Many individuals and businesses have stopped relying exclusively on analog and mobile telephone services, in an effort to achieve enhanced communication freedom and savings, especially for long distance calls and additional services. Among the leading alternative phone services considered by most persons are: Broadband Phone Services, PC-to-PC/PC-to-Phone Services, and Calling Cards.
There are three key factors you should look into before you choose one of these alternative phone services: freedom of access, freedom of communication and total cost of communication.
Freedom of Access
Most alternative phone service providers are based on a product model, offering either a VoIP Broadband Phone Service, a PC-based Internet phone service or a Calling Card. While that's ok for some people that always access the phone network in the same way, most of us need greater freedom of access.
Ideally, you should find a phone service provider that delivers discount call capability in several ways: from regular and mobile phones worldwide, from PCs and from VoIP devices. You may not need everything from Day 1, but you will appreciate the freedom at some point. From overseas locations you should also consider whether the service provider offers worldwide availability of services and global delivery of solutions.
Total Cost of Communication
It seems that every phone service under the sun is touting savings and discount rates these days. But that's where the similarities end. Take a closer look at exactly what are you getting for your money.
Calling Cards: They all offers calls at pennies per minute, but they rarely deliver. Up to 45 hidden fees and shortened validities mean you end up receiving just get a fraction of what's promised.
PC-to-PC and PC-to-Phone: Most free services have low upfront rates to some destinations, but rather expensive rates to international numbers. Call forwarding rates when you are offline are usually expensive. And free calls apply only to calls to other PC users. Another aspect to consider is the hidden cost of peer-to-peer services that effectively utilize your computer and broadband resources.
Broadband VoIP Phone Services: Most available service providers charge for unlimited plans, establishing a monthly cost that may exceed the benefits. Your calling needs may also differ from the coverage of standard plans. And if you cannot use your same account to save from other forms of access while on-the-move locally, domestically or internationally, there is a cost impact you should consider.
Freedom of Communication
Calling Cards: Before you go out and purchase another card, with different access numbers, a new PIN, and limited coverage areas, consider a new-generation discount call service. Worldwide access, automatic recharging so you can continue to use the same line and access numbers, pinless dialing and extended validity are important enhancements you will appreciate, not to mention the discount rates and no hidden fees.
PC-to-PC and PC-to-Phone: Most PC-based services work well only on broadband networks enabled for Quality of Service (QoS gives greater priority to voice traffic over data). Well guess what? The great majority of Internet users in the world use either broadband networks without QoS or dial-up connections. Even if you usually use a broadband network with QoS, that may not be the case when you travel. The NAVEGO GLOBAL Softline offers quality calls even over dial-up. Plus it does not wreak havoc with your PC and Internet connection.
Broadband VoIP Phone Services: VoIP is about revolutionary communication freedom. Focus on the opportunities, not just the savings. Worldwide numbers enable you to create a virtual office wherever current and prospective clients are located but answer incoming calls at your current location. On a personal level, they are great for keeping in touch with family members, who for example in Argentina, can call a local number and reach you in the US without paying high international long distance rates. Additional inbound services such as follow me numbers, discount toll free and virtual PBX empower individuals and offices of all sizes to enjoy enhanced communication and productivity.
A Final Bit of Advice
After taking a close look at these factors, it should become clear that, rather than selecting a plethora of alternative phone service providers, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency and freedom, you should consider selecting a single integrated global provider of alternative phone services for all your discount needs. With Navegos options, flexibility, and comprehensive service, you can be sure you will enjoy the greatest freedom of communication.
To find out more about personal, family and office phone services, visit http://www.navego.net/pfsoindex.aspx For Enterprise services and solutions, visit http://www.navego.net/etindex.aspx Ian A. Shaw is President of NAVEGO Worldwide Phone Services. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and marketing, Mr. Shaw has founded NAVEGO based on the need for a worldwide services company with the mission of delivering maximum freedom of communication, freedom of access and savings to persons worldwide. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Shaw | |
