Useful Tips for Choosing a VoIP Provider

E911 Service Available?
Look for a VoIP provider who offers E911 service, which automatically sends your name and address to local dispatch center, in case of an emergency.

VoIP providers have left no stone unturned in developing useful Internet-based services. For making international calls, you can use Skype, or to chat with a friend, Google Talk (now, Hangouts is preferred). For businesses with overseas clients, this technological advancement is a boon.

However, with so many providers flocking this market, it is necessary to pick the right VoIP provider for your home and business needs. These useful tips from Techspirited will help you make an informed decision.

'They provide better customer assistance.'
It is necessary to have fast customer assistance alongside good quality service, in order to enjoy uninterrupted VoIP services. The provider should be prompt in addressing your problems. In case of power outages, providers should have emergency calling or call forwarding services.

The best way to analyze the promptness and quality of customer service is to talk to existing customers who will give you firsthand information on the same.

'My data is safe and secure.'
Since VoIP services are used for personal and business communication, important and personal details are discussed. If someone hacks these services, chances are that your personal data can easily fall into wrong hands.

If this situation does arise, the provider should be in a position to immediately allot an alternate number so that your work is not hampered. Opt for providers who have caller ID features to check if the call is from a legitimate source or not.

'The price is competitive.'
Price is one of the main deciding factors when choosing the provider. However, VoIP providers have varying tariff plans for the services they offer. You need to choose a plan that not only suits your needs but also provides additional features at no extra cost.

'The provider has positive reviews.'
Social networking websites are great platforms to connect with like-minded individuals or people with shared interests. If you have shortlisted a few options but want to narrow down on one provider, it is better to read online reviews about the same. If there are a lot of positive reviews on these sites, it is clear that the said provider is satisfying its customers.

'Local area codes are included.'
If the above is true, customers and friends in your area will be heavily charged for calls made by analog phones. In such a situation, local calls are also charged as long distance calls. To avoid this, check with the provider whether they offer local area codes or not.

'Read the terms and conditions.'
Generally, most of us don't take the efforts to go through the terms and conditions of any service that we avail. Usually, all information regarding data limit, maximum usage limit, additional costs, additional features, etc., is provided in the terms and conditions document. Read it carefully before signing up any provider.

'Fair use limit statement is the decisive factor.'
Before you finalize the provider, check the fair use limit of their plans. This parameter indicates the additional minutes that you are allowed to use per month. You will be charged for these minutes. Unlimited plans also have an upper limit when it comes to calling minutes.

However, you will be charged for the overuse of the network, in such plans. Thus, it always recommended that you compare the details about usage and services before finalizing a provider.

Our Recommendations
Here's a list of the most popular VoIP providers that you can choose from.

☎ Vonage Business Solutions
☎ Jive Hosted VoIP
☎ RingCentral Professional
☎ Alliance Phones
☎ PhonePower VoIP

Even though the price of certain providers may be less, it is important to check for additional charges or taxes, extended usage, porting fees, and registration fees. Generally, these may or may not be mentioned clearly, and you come to know to about them only at the time of billing. Thus, be careful to check all the facts while finalizing a VoIP provider.