over the last few years, some businesses have embraced VoIP or "voice over Internet protocol," which allows your staff to make phone calls via the Internet. By plugging an analog phone into an adapter, your phone calls will be converted to digital signals, resulting in a clear connection with your clients and often lower phone bills.
• Digital phone lines. Large companies and newly remodeled office buildings tend to be wired with digital phone lines. Unlike the old standard analog phone lines, digital lines are built to handle a lot of traffic, including audio, video, and data transmissions.

In some cases, your office will have a combination of two or more different types of phone equipment. You may have, for instance, digital adapters that allow your staff to plug an analog phone into a digital jack.

Who should handle your phone equipment repairs?

Once you have a good handle on the current state of your phone equipment, you can start looking for someone to do the systems service and repair. During your search, keep the following questions in mind:

• What kind of phone services does the provider specialize in? Have they handled digital lines and can they service a PBX system?
• How long has this company been in business? Can it provide references?
• Do you have an existing service contract with another company? Is it still in effect?
• How long does the provider guarantee its phone system services and repairs?

Is it time to upgrade your phone equipment or system?

If your phone system constantly needs love and attention, this might be the ideal time to upgrade your phone equipment, especially if you are operating on a plain old telephone system. Investing in new equipment now may save you more money in the long run. Reputable phone systems dealers will be able to help you analyze your calling patterns, determine what features what be helpful to your business, and advise you on the type of phone system that would be right for you.

Let BuyerZone help: we can connect you with qualified phone system repair and service providers who can also evaluate your upgrade needs. Try BuyerZone's free matching service today.