VoIP You

When the benefits of VoIP are talked about among most consumers and businesses, cost is usually the first thing to come up. People talk about switching to VoIP because they believe they can save money:

"Among adults in both Great Britain and the United States who do not use Internet telephony, but are interested in it, substantial numbers say free calls between users of the same provider (53% of British adults and 43% of U.S. adults) and cheap local/national telephone calls (44% of British adults and 49% of U.S. adults) would appeal to them if they were to consider making calls via an Internet connection." (from CRM Today)

Cost is definitely an important topic, as it’s a good idea to check out what you've got in your wallet before making even the smallest purchase. The question of cost was raised in two recent VoIP News articles. In “The Top 10 Questions to Ask Your VoIP Service Provider,” two of those questions focus heavily on the price of VoIP:

“What startup costs are there beyond setup and equipment fees? Besides advertised and quoted basic equipment, what else will I REALLY need? Do I need to buy phones? Will extra servers/cards/add-ons be needed beyond the base cost to actually meet my usage requirements?

"What day-to-day usage costs are NOT covered by my service plan? What are the rates for international calls for example?”

The post goes onto suggest that you should:

“Make sure there aren't add-on fees for important features – some providers charge more for conference calling, others for different forms of long-distance, still others for some of the advanced features…”

With all of all of this talk of cost among those in the industry and those interested in VoIP services, it begs the question: Is price the most important consideration?

The second VoIP News article, “Why VoIP?,” also touches on the issue:

“Price is where everything gets serious. Many first-time VoIP buyers are seduced by promises of big savings over their existing telephone system. But apart from basic residential service there are no longer huge savings as regular telephone companies have cut long distance rates to remain competitive.”

However, the article goes onto give one of the clearest takes on the subject to date, concluding with:

“…it isn't about saving money – it's about added value, features and services…. you CAN find a VoIP provider that will meet and exceed your needs and expectations…”

While saving money will always be a major consideration for consumers, it should not be the first or only one. VoIP services, when provided effectively and efficiently, can have the ability to change your life. We’ve covered some of the grander effects the technology can have on the Nation, but VoIP can also just make your day-to-day routine a little easier. The right VoIP service can:

“...give you Reminder Calls. Use it to remember important meetings, birthdays for your family, or even request Wake-Up Calls.

"As you have things to do, but you’re expecting an important call, (it) can track you down to make sure you get it…

"And for those particularly urgent calls, (the) Emergency Link feature will find you through your voicemail.”

These are just a few of the things VoIP has to offer that have absolutely nothing to do with cost. Take some time to learn more about them, and then check your wallet.