Tell Me More: Introduction to VoIP Service Providers

VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol – transforms voice calls into packets of data, sends the data over computer networks, and translates it back into voice at the receiving end of the call. From its roots as a free service that allowed only computer-to-computer calls, VoIP service has matured into a stable, mainstream solution appropriate for both businesses and consumers. VoIP service providers offer a wide variety of benefits for your business.

VoIP service providers allow you to use the Internet to call any regular phone, anywhere in the world. Right now, the bulk of VoIP service providers are consumer-based, with dedicated VoIP providers like Skype and Vonage being joined by telcos AT&T, Verizon, and Qwest in offering VoIP services as a replacement for home telephone service.

However, with VoIP service levels improving, standards being settled, and more big-name companies getting into the act, VoIP service providers are beginning to focus more on businesses. Hosted VoIP solutions provide all the features of a PBX phone system, including auto-attendant, forwarding, conference bridges, and extension dialing - without requiring you to purchase a PBX.

Getting these features without the hardware cost of a traditional phone system is great for small businesses, and when combined with the free or low-cost long distance fees, it means that VoIP service providers can offer more attractive solutions to businesses like yours.

Searching for the best VoIP service providers
When investigating the best VoIP service providers, don’t take chances on unlicensed or unauthorized vendors. Your state board of electricity can tell you if a provider is licensed. This verifies that they are bonded, insured, and generally in good standing with the state. Authorization comes from hardware manufacturers, and means that the provider has passed competency exams and is committed to ethical practices. This gives the best VoIP service providers the support of manufacturers for upgrades or tricky installation problems.

To begin your search for the best VoIP service providers, submit a free BuyerZone request for VoIP phone service quotes. You’ll get matched with as many as six different providers who will assess your business needs and suggest the most appropriate solution.