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4 Benefits of Using a Web Phone

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#49344875 ID#27446420

Web phones are becoming an increasingly popular outbound calling tool to support sales and customer success teams. If your company strives on improving customer relations by being proactive and engaging with customers, then a web dialer may be a good fit for you. Here we will go over web phone benefits and why your business should consider using a web phone for business communication.

Web Phone: Definition and Benefits

A web phone or web dialer is an application that enables users to make and answer calls from a web browser via the internet. Such dialers are mostly compatible with Windows PC, macOS, Linux, and Android devices. Similar to a softphone, a web dialer presents users with a dial pad and allows users to:

  • Store contact information and history
  • Access voicemail
  • Record calls or customize the outgoing caller ID, and more

You can place calls locally and internationally through high-speed internet and an easy-to-use interface. All you need is a good internet connection, a headset, and a few virtual phone numbers.

So, what are the top benefits of using a web phone?

1. Generate New Sales

A web phone can speed up your sales team’s outbound calling efforts by making it easy to place calls from anywhere. You can use this dialer within your office’s sales team or with remote agents. Save customers’ contact information, past interactions, and other important call notes. This way, the next time you or another agent needs to contact the customer, all relevant information is readily available and the customer can be dialed quickly.

2. Save on International Calling Costs

Virtual phone service providers like United World Telecom offer web dialers along with their outbound calling service. An outbound calling service enables inexpensive local and international calling. Plus, you can even customize the outgoing caller ID to display that area’s toll free or local number. Together, the combination of these tools makes it cheaper and easier to connect with international customers and drive up global sales.

3. Implement Customer Retention Strategies

Customer retention is important for any business as customers are what drives a company to success. And so, you must do everything you can to satisfy your current customers such as:

  • Welcoming new customers
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Reminding them of upcoming payments, appointments, etc
  • Following up on recent purchases or inquiries
  • Reaching out to customers who abandoned their carts
  • Collecting feedback to improve your services and products

A web phone can help you quickly reach out to customers within your list. You can add notes about the interaction, feedback, and more.

4. Offer Excellent Customer Success and Support

Lastly, a web dialer can help you carry out excellent customer success and support services. Customer success includes taking a proactive approach to creating strong customer relations and assisting them in achieving their goals. Support, on the other hand, is a reactive approach where you provide assistance after customers reach out to you. Customer success and support both positively impact customer satisfaction and retention rates. And therefore, both need to be given equal importance, if applicable to your business.

Where Can You Get a Web Phone?

United World Telecom provides virtual business phone numbers for more than 160 countries across the world. This includes toll free, international, and local numbers. You can set up your web dialer by adding our outbound calling service to your virtual number plan and use any of your purchased numbers as outgoing caller IDs when placing calls. To learn more, contact us today!

What is Lead Tracking?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#14231173 #27446420

In this post, we will define lead tracking and demonstrate why it is important for every business to track where their leads are coming from. Learn how and where to gain leads and the essential role call tracking plays.

Lead Tracking: Definition

Lead tracking is the process of tracking, documenting, and organizing prospects based on certain factors. These factors may include individual actions, the number of times a sales rep has connected with a prospect, the number of times a lead interacts with your brand, and so on. In other words, you are tracking leads from initial contact to close, whether it was successful or not.

The main reason why lead tracking is important is that it can give you a better understanding of your campaigns, your prospects, funnel, and sales and marketing efforts. This way, you can improve lead generation and increase sales.

Lead Tracking for Sales and Marketing Teams

Tracking leads in sales and marketing is a collaborative effort. These teams work together to identify qualified leads and close more sales. By studying your leads, you can create better user and caller experiences for your target audience.

By tracking leads, your marketing department can understand where leads come from, what advertising platforms are they engaging on, how they are interacting with your brand, and more. This information can help marketing teams create better campaigns and marketing strategies that will appeal more to your target audience.

Once good and promising leads are gathered, marketing departments can share these with the sales team. They can also provide all the necessary information that can help close these deals. Now the sales department works their magic and uses this information to approach each client and individualize the sale. All of this greatly increases the chance of making a sale or conversion.

Where and How to Gain Leads

In order to track leads effectively, your team needs to know where and how they can best get leads. A few different ways to capture leads are:

  • Trade shows and exhibitions
  • Email sign-ups and online subscribers
  • Social media
  • Market research
  • Call tracking where incoming calls inquiring about services and products are tracked, etc.

Next, your team may need an organized system to input, consolidate, and store lead information. Customer relations management systems (CRMs) such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, etc., can help you store and track information effectively.

So, what information should you collect from leads? Name, contact information, and how they came across your business, expectations, and so on.

How to Qualify Leads?

Determining whether your leads qualify or not means evaluating the value of a lead and how they can be useful to your business. You want to find leads that are promising and ideal for your brand.

Sales departments qualify their leads through different sales models. Some businesses use the BANT model. This model qualifies leads based on:

  • Budget: can the lead afford your product?
  • Authority: can they make a purchasing decision?
  • Need: do they have a need for your product/service?
  • Timeline: is there a specific timeline when they desire or plan to make the purchase?

Generally accepted types of lead qualification include:

  • Inquiry: the user who demonstrates interest
  • Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL): a user who interacted with marketing materials and has the potential to become a closed opportunity
  • Sales Accepted Lead (SAL): an MQL that is converted and accepted as a potential lead
  • Sales Qualified Lead (SQL): teams would use a sales model such as BANT to determine qualification
  • Closed: the user or lead made a purchase.

Call Tracking and Virtual Phone Numbers: A Dream Team

About 90% of customer interactions happen over the phone. This is when interested prospects learn about your business and its products, calling to inquire or get more information. Therefore, call tracking is essential to collect data on these leads, specifically:

  • Where they come from
  • Where they interacted with your product
  • What campaigns or ads encouraged them to call
  • How are they connecting with your business
  • How they are searching for services like yours (keywords, etc.)
  • Where are they calling from, and so on

You can use virtual phone numbers to track where incoming calls are coming from. For instance, you can purchase a toll free number and various local numbers and advertise them on different platforms. When calls come in, you can easily identify where customers are interacting with your brand or which locations are more responsive to your advertising campaigns. You can then use this information to improve lead tracking and lead generation efforts.

Start Tracking Leads Today!

You can create an in-house tracking software, enter data manually, purchase an online application, or use virtual phone numbers. Whichever way you choose, lead tracking is important to create effective marketing and sales processes. Use this marketing technique to find better ways to serve your customers and improve your business’ sales rate!

What is a Dynamic Caller ID for VoIP?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#65365283 ID#27446420

Is it possible to change an outgoing caller ID? Yes, with the VoIP feature, dynamic caller ID, your business can display a local or toll free number instead of a long-distance or international number. But how do customizable caller IDs work and how can they benefit your business? Here we discuss dynamic caller IDs and their benefits.

What is a Caller ID?

Voice over IP or VoIP phone systems use the internet to place and receive calls. With a VoIP system, you can make calls from any location and through any device as long as it is connected to a reliable internet source. Such systems are also referred to as cloud phone systems. Because of their flexibility and use of the internet, these systems provide users with virtual communication features such as call forwarding, call recording, video conferencing, and more.

One of these features is a customizable and dynamic caller ID. The caller ID was first introduced in the 1980s. This allowed users to screen calls by being able to see who was calling. It provided an opportunity to miss calls from unknown numbers or numbers that were from different area codes.

However, this became a problem for sales and telemarketing businesses. Customers could now reject calls before answering them. Furthermore, it inhibited the activity of scammers and hackers as well. But in the middle of all of that, it negatively impacted legitimate businesses that were reaching out.

What is a Dynamic Caller ID for VoIP?

As a solution to this problem, the dynamic caller ID was invented. With the old, traditional caller ID systems, users were unable to change their outgoing caller ID. That is, the number that was displayed on the recipient’s device.

A dynamic caller ID, however, allows users to customize the number that is displayed. This way, you can show different numbers for different calls based on the purpose of the call. VoIP phone service providers can help you get and use this feature in different ways. Some providers will let you switch between different numbers that you purchase from them. You can purchase toll free, international, and local numbers. While others will give you a list of numbers to use with this feature.

The most common way is to get an outbound calling service with customizable caller ID capabilities from your provider. This way, you can use the outbound web dialer to place calls and display different virtual numbers. For example, even if your business is located in Texas, you can display a Florida area code number or a US toll free number as your outgoing caller ID. You can even get international toll free numbers and display them when calling international customers.

dynamic caller id for voip
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#37006057 ID#27446420

Why Does Your Business Need a Dynamic Caller ID?

The main reason why businesses use or should consider using a dynamic caller ID is so they can increase the chances of calls being answered. Individuals are less likely to answer calls from “unknown” numbers or numbers they do not recognize as toll free or local.

With a customizable caller ID, you can choose which number to display. When calling specific local areas, you can display that area’s local number or toll free number. In fact, this even increases the chances of receiving a call back because callers will be dialing a local or toll free number which does not incur high calling rates.

Contact centers, customer service teams, as well as sales and marketing teams can use this feature to reach more customers locally and internationally. The logic here is the customer will assume your business is local and will feel more comfortable doing business with you due to your location.

How to Get a Dynamic Caller ID?

United World Telecom offers a customizable caller ID with our outbound calling service. You can purchase outbound calling by adding it to your virtual phone number plan. Then, choose additional virtual numbers you would like to have. These are numbers for markets and areas where you want to expand your business or customer service. Then, start calling locally and internationally and give your team greater opportunities to make sales!

What is Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#165555314 #27446420

Automation is being used by businesses all over the world in some capacity or the other. The main reason for this is because it can help simplify and take care of mundane processes, giving employees more room to be productive. In this post, we will discuss automatic call distribution (ACD), a type of phone system. We will also look at different routing strategies and the overall benefit of such a system.

Automatic Call Distribution: Definition

Automatic call distribution or ACD is a telephony system that receives calls and transfers them to the appropriate agent based on predetermined rules. These rules can be based on the area code of the incoming call or the time the call is being made, and so on.

Why Use an Automatic Call Distribution System?

An automatic call distributor system helps companies handle call traffic by effectively distributing calls. Common uses of an ACD system include:

  1. Managing calls during high traffic periods.
  2. Providing service after-hours or when agents/employees are unavailable.
  3. Automating basic information about the company and its services, troubleshooting solutions, FAQs for common queries, etc.
  4. Routing calls to specific departments, teams, agents based on rules and conditions that work best for your business.
  5. Optimizing agent and employee productivity.
  6. Connecting remote agents or employees in different offices across the globe through virtual phone systems.
  7. Reducing wait times yet at the same time increasing the rate of first-call resolution.

How Does an Automatic Call Distributor Work?

An automatic call distribution system is designed to distribute calls effectively and not just randomly. To do so, it uses predetermined rules and conditions. ACD routing is determined by several factors such as call traffic, time of day, location of the incoming call, skills required, and so on. Here are a few common ACD routing options:

1. Round-robin distribution
This routing strategy ensures that calls are distributed equally among your team so no agents are overburdened or remain idle for too long. Calls go down a list of agents and after the last agent answers the call, the loop starts with the first agent again.

2. Least-occupied agent
In this ACD routing option, calls are sent to agents who have been least occupied; in other words, agents who have been serving less call handling time. This ensures that every agent is putting in the necessary hours of work.

3. Programmed distribution
Here, the account or call center manager determines beforehand how calls will be spread across agents. These rules are based on factors such as agent experience, language skills, location, and so on.

4. Simultaneous ringing
With simultaneous ringing, incoming calls ring on multiple devices and phones at the same time. This way, an available agent or employee can quickly answer the phone and assist the caller.

what is ACD

Difference Between ACD and IVR

Most often, the terms ACD and IVR are used interchangeably. However, these two systems are slightly different. In fact, IVR is considered a part of ACD. So, what is the difference between ACD and IVR?

An interactive voice response or IVR system is an automated voice response system. It answers calls — like an automatic call distribution system — and provides callers with menu options. Unlike ACD, IVR requires caller input such as pressing a key or number on the dial pad or saying the number of the option they want. For example, “Press 1 for [], Press 2 for [].” Based on what the caller needs, they are transferred to an employee or to the next set of menu options. IVR systems can also provide self-serving options such as “Press 1 to activate your account. Press 2 to make a payment. Press 3 to learn about our services,” and so on.

ACD, on the other hand, identifies callers based on the number they are calling from and connects them to the most appropriate agent instantly. This routing can be based on a variety of factors such as time of the call, location of the call, agent skills, etc.

Is ACD Right for You?

If you want to streamline your incoming calls and create a system that is effective and efficient, then an ACD or IVR system can help. These systems use automation to make simple processes move faster, thereby giving your team more time to provide better customer service. To learn more about these systems, reach out to one of our experts today!

Fixed versus Non-Fixed VoIP Numbers: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Chase Rogers

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#381796314 #27446420

When switching to a VoIP phone system, there are a lot of terminologies to understand. Fixed VoIP numbers and non-fixed VoIP numbers are two of them. In this post, we will discuss the differences between these voice over IP phone numbers so you can choose the right one for your needs.

VoIP Numbers: Definition & Types

Before going through the differences between fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers, it is important to first understand what VoIP numbers are. Voice over internet protocol or VoIP is a telephony solution that uses the internet to make and receive calls. It does so by converting voice into data packets and transmitting them over an IP network.

When you call someone using your VoIP line, they will see your VoIP number which is a part of your caller ID. But what information is present within your caller ID depends on what type of VoIP number and service you have. This can be a fixed VoIP number or a non-fixed VoIP number.

What are Fixed VoIP Numbers?

A fixed VoIP number is an internet phone line offered by your VoIP provider and attached to a physical location. In other words, it has an account manager and a residential or company address associated with it. Like office phone systems, these numbers require an address to activate the service. If the account manager wants to move this number, they can do so through number porting.

It is almost impossible to steal or mask the identity of a fixed VoIP number as they are connected to a physical address. Because of this, these numbers are more reliable and preferred since they keep fraudulent activity at bay. This connection to physical addresses is also the reason why VoIP providers support 911 and emergency calling services on fixed VoIP lines.

Fixed VoIP lines are not only connected through an internet connection. They also function through SIP trunks providing more reliable service.

What is a Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Number?

Non-fixed VoIP numbers are not associated with physical addresses. On the contrary, they function more like virtual phone numbers. Since they work through the internet (“virtually”) and do not require a physical address, they can function from any geographic location. Small businesses that want to offer a local presence can use this to their advantage.

Virtual numbers allow you to make and answer calls over an internet connection. And this makes it possible to connect with international clients or customers without incurring long-distance calling fees. You can get various local phone numbers and toll free numbers with specific area codes that can be used through your non-fixed line. This way, your customers will be calling local or toll free numbers instead of paying international dialing fees. And incoming calls are forwarded to whichever line or number you desire.

Who can use non-fixed VoIP numbers? Businesses and companies preparing or wanting to:

  • Expand their reach
  • Enter new markets
  • Connect with international customers
  • Operate remote or virtual teams (examples: virtual call centers, work-from-home teams, etc.)

Non-fixed VoIP numbers are inexpensive, easy to set-up, and use. But due to these reasons, they may be prone to fraudulent activity. Also note that compared to fixed VoIP lines, non-fixed lines should be a last resort for 911 calls because these calls are not traceable.

Fixed vs Non-Fixed VoIP Numbers: What’s the Difference

How do you decide which is better for your business? This decision largely depends on the needs of your business and its future plans. For a small business starting out, a fixed VoIP number may seem like the better bet. However, if you have international offices and cater to international customers, then a non-fixed VoIP phone number is more appropriate. With advancements in technology, VoIP and ISP providers have been trying to offer more secure services. Here is a more visual comparison:

Fixed VoIP Phone Numbers Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Numbers
Can work through SIP trunking or an internet connection Need only an internet connection to work
Need to be assigned to a physical address Does not need to be assigned to a physical address
More authentic and secure Less secure; However, providers are continuously trying to provide more secure internet services
Come with advanced call management features Come with advanced call management features
More expensive international calling Less expensive international calling;
Good for businesses with global communications
Generally more expensive;
Additional features cost extra		 Comparatively inexpensive;
Easy to obtain and quick to set-up;
Additional features may cost extra
Able to make 911 and emergency calls Unable to make 911 and emergency calls

Choose What’s Best for Your Company

Depending on your company’s present needs and future goals, it is important to select a service that is reliable, scalable, and offers great customer support. To learn more about VoIP numbers, speak with one of our experts at 1 (877) 898 8646.

What is Call Routing?

Posted on by Chase Rogers

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#31201925 ID#27446420

Wish you could distribute your business calls better so agents and employees are not overwhelmed or (worse!) underwhelmed? Call routing is an effective call management solution that can organize your calls and distribute them more efficiently.

Call Routing: Definition

Call routing — also known as automatic call distributor (ACD) — is a telephony feature that answers and directs calls based on predetermined rules set by the account manager. A business can use call routing to enable callers to connect with specific people or departments instantly.

In other words, callers will not have to dial separate numbers. When they call a business, they are offered different options, to which they respond verbally or by pressing a number on their keypad. The caller is then routed to the individual or department that can help them.

How Does Call Routing Work?

Call routing is a feature of voice over IP or VoIP phone systems. This phone system answers incoming calls, determines the purpose of the call, and accordingly transfers it to the right department or individual. How you set up your call routing map depends on what you want it to accomplish. Here are a few different criteria that have been used by various businesses.

Interactive Voice Response: Also known as IVR, interactive voice response is essentially an automated phone system that offers a predetermined series of menus to callers. Callers pick their choice by dialing a number on their keypad or verbally saying it. They are then directed to the right department.

Time of Day Routing: A type of routing based on time, for both the caller and receiver. Calls coming in during off-hours or during the weekends can be directed to remote offices or employees or your smartphone so service is uninterrupted.

Skill-Based Routing: A type of routing based on agents’ skills and caller requirements such as language preferences. This can be accomplished through direct inward dialing, which enables callers to dial a direct number that corresponds to the department or extension they want to reach.

Location-Based Routing: A type of routing that depends on the location of the caller. This is good for businesses with offices and customers in different time zones as callers can get assistance in the area they are calling from. It is possible to forward calls internationally based on the locations of callers.

call routing explained

Different Ways Calls Can Be Routed

As you can see, there are a few different ways to set up call routing for your business. However, with an IVR system, you might be able to combine a few of these criteria to provide better options for your callers. Some ways you can route calls are:

Regular Routing: This type of call routing is based on a predetermined set created and managed by the account or department manager. All calls will move through a chronological order and available agents can answer and assist callers.

All-the-Way-Round Routing: With this type of routing, incoming calls are equally distributed. The first call goes to the first agent, second to the next agent, and so on. Once the last agent receives a call, the next call is sent to the first agent.

Least Occupied Agent Routing: This type of call routing ensures that no agent spends too much time idly. Incoming calls are forwarded to any agent waiting the longest or that hasn’t received a call in a while.

Simultaneous Routing: This routing strategy is pretty straightforward. All incoming calls ring simultaneously on all assigned employees’ phones. Whoever is available immediately can answer and assist the caller.

Top Reasons Why Your Business Needs Call Routing

So, why should you consider getting call routing and using these routing strategies for your business? First, thanks to advancements in telecommunications, this technology is available not just for call centers but for all business types: small businesses, solopreneurs, large corporate enterprises, and more.

Basically, if your company wants to improve sales or customer support, then routing calls effectively can save on time and money and help you provide high-quality service. Some of the main benefits are:

  • Providing better customer service options and expand internationally based on location and language preferences
  • Offering 24/7 customer support by forwarding calls to offices in different time zones
  • Reducing wait times and increasing first call resolution rates
  • Increasing customer satisfaction and retention rates

How to Get Call Routing

Call routing comes as a part of a VoIP phone system. In that, you can build your business a solid and reliable communication system that helps you manage and handle incoming calls effectively. United World Telecom can help you get call routing and VoIP. To start, speak with an expert today!

5 Ways DID Numbers Can Benefit your Business

Posted on by Chase Rogers

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#37317307 ID#27446420

If you are planning to grow your business but are worried about increasing costs, then you may want to consider using DID numbers. Here we will discuss the top 5 ways direct inward dialing can benefit businesses using the service. Read on to learn more.

Top 5 Benefits of DID Numbers

DID enables incoming callers to directly dial in to a phone extension without the assistance of a live operator or voice response menu. The technology uses internet protocols to route voice calls to an end destination which can be located anywhere in the world. This enables businesses to scale their existing phone systems and expand across international borders.

Highly regarded institutions like MIT use this technology to connect outside callers with their telephone network. It is the preferred choice when an organization needs to offer unique contact phone numbers for each department or employee. It’s also possible to forward multiple DID phone numbers to a single destination.

So, what are the top 5 benefits of DID numbers?

1. Scalability

Direct inward dialing doesn’t require any additional hardware, making it one of the best technologies for businesses that are looking to expand. DID numbers are, however, a limited resource and somewhat expensive due to the scalability benefits they offer.

Any small business could have several direct phone numbers for each department. Many businesses will also assign direct dial in numbers to their employees. Scalability is the number one benefit of using DID numbers. There is no limit to the amount of numbers that you can have.

2. International Expansion

International expansion is the second benefit of DID numbers. Because these are virtual numbers, the end user doesn’t have to have a physical presence in the country where the phone number originates. You could get a DID number from most of the 195 countries in the world. These numbers can forward calls internationally to destinations anywhere in the world.

There are very few barriers in order for businesses to start expanding into foreign countries. Thanks to direct inward dialing, even small and medium-sized business can expand into lucrative international markets.

3. Call Tracking

The third benefit of using DID numbers is the ability to track calls. Have you ever wondered whether your marketing efforts are paying off?

By assigning unique DIDs to each campaign, marketers would be able to calculate their return on investment. This information helps with budget allocation and quality assurance. In addition, DID numbers could be used by upper management to track employees’ productivity on the phones. There are downloadable call detail reports that could track each phone call to and from your business.

4. Maintain a Well-Connected Office System

The fourth benefit of DID numbers is the ability to connect with other people in your office. For example, your business can have unique phone numbers for different departments or teams. In other words, each major department has a direct number that customers can connect to. You can assign DIDs to sales, marketing, accounting, and all other departments as needed. Furthermore, you can even choose to assign these numbers to specific employees as well, depending on the needs of your business.

5. A Cost-Effective Communication Solution

There is no extra hardware or setup costs in order to get started. And since DIDs can forward calls internationally, it can help you expand geographically without the need to relocate, set up remote offices, or even pay high international calling rates. You only pay what your subscription entails, which makes your monthly bill predictable and budget-friendly. Essentially, DID numbers are a lean solution for international communication.

DID Numbers from United World Telecom

DID numbers can boost your business by providing you with the tools to operate a well-connected office. To get DIDs, call us at 1 (877) 898 8646.

What is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)?

Posted on by Beny Mouen

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#18849443 ID#27446420

In this comprehensive post, we will explain Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and its important features.

What is Session Initiation Protocol?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an internet signaling protocol that is used to initiate, maintain, and terminate real-time voice and video communication. An internet protocol is a set of rules for routing packets of data across a network. SIP is often used for mobile phone calling over LTE and in IP telephony systems.

It enables businesses to take their communications to the next level, by enabling not just voice-sharing but video conferencing and text messaging as well. Unified communications are made possible for an organization through SIP.

Important SIP Features

Note that SIP is a signaling protocol. In other words, it doesn’t handle the specifics of multimedia sessions. Other protocols such as the Sessions Description Protocol and Real-Time Transport Protocol handle media details and data delivery respectively.

Session Initiation Protocol initiates a call between two or more people where the SIP client establishes specifics of the request. The other party can choose to accept or reject it. This transmission is done securely through Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Additionally, Session Initiation Protocol makes it possible for users with different service providers to interact and communicate. It can boost your IP telephony call with a process called SIP trunking.

Session Initiation Protocol versus Voice over IP

SIP and VoIP are often used interchangeably and therefore, it is important to understand the difference between these two types of technology. See below:

SIP Trunking Voice over IP Tech
Signaling protocol within VoIP Family of technologies related to communications
Multimedia transmission Only voice messages transmitted
Requires only a modem VoIP devices need to be connected to a computer
Uses a peer-to-peer system to handle large amounts of data Uses a central network to organize and transmit traffic

 

benefits of sip

Benefits of Session Initiation Protocol

Why do businesses benefit from SIP trunking and why should you consider this service for your communication system? It’s simple: SIP and SIP trunking can boost and enhance communications in a multitude of ways. It is not only cost-effective but provides phone solutions to improve internal and external communication. Here are some of the top benefits of SIP trunking.

A HIghly Cost-Effective Service
SIP calls are routed over the internet and by doing so, this gives you the ability to contact local and long-distance contacts for cheaper calling rates. Pricing for a SIP trunking service is pretty straightforward. You sign up for a monthly subscription and your bill remains predictable. Furthermore, most SIP providers do not require you to sign long-term contracts. Check out our detailed analysis of SIP trunking prices for your information.

Tools to Expand Internationally
Part of growing your business globally involves creating strong communication channels between your company and its customers. SIP trunking paired with virtual phone numbers is a great solution for businesses looking to expand their reach into international markets. You can reduce your calling costs while providing convenient (and even free) ways for customers to connect with you through local numbers and toll free service.

One Platform for All Communications
You can transmit voice, video, text, and more via SIP channels. This technology makes multimedia communication possible from one platform, instead of having it spread across 4-5 different services or software. This can help increase office productivity and reduce costs that can build up from different platforms.

More Session Initiation Protocol Resources

Contact us at 1 (877) 898 8646 if you want to learn more about Session Initiation Protocol and let an expert help you through the process!

What is the Difference Between VoIP and PSTN?

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#139850504 ID#27446420

Choosing a business phone system for your communication needs is an important step in developing strong customer relationships. It can be hard to choose the right business phone system, unless you understand the difference between VoIP and PSTN. Here we will look at how these phone systems differ so you can make a better decision for your company.

Understanding the Difference Between VoIP and PSTN

Technology has advanced greatly over the past two decades, enabling exceptional options for businesses in regards to their communication systems. When researching business phone systems for your communication needs, you will come across voice over IP (VoIP) and public switched telephone network (PSTN) as two major options. But how do you decide which is better for your communication needs? Here we will look at the difference between VoIP and plain old telephone service.

How Does VoIP Work?

Voice over IP or VoIP, transmits voice messages via the internet. With VoIP, voice gets converted into digital signals and then get transferred from one end-point to the next using secure network protocols. Upon reaching the recipient, the signals get converted back to voice messages.

Since VoIP is not attached to a physical line, users with a VoIP phone system can make and receive calls from any location and any device. All they need is a stable internet connection. Additionally, VoIP numbers or virtual phone numbers also route calls over the internet, letting companies do business with target countries without increasing expenses. You also get access to a suite of cloud communication features.

VoIP system costs are considerably less, as well. Users can easily scale up or down, as needed, without buying new lines or paying for additional equipment. In fact, there are no set-up or installation fees. And you won’t even need new equipment. VoIP proves to be more cost-effective, especially considering the features available and international calling.

voip vs pstn

Is IP Better than PSTN?

PSTN connects callers through a circuit-switched telephone network. This type of phone system has been used for years. When used, calls are transmitted through a network from one end-point to the next. The call quality is generally excellent.

Businesses using PSTN will need a different physical phone for each employee. The costs for desk phones can skyrocket to $300 per phone! Plus, you must then deal with installation and clunky hardware.

On the other hand, the cost for one SIP trunk ranges from $20-$30. This can be used by many employees. Plus, there’s no any set-up/installation and maintenance costs.

Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees can benefit from a VoIP phone system. However, even when the business size grows, they would be better served with a cloud PBX.

VoIP Versus PSTN: Difference in the Systems

So, what is the difference between VoIP and PSTN? Let’s have a look:

VoIP PSTN
Price More affordable than PSTN (even with international calling and virtual communication features) Expensive; especially for international communication
Connectivity Uses the internet; make calls from anywhere at any time Uses a landline; makes calls via the landline only
Flexibility Highly customizable; add/remove multiple phone numbers and extensions; use features as needed Structured with copper wires; has less customization
Mobility Can make and receive calls from any location and any device Can make and receive calls from one location
Features Loaded with advanced calling features PSTN offers: Make and receive calls

Related: How Does VoIP Connect to the PSTN?

Get VoIP for Business Today!

If you are looking for a business phone system that is cost-effective and has a global reach, then VoIP is the way to go.

What is a Web Phone?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#182873428 #27446420

In this article, you will learn the definition of a web phone, how it works, and the benefits of using one for your business.

What is a Web Phone?

A web phone, also known as a web dialer, is a web application that enables two-way international phone calls from a web browser. It is powered by WebRTC and only requires high-speed internet access, a computer, and a headset or speakerphone to start placing calls.

Enabling all the core functionality of a business phone service, web phones are among the most effective tools for sales and support teams to communicate with contacts internationally.

How Does a Web Phone Work?

Web phones use technology that is built into web browsers to support voice communications. WebRTC is the standard technology for web phones because it is a stable and secure open-source framework with high sound quality.

A web phone works very similarly to a softphone, with a very easy-to-use interface and clickable buttons to dial any phone number worldwide. It is compatible with Windows PC, macOS, Linux, and also Android devices. Users can simply connect a headset to their device to get started.

What is WebRTC?

WebRTC is an open-source HTML framework that enables IP voice communications from a web interface or browser. It is a stable open-source technology that works in nearly all modern browsers. Its widespread availability makes this the underlying technology for most web dialers. 

Web Phone Applications

Approximately 36% of US businesses have already started using IP for voice communications. This percentage is much higher across the world as it is a more affordable alternative to plain old telephone service in most countries.

These are some real-life applications that can benefit your business:

  • Pre-sales teams make international outbound calls with a localized dynamic caller ID.
  • Remote support agents use their computers to call customers from a local or toll free phone number that can also receive calls back.
  • Contact center agents answer incoming calls on their computers.

How to Use a Web Dialer

There is no technical expertise necessary to use a web dialer phone. In fact, users only need to have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and the internet. It doesn’t require any extra setup. You would just sign up for the service and then log in from your web browser and start making phone calls. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Log in to the web dialer site 
  2. Connect your headset or microphone
  3. Dial the number for the call you want to place

web-phone-functionality

Functionality of a Web Phone

A web phone dialer has all the core functionality of a traditional business phone service.

Outbound Calls

You can use this technology to make international outbound calls from a web browser. There is tremendous flexibility to this as users have the option to choose which caller ID they would like to display. Recipients are more likely to answer calls from a local number they recognize.

Inbound Calls

The service enables two-way voice communication, which means you can answer incoming calls on your web phone. It is loaded with call center features that automate customer interactions and make call routing simpler.

Call Transfer

Transfer calls easily to the right person or department. Everyone in your office becomes available to receive transferred phone calls with the versatile feature.

Free In-Network Calls

The ability to make free in-network calls to other users in the account makes this a highly valuable major tool for organizations with a distributed workforce. It helps remote teams stay connected to your team while working from home.

Voicemails

Like a traditional business phone service, web phones enable users to receive voicemails. You can actually listen to your voicemails directly from the web dialer.

Call History

View and search all your recent calls. It’s easy to sort through inbound and outbound calls, rejected calls, and missed phone calls. This will help your sales team follow up with any important leads.

Contacts and API Integrations

You can enter relevant contact information that corresponds to individual phone numbers and will be automatically displayed. Users can also search and filter through interactions with individual contacts.

It can also be used together with other business tools. UWT provides an API that enables users to sync call detail records from a web phone with other software and tools they might be using.

Benefits of Web Phones for Businesses

Managers have reported significant improvements with their teams that use web phones. There are many benefits for teams of all sizes. Below is a list of the top web phone benefits.

Increase Sales

A web phone can increase sales by more than 75%, as it enables salespeople to call leads and convert those leads into paying customers.

Prospective customers are more likely to pick up a phone call from a number they recognize. We enable you to make international phone calls while showing a local caller ID. Your sales calls will have a higher conversion rate and your sales will increase.

Reduce Costs

Web phones provide a simple interface to use IP for voice communications. Voice over IP is the most affordable way to make business phone calls. In fact, organizations frequently report higher than 50% decreases in telecom expenditures upon switching to VoIP. 

Improve Customer Service

Having a phone system in place for customer service will undoubtedly improve customer experience. Agents can call customers from their computers and not worry about the quality of the phone calls. They can also use a local or toll free number from any country to show as caller ID and to receive calls back.

Bring Your Own Device

Bring your own device (BYOD) refers to employees being permitted to use their personally-owned devices, rather than company-provided devices. Research from Vodacom shows that about 95% of employees use at least one personal device at work, and that number is predicted to be even higher in the coming years.

Web phones are accessible from any browser, which means that employees can connect to the service from their own devices. This should emerge as one of the most effective tools in the remote work economy.

How Much Bandwidth is Needed for VoIP

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#88628186 ID#27446420

Businesses looking to improve and enhance their communication system with the end goal of providing better customer service will find business VoIP as a suitable solution. However, when you are switching to such a cloud phone system, you’ll need to make sure that your office internet meets voice over IP bandwidth needs. Read on to learn more about what is needed to support VoIP calling in a business setting.

Business VoIP Calls: Bandwidth Requirements

A VoIP phone system enables the calling and transmission of data over the internet between two parties. Doing so makes it possible to send and receive voice, video, and other unified communications through a cost-effective route. Thanks to new technologies like a web phone, it is possible to make and receive calls from a computer. Because of this reason, business VoIP is popular among companies of varying sizes.

Virtual phone service providers like United World Telecom can help you build a VoIP system at your office with the virtual communication tools and features you desire. Part of setting up such a system requires an evaluation of the bandwidth required to run a cloud phone system. Here we will look at different VoIP bandwidth requirements.

What is Bandwidth and Why Does It Matter for VoIP?

Bandwidth is a term used to describe the data transfer rate of an internet connection. In other words, it refers to the amount of data that can be transferred over the internet connection within a given time period. You will have to set aside a certain amount of bandwidth from what you receive through your internet provider (ISP).

This is important because VoIP phone calls run over the internet and require a good internet connection to provide quality calls. High browsing activity or additional applications can reduce the amount of bandwidth available for your cloud phone system. Lower bandwidth equals slower speed which can result in lower call quality. Some factors that impact voice over IP calls include:

  • How many phone lines are required?
  • How many calls will be occurring concurrently?
  • Will other applications be running simultaneously with your VoIP system?
  • Upload/download speed provided
  • Codec provided by your service provider

Keeping these factors in mind, you can calculate an estimate of how much bandwidth will be required to run your cloud phone system smoothly.

voip-bandwidth
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#251896403 ID#27446420

Calculating Bandwidth Needed for Your VoIP System

So, how do you decide how much VoIP bandwidth your system will need? The most important aspect to take into account is the number of employees making calls and how many calls will occur simultaneously. The general range for bandwidth needed is anywhere from 85-100Kbps for each concurrent VoIP call. Bandwidth is measured in kilobytes per second (Kbps).

Number of Concurrent Calls Bandwidth Recommended
1 100 Kbps
5 500 Kbps
10 1 Mbps
15 1.5 Mbps
20 20 Mbps

Secondly, you want to check the codec quality provided by your provider. Codec is a program that converts voice into digital signals to be transmitted during the call. In other words, codec reduces the size of call files without impacting voice quality. The ideal codec will determine the amount of data your VoIP calls will need. Here is a table for your reference:

Codec Bitrate Bandwidth Usage
G.711 64 Kbps 87.2 Kbps
G.722 48-64 Kbps 80 Kbps
G.723.1 5.3 Kbps 20.8 Kbps
G.726 32 Kbps 55.2 Kbps
G.728 16 Kbps 32 Kbps
G.729 8 Kbps 31.2 Kbps

Note: Bitrate per second refers to the rate at which bits of data are transmitted within a given time.

Additionally, since VoIP calls stream two-way voice messages, the data usage is twice the normal rate per second. Most virtual calls will need about 64 Kbps. You can have 12 calls concurrently using 1 Mbps or 120 calls with 10 Mbps. And this is for calling only. For other virtual activities such as browsing, using internet applications, etc., more bandwidth will be required.

Making VoIP Calls

Ensure your business has enough bandwidth to make high-quality calls with your VoIP system. There are routers available that prioritize voice calls over other internet activity. This would ensure no quality is taken away from the calls. Contact your ISP for information about bandwidth usage and availability options. To learn more about VoIP systems for business, call us at 1 (877) 898 8646.

UIFN or ITFS: Which is Best for Your Business?

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#374849482 #27446420

When you consider expanding your business to other countries, one of the biggest concerns to think about is: how will you maintain reliable communication with people in distant parts of the world. Many businesses choose either ITFS numbers or UIFN service.

UIFN Versus ITFS: Defining the Differences

United World Telecom has been a trusted international telecommunications provider since 1996. We provide UIFN service and ITFS numbers.

UIFN

A Universal International Freephone Number — also known as a UIFN Number — is a type of toll free number that works as a single phone number in multiple countries. With UIFN service, your organization can support callers through a universal toll free number in up to 60 different countries.

ITFS Numbers

ITFS can also support global voice communications. Businesses use ITFS numbers to provide a free method for customers to call them in up to 160 countries. Both UIFN and ITFS numbers can help you expand your global voice coverage.

Which Is a Better Number for Your Business?

While UIFN numbers sound good in theory, when deciding what number type works best for your business, one must consider the advantages and disadvantages. You first need to know how these numbers work and how they differ from each other.

UIFN Advantages

UIFN has coverage as a single phone number for multiple countries, including major global economies such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, etc. Having a single number makes it easier to manage communications instead of displaying a variety of numbers.

How Does UIFN Work?

Here is a list of the countries where UIFN numbers are available, including information about mobile accessibility:

Country Mobile Accessibility Country Mobile Accessibility
Argentina No Macau Yes
Australia Yes Macedonia Partial
Austria Yes Malaysia No
Belgium Yes Malta Partial
Brazil Yes Martinique Yes
Bulgaria Yes Mayotte Yes
Canada Yes Moldova Yes
China Partial Monaco Yes
Colombia Yes Netherlands Yes
Costa Rica Yes New Zealand Yes
Croatia Partial Norway Yes
Cyprus Partial Peru Partial
Czech Republic Yes Philippines No
Denmark Yes Poland Partial
Estonia Yes Portugal Yes
Finland Partial Reunion Yes
France Yes Romania Partial
French Guiana Yes Saint Pierre & Miquelon Yes
Germany Yes Singapore Yes
Greece Partial Slovakia Yes
Guadeloupe Yes Slovenia No
Hong Kong Yes South Africa Yes
Hungary Yes South Korea Yes
Iceland Partial Spain Yes
Israel No Sweden Partial
Italy No Switzerland Yes
Japan Yes Taiwan Yes
Latvia Yes Thailand Yes
Lithuania Yes United Kingdom Partial
Luxembourg Yes Uruguay Yes
UIFN for business
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#204677724 ID#27446420

The Downside of UIFN

UIFN is accessible from only 60 countries around the world and not all UIFN participating countries have mobile access. Prefixes vary based on the country. This can lead to confusion and misdialing.

It can also take a few weeks to activate UIFN service and registration fees apply.

ITFS Advantages

ITFS numbers are free to dial from within their country. They are only reachable from within their own country and generally cannot be dialed from other countries.

International toll free numbers are available from more than 160 countries worldwide and are the most cost-effective option for any company wanting to expand globally.

How to Choose the Right Type of Number

Which is better for your business depends on your business’ international reach. If you have customers in only a few select countries, then getting separate ITFS numbers for those regions will be more useful. However, if you have extensive global coverage, you may find UIFN more beneficial. This decision also depends on your budget limits and how much getting multiple ITFNs or one single expensive UIFN will cost you.

You can also inquire about our Toll Free FlexDial solution which can offer global toll-free access to callers in multiple countries through a single phone number. This solution works as an alternative to UIFN since it can cover more countries than UIFN. Chat with us to learn more or browse FlexDial prices.

Get UIFN from United World Telecom

United World Telecom offers both ITFN and UIFN numbers. If you know what you want, sign up for your new number on our homepage today. Or, call us at 1 (877) 898 8646 to discuss your business needs so we can help you make a well-informed decision.

Sign Up For UIFN

Six of the Best Toll Free Numbers (And Other Funny Numbers)

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic108574792 ID#27446420

Who says business numbers must be strictly serious? Your number can be an opportunity for displaying creativity to attract customer attention. Here we will look at how some companies have used their toll free numbers in exciting ways to draw customers to their businesses.

Creative Uses of Toll Free Numbers

Businesses continue to demand toll free numbers for a simple reason: they work. They are very helpful in bringing customers to a business and they add a subtle layer of professionalism. And, the effects are even more profound when you use vanity toll free numbers.

Vanity numbers insert patterns or letters within the number itself to make it stand out from other numbers. Here’s an opportunity for businesses to insert their name or a feature associated with their business. And it makes for a great way to market your business as well because these numbers are easy to recognize and remember. We have compiled some of (what we think are) the best toll free numbers out there; here’s a look!

Six Best Toll Free Numbers

1. 1-800-GO-FEDEX — FedEx, the go-to multinational delivery service’s contact uses a vanity toll free number with its name inserted in it.

2. 1-800-HURT-NOW — a toll free line for personal injury attorneys. Calling this number can help you get connected with a personal injury attorney best suited for your case.

3. 1-800-THRIFTY — Thrifty Car Rental’s customer service for online reservation help. Interestingly, their other toll free contact number is 1-800-FOR-CARS.

4. 800-GIANT-MEN — The Gentle Giant Moving Company inserts its name creatively in its business number to market its brand, emphasizing that they are giants of moving.

5. 1-800-DOG-POOP — This pooper scooper service’s vanity toll free number immediately grabs your attention!

6. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? — You must have seen this vanity number displayed on vans and billboards across the street. This is a toll free number for the world’s largest junk removal service.

Other Popular Toll Free Numbers

Besides the above, here are some other common toll free numbers that you may have used from time to time:

  • 888-BBT-ONLINE
  • 1-800-WALGREENS
  • 1-800-CALL-LEE
  • 1-800-FLOWERS
  • 1-800-TAXI-USA
  • 1-888-BEST-BUY
  • 1-800-T-MOBILE
  • 1-888-SANDALS, and there are many more

Funny Phone Numbers

If your business wants to really grab the attention of potential customers, there is nothing quite like humor to hook them in. Many companies have taken a clever spin on vanity numbers, using just their phone number to create a fun, memorable, positive experience for customers. Now for some examples of the funniest business numbers:

  • 800-IGo-HoJo — Howard Johnson’s
  • 800-9CAKE90 — Piece of Cake Inc
  • 800-FIT-IS-IT — Jazzercise Dance Fitness Program

Vanity Numbers for Your Business

Vanity toll free numbers are excellent tools for businesses to consider. They can be highly versatile, offering beneficial features for marketing endeavors, connecting with customers, and adding a further level of reassurance. A business number that stands out from the crowd as a notable, memorable number is always a good thing; why not place your business ahead of the competition with additional credibility? If your business is aiming to make an impact with clever marketing, there are endless possibilities when using a vanity number.

Vanity Toll Free Numbers with United World Telecom

Are you interested in purchasing a toll free number or vanity toll free number for your business? Our inventory is highly inclusive, so if you are searching for a particular type of toll free number, we may be able to assist you. United World Telecom offers toll free numbers in more than 160 countries across the world. To find out how we can help you get more customer calls and drive up sales, call us today at 1 (877) 898 8646.

What is International Call Forwarding & How Does It Work?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#179275020 ID#27446420

What is International Call Forwarding?

International call forwarding, also known as global call forwarding, is a service that routes incoming calls from a virtual phone number to another destination anywhere in the world. Calls can be forwarded internationally to any phone number(s), PBX, or SIP destination worldwide.

How International Call Forwarding Works

International call forwarding is the redirection of incoming calls to an international destination. When you set up international forwarding on a virtual number, calls to that phone number can be automatically routed to another office location or device that you have set anywhere in the world.

Callers will typically not notice that their call is being forwarded. Modern technologies have developed a number of features that make the forwarded phone calls indistinguishable from regular local calls. For example, you can set a local ringback tone that corresponds to many countries’ unique local dial tones or even configure a customized greeting in a local language.

Forwarded Phone Conversations Have Two Legs

A single forwarded phone conversation actually consists of two phone calls – which are commonly referred to as “Leg A” and “Leg B.”

First, there is Leg A – this an inbound call, from your customer for example, to your forwarding number. Leg A gets connected to your service provider’s network. After connecting to the network, Leg A call needs to get forwarded to the destination you chose.

Leg B is the outbound call from your provider’s network to the pre-specified destination. Subscribers are usually billed for both legs.

How Long Does It Take?

A subscription is required. International call forwarding can be set up in just a few minutes. Further, the full service can be integrated in less than a day. Some countries, however, require basic documentation in order to enable calls to be forwarded internationally. Once that documentation is taken care, calls are then seamlessly forwarded to your destination.

This service used to be reserved for large companies with international operations. Recent advancements in technology, however, have made it now possible for businesses of all sizes to use international call forwarding. In most cases, the forwarding takes place instantaneously.

However, there can be some latency issues associated with very long-distance calls. For example, a call from Australia to the United States has a long distance to travel. This can lead to minor delays.

To combat this, top service providers like United World Telecom have global infrastructure to minimize any potential delays. We know how important it is for calls to get forwarded instantaneously and with superior voice quality.

Can I Forward Calls to More Than One Phone?

The best part about a call forward service is that calls can be routed seamlessly to more than one phone. The service was created for business usage and it comes with a number of features to enhance this capability. For example, there are settings to enable simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, and time-of-day routing, which forwards calls to different numbers at different times of the day. International call forwarding can support an unlimited number of extensions.

need forward calls internationally

Top 3 Benefits of International Call Forwarding

We’ve been helping international companies expand across borders for more than twenty years. These are the most common international call forwarding benefits that real customers have reported to us over the years.

Working Remotely

Telecommuting has become a fast-growing trend for businesses in 2020. Major institutions like Facebook and Harvard have started to work remotely. In some companies, in-person operations have been replaced completely by remote work! One of the benefits of international call forwarding is the ability to work remotely.

A phone forwarding service enables employees to work from anywhere in the world. Not only can an international forwarding service help companies comply with an immediate need for remote work, it can also expand a potential talent pool to include candidates from other countries.

Expanding Internationally

As the name suggests, international call forwarding helps businesses expand internationally. The service is available from most of the 195 countries worldwide and it enables any business to establish a virtual telephone presence in those countries. There is a very minimal charge and the service is without commitment.

Enhancing Customer Experience

Let’s face it – your paying customers don’t want to have to pay more to get in touch with you over the phone. But that’s what happens when a multinational business doesn’t have international call forwarding set up.

Offer a free way for international customers to get a hold of your business over the phone. It will undoubtedly enhance your customer experience.

Interactive Voice Response: Definition and Benefits

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#89234634 ID#27446420

In this guide, you will learn everything there is to know about an Interactive Voice Response (IVR system).

What is Interactive Voice Response?

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is an automated telephony system with call routing capabilities. An IVR system can answer incoming calls, provide callers with a set of menu options, and then based on caller inputs, route the calls to an appropriate recipient.

As soon as calls connect to an interactive voice response system, callers are greeted by a prerecorded voice menu. The callers can interact with the menu in order to be connected with the right department or representative. Interactive voice response is so common, it is highly likely you have interacted with one before.

Any business can benefit from a cloud IVR system. It helps collect caller information and transfers calls to the right departments, enabling outstanding customer service, while reducing operating costs.

How Does IVR work?

An IVR system gathers information from callers and then routes those calls to another phone number or extension. Basic IVR systems work by collecting user input through touch-tone selections. More advanced systems can gather user inputs in the form of spoken responses using voice recognition.

IVR is an automated approach to customer service that reduces customer hold times and boosts worker efficiency. Even the most basic interactive voice response system can save time and resources. Organizations now have a more efficient way to manage incoming calls.

Cloud IVR Systems

A hosted or cloud IVR system works over the cloud. You can get an IVR system from your phone service provider who hosts the service. This means that you do not have to worry about developing the service or maintaining it. Your provider takes care of this. Your business simply needs to create a phone tree to route calls as you need. You can go in and change these routing settings whenever required.

IVR Systems for the End-User

Interactive voice response enables callers to easily navigate a contact center and find the right solution for themselves. The end-user can interact with an IVR system using the touch-tone keypad on a phone, or in more advanced cases, through spoken words.

For example, the end-user will dial a phone number with IVR and be connected to a voice menu. The end-user is then asked to choose from a set of menu options, which he or she can respond to by pressing or saying “1, 2, 3, etc.” in order to get connected to the right department.

Basic IVR Versus Advanced IVR

IVR has two primary components that enable callers to interact with the system: DTMF and voice technology. DMTF, which stands for Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, is a means of signaling to an IVR system using a telephone keypad. A basic IVR system enables callers to interact with a voice menu using DMTF.

More advanced systems use voice technology like natural language processing, to understand callers’ requests. Natural language processing is a type of conversational AI that enables computers to answer complex open-ended queries.

A more advanced cloud IVR software with voice technology will certainly impress callers, but even the most basic IVR can drastically improve customer experience by reducing callers’ common frustrations with a complex multi-level menu.

ivr software

The Technology Behind IVR Software

At a technical level, interactive voice response software uses the following technologies: telephony equipment, a database, and supporting infrastructure. The software needs to be enabled and then configured in order to work. These are the most relevant technologies:

  • TCP/IP: A set of communications protocols that enables computers to interact over a network.
  • Databases: IVR software needs access to a database in order to serve relevant information in real-time.
  • Web/Application Server: The server performs various key functions and is the core of an IVR software.

While the underlying technology is less relevant to end-users, it is still important to have an idea of how interactive voice response technology works.

IVR vs ACD

Oftentimes, the terms IVR and ACD are used interchangeably even though they are essentially different systems. Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)  routes calls to the right department or agent based on rules set by the business. IVR is a part of an ACD system and helps route calls to the right location as determined by the account manager. You can try different routing strategies to ensure calls are answered by the right agent and callers are assisted quickly. More on call routing strategies below.

Common Hosted IVR Applications

With incredible flexibility, interactive voice response systems have many potential applications for businesses of all sizes. These are the most common use cases that we have seen in over twenty years of experience:

  • Set up a custom voice menu and touch-tone prompts
  • Greet callers with a pre-recorded message
  • Collect information about callers
  • Route callers to the right department or agent
  • Manage high call volumes
  • Prioritize calls based on certain criteria
  • Automate customer support

Cloud IVR Benefits

Over the past two decades, these are the seven most common benefits that IVR users have reported.

1. More Efficient Customer Service

Customers are impatient when they want service. They want timely answers to their questions and they want all their problems to be solved quickly!

IVR can help callers feel like they are being better attended to by increasing first contact resolution. FCR is the percentage of contacts that are resolved on the first interaction and it is a great measure of customer service performance. On average, businesses that use interactive voice response have much higher first contact resolution compared to businesses that do not.

Efficient call routing will lead to better customer service. By automatically routing calls to the right departments, all your customers’ requests can be quickly dealt with appropriately.

2. Workforce Automation

For many companies, IVR has already automated key roles in the workforce. An interactive voice response system can greet callers, gather their relevant information, and then route their calls to the right departments, thereby eliminating the need for live phone attendants.

Let’s face it – employees at a company are only human and we all make mistakes. Although never intentional, human error has been a major contributing cause of business accidents over the years. Our research shows that a fully automated business communication system can eliminate up to 100% of human error.

IVR also works for you 24/7. Regardless of whether staff is available, incoming calls will always get routed through properly to the right extension. As your business becomes more accessible to potential customers, revenue will also increase.

3. Higher Profits

Businesses of all sizes use IVR to increase profitability. Remember that operating profits are calculated by subtracting operating expenses from gross profits.
A cloud IVR system is able to automate certain key processes at a negligible cost so fewer employees are needed to manage the phone lines.

4. Manage High Call Volumes

Imagine if you could scale your business by leveraging your entire workforce at full productivity. An IVR system can help manage your high call volumes, while also being able to scale rapidly to meet your expected growth. It has the ability to serve multiple customers simultaneously so the rest of your employees can work on more productive activities.

5. Increased Agent Efficiency

By routing calls to the right extensions, agents spend less time transferring calls around and communicating back-and-forth with other agents. Increased agent efficiency has major benefits for all types of businesses.

First off, thanks to IVR, agents no longer need to waste valuable time on the phone collecting redundant information. A cloud IVR system can maximize agents’ time that is spent on the phone with customers. When your agents aren’t on the phone with customers, their time can be better spent on other revenue-generating activities.

Second, call center agents are able to specialize in various key functions thanks to IVR, and thus become more efficient in each role. It’s possible to route calls to different agents based on certain criteria. You can also maximize customer lifetime value by prioritizing callers from high-income regions.

Finally, an interactive voice response system provides call analytics that enables managers to monitor user performance and agent productivity. Unlock the full potential of your workforce with an IVR.

6. Wider Personalization

Studies show that more personalized customer service can boost revenue by 40%. We have determined that some potential customers can get turned off when they call a business only to hear a boring old ringback tone.

Luckily, IVR systems make it easy to personalize and enhance customer experience on the phone. Your callers will appreciate a more personalized experience when their calls get answered by a customized voice greeting followed by a list of highly-tailored menu options.

7. Professional Company Image

In today’s day and age, it’s especially important to make a good first impression. In fact, Forbes Magazine declared that potential customers will form an opinion of your business based on a variety of factors including phone calls.

Interactive voice response can create instant credibility for your business by promoting a professional image that is well-put-together.

How Does a Contact Center Use IVR?

Most contact centers already benefit from interactive voice response technology because it can streamline a great number of key business functions. Here are the most common ways contact centers use IVR.

Efficient Call Routing

An IVR system for call centers will gather key information from callers at the start of the interaction. After registering a response, the cloud IVR system will then direct callers to the appropriate departments. This helps satisfy customers by reducing the time spent on hold and it also maximizes the efficiency of agents in your contact center. Read our post about top IVR routing strategies to learn more.

Self-Service and AI

Self-service is the foundation of a good contact center experience. In fact, 81% of customers prefer to try self-service before reaching out to a live representative. Modern IVRs may use artificial intelligence to enable self-service.

Over time, artificial intelligence can further develop to fulfill increasingly complex needs and eliminate a large number of mundane tasks. You should also keep in mind that callers can interact with your voice response menu to get self-service at any time of day.

Advanced Speech Recognition

Modern voice response systems use advanced speech recognition to better serve callers. Advanced technologies like natural language processing enable cloud IVR systems to clearly understand callers’ requests and determine the reason for their calls. Harvard studies have shown the potential of NLP in contact centers.

CRM Integrations

Callers prefer not to repeat themselves. Luckily, CRM integrations exist that enable your IVR system to fetch relevant information about callers in real-time. This helps agents in your contact center deliver more personalized information to satisfy very specific needs. Call center integrations can also boost caller satisfaction by producing seasoned call center agents.

IVR Best Practices

When used incorrectly, your interactive voice response system could have a negative impact on your business. That’s why we recommend that our customers are mindful of their end-users. We recommend following these best practices to deliver a delightful IVR experience.

1. Research Your Audience

You should research your audience and your end-users before setting up IVR. Key research should involve figuring out which customers are most likely to interact with your voice response system. By doing this, you can create a more personalized experience with highly tailored menu options.

2. Survey Caller to Improve Your IVR Experience

Surveys can help determine how satisfied your customers are with the overall phone experience that you provide. It is important to regularly survey customers and elicit feedback and then implement their valuable suggestions. Surveys help businesses build better hosted IVR systems that callers actually enjoy using.

3. Use Natural Speech Recognition for Complex Applications

Natural language speech is more flexible than touch-tone interaction. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. It is not always necessary for quicker transactions, but speech recognition can enhance more complex business applications.

4. Keep Your Menu Simple

It’s best to start with a simple IVR menu that is capable of handling your most common requests. Don’t try to automate very complex transactions until you get more comfortable using IVR.

We recommend a basic menu that greets callers and asks them to input a single-digit number that corresponds to a particular department. Industry studies show that callers prefer to interact with a phone menu that has four choices or fewer and a maximum of two levels.

5. Regular IVR Testing

Testing should be performed regularly to ensure that your menu is able to handle expected traffic and properly serve customer requests. There are various network testing methods that have been developed over the years which can help ensure that IVR technology does not become a weak link in your business’ customer experience.

Mistakes to Avoid

A good hosted IVR system that follows best practices can have unlimited business potential. A bad setup, on the other hand, will undoubtedly frustrate your customers. It’s important to set up everything properly. We recommend that you avoid these three common mistakes if you want to maximize the caller experience.

1. Hold Times That Exceed 45 Seconds

Customers are impatient and they don’t like to wait on hold. According to industry research, 60% of callers will hang up after just one minute on hold! We recommend that you do not keep your customers on hold for more than 45 seconds at a time.

2. Unreachable Live Agents

Not everyone will want to use your hosted IVR system. In fact, you could have the most user-friendly setup in the world, but there will always be a segment of your customers that prefers to speak with a live agent. That’s only logical, as there are certain requests from customers that don’t fall under any menu options and a computer could never help with.

That’s why we recommend that you avoid the mistake of having unreachable live agents. Your IVR menu should always contain an option to be transferred to a real-live agent. You shouldn’t bury this option too deeply in your menu, either, because this will always result in frustrated callers.

3. Complicated Menus

Potential buyers will be turned away by too many menu options or a voice response system that is too complex. We already know customers are impatient, so why list ten menu options that your callers have to sift through? We recommend that you keep your IVR menu simple with two levels at most and a maximum of four choices on each level. The possibilities, however, are nearly unlimited.

Reach out to us if you want to learn more about IVR and how it can help your business.

What is an International Toll Free Number (ITFN)?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#758645084 ID#27446420

In this guide, we share everything there is to know about international toll free numbers.

What is an International Toll Free Number?

An International Toll Free Number, or an ITFN, is a phone number that can be dialed free of charge and connects calls to representatives in other countries. Incoming calls to an ITFN are forwarded internationally to another phone or PBX anywhere in the world. It is one of the most cost-effective options for a business wanting to expand operations internationally.

An example of an international toll free number would be an 888 number in the United States or an 0800 number in the United Kingdom that gets answered by representatives in another country or other countries.

Another example: A US company that wants to strategically extend operations to Germany and South Korea can get German toll free numbers and South Korea toll free numbers. Individuals and businesses in these countries can call the US company’s ITFNs for free from within their country. And your business can forward calls made to these numbers to the company’s main office in the US through a call forwarding service.

All of this occurs quickly when calls are placed. Simultaneously, callers think your business is local instead of international because there is no way of knowing where you or your business may actually be located. An ITFN, therefore, makes your business more available and closer, thereby increasing credibility and encouraging more customer engagement.

buy toll free numbers

Are ITFNs Free to Call Internationally?

Traditional toll free numbers are usually not free to call internationally. They are country-specific, meaning that callers from a specific country can only dial a number for free if the number is specific to their country.

For example, calls to an 888 number in the United States would only be free if the call is made from North America. Callers from other countries can call this number but they will incur international tariffs.

Some ITFN, on the other hand, cannot be dialed internationally at all. An example of this would be an 800 number in the UAE that is only accessible to callers in the United Arab Emirates. Although this seems like a potential challenge, an easy solution is to get an international toll free number supported by an ITFS.

ITFN Versus ITFS

ITFN is supported by International Toll Free Service. ITFS is a telephone service that enables callers from one country to make free phone calls to another country. It improves businesses’ international reachability as they are able to provide toll free telephone access to contacts located outside the country.

It also helps businesses outsource various processes to third-party vendors that charge lower wages. According to Grandview Research, the BPO Market will reach $405 billion by 2027. In addition to significant cost-savings, many top organizations also consider outsourcing as a solution to meet back-office requirements related to skill-set and productivity.

What are the Types of International Toll Free Service?

There are three main types of ITFS. Each type of international toll free service provides end-to-end call origination and termination. Modern providers will usually implement a turnkey solution rendering the different types less relevant to users these days.

  • Basic ITFS
  • End User Dedicated ITFS
  • Switchless ITFS
itfn versus itfs
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#200330702 ID#27446420

Types of International Toll Free Numbers

Many people have questions about the different types of international toll free numbers, so we describe them and explain the pricing and differences below.

International Toll Free Numbers (ITFN)

ITFNs are the ideal solution for businesses looking to use toll free numbers for international countries. Since these numbers use an international toll free service (ITFS) to enable global call forwarding, your business can be located anywhere in the world. A classic example would be an international 800 number in the US forwarding calls overseas. These have significant advantages, including cost, reachability, and flexibility, over other types of numbers. You can forward these numbers internationally, enabling businesses to establish a presence virtually anywhere in the world. The cost for international toll free numbers starts as low as $13 per month.

Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN)

The International Telecommunications Union issues Universal International Freephone Numbers, or “global” toll free numbers. Callers can dial UIFNs, free of charge, from up to 60 countries around the world. These numbers are not accessible from all mobile phones, however. Dial-out conventions can also vary across countries. The cost is significantly higher for this solution. Monthly pricing starts at $80 per month plus setup charges.

Domestic Toll Free Numbers (TFN)

Domestic toll free numbers, also known as DTFs, are classic 800 numbers that can only be dialed from inside the country where the phone number is located. These numbers are accessible and free to call for anyone within that country. For example, callers within the UK can call UK toll free numbers for free and with fewer restrictions. However, they are generally not accessible from other countries. Pricing for these start at $13 per month.

Deciding Which Toll Free Numbers Your Business Needs

Toll free numbers help businesses develop their professional image by using a reliable method for communication. You can increase credibility and your international reputation through the right business phone number. A toll free phone number established your business as a credible and professional one. Additionally, having a designated business number keeps your personal calls entirely separate from your business calls, so you gain added flexibility through this automation. So, what types of toll free numbers are right for your business?

Domestic vs International Toll Free Numbers (ITFNs)

Both domestic phone numbers and ITFNs perform the same function. Callers can call these numbers for free from within the country associated with the number. The main difference between the two number types is the number of restrictions involved. Domestic numbers come with fewer restrictions than international toll free numbers.

Domestic and international toll free numbers are both beneficial to any business. However, if you want to expand to multiple countries outside your country of origin, then you will want to get international toll free numbers for the respective areas you want to target. Irrespective of where you and your business are located, these numbers can help you build an international reputation by offering sales and customer support services worldwide.

ITFNs vs UIFNs

In the same vein, a common question asked by many businesses, is UIFN or ITFN? As you can see above, three different models can exist for your business, but we found that in general, international toll free numbers are the right choice. They offer key advantages including flexibility and cost-savings. We recommend getting multiple ITFNs rather than opting for another type of number. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us or try our service risk-free for 15 days!

Get Toll Free Numbers with Us!

If you are considering either a domestic toll free number or an international toll free number, we can help guide you in the right direction. United World Telecom can help you get the right numbers for your business with easy sign-up procedures and fast activation! Call us today to learn more about what we offer and how we can support your business.

SIP Trunking vs VoIP: Understanding the Difference

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#47238061 & 1711547 ID#27446420

To decide whether your business needs SIP trunking or VoIP technology, you must first understand what these communication services are and how they differ. Here we will discuss in detail how these two types of technology operate so you can make an informed decision when choosing between them.

Difference Between SIP Trunking and VoIP Technology

SIP and VoIP are often used interchangeably, which is why they can be misunderstood. SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol while VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Both of these services provide foundations for IP technology. That is, they enable users to make and answer calls over the internet (or virtual phone lines) as opposed to traditional phone lines or PSTN lines. But there are a few key differences that set them apart, let’s have a look.

What is VoIP? The Basics

Voice over IP or VoIP technology is a business phone solution that transmits voice messages over the internet. It converts voice into digital signals and sends them to the destination number or endpoint. To use this service, you will require a VoIP phone and VoIP system. Most providers will even offer you unlimited calling minutes as a better deal. And so, for basic voice communication, VoIP is an affordable and practical solution.

SIP Trunking Explained

SIP trunking enables the transmission of multimedia and unified communications over the internet. SIP technology builds on voice over IP to provide not only voice but other communication as well. That is, video messaging, text messaging, file and document sharing, and so on. SIP trunking, therefore, works as an all-inclusive phone solution.

For a business looking to provide multi-channel communication, SIP technology is an ideal solution. This is because it is more affordable than using multiple different platforms/services as all communication tools needed are located in one place.

SIP vs VoIP

Now for the difference between the two types of virtual telephony solutions:

1. Type of Sessions Transmitted — VoIP calls handle only one type of session and that is voice communication. SIP calls, on the other hand, handle multimedia sessions such as voice, video, text, etc.

2. Operation — VoIP calls operate only over an internet connection and need a computer to run the software. VoIP handsets, for example, must be attached and connected to a computer to be used. A SIP trunk, on the contrary, can work over any network; this includes ISDN, VPN, or the internet. Plus, SIP equipment can operate by itself and does not depend on a computer to function.

3) Handling of Traffic — Both systems differ in terms of how they handle traffic. SIP systems work along with an office’s private branch exchange or PBX system. These systems are designed to manage large amounts of traffic and data. You can also add an extra layer of security by getting a direct connection to your provider. VoIP technology, on the other hand, handles traffic from a central network, where a provider oversees everything. This is perfect for businesses that do not have the experience or time to manage their own systems. However, on the downside, such central networks can easily be overloaded by heavy traffic.

Choosing One for Your Company

Deciding whether your company needs SIP trunking or voice over IP technology depends on the type of communications you want to set up. The choice is not really one over the other because SIP is an advanced version of VoIP. Both services can boost your company’s phone system by offering more reliable and cost-saving options. Based on how you want to communicate internally and externally determines whether you need only voice or multimedia sessions. You can get both SIP and VoIP with United World Telecom. Sign up on our homepage or contact us to learn more.

Hosted PBX versus SIP Trunking: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#27766347 ID#27446420

When switching to a cloud phone system for your company’s communications, owners often have to decide between a hosted PBX and SIP trunking. Here we will discuss what these two types of service are so you can make the right decision based on your needs.

Hosted PBX versus SIP Trunking: Key Differences

In order to decide whether your company can benefit from a hosted PBX  or SIP trunking, it is important to first understand what each of these services is capable of achieving. Other factors to consider are:

  • Costs
  • Level of expertise required
  • Company size and calling (or call management) requirements
  • Security needs

But first, let’s look at these services and their benefits individually.

What is a Hosted PBX?

If you want a system handled and managed offsite, then a hosted PBX service will be more in line with your needs. Other terms for hosted PBX are virtual PBX, cloud PBX, and cloud phone system. A hosted PBX service is a service managed by a third-party provider and connects to a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Benefits of Hosted PBX

Therefore, subscribing to a hosted PBX service means that your company does not have to buy or maintain any equipment or software to utilize the service. And so, you do not have to worry about high setup or maintenance fees. Additionally, you do not need to hire experienced IT professionals to manage the system.

A hosted PBX service will give you the opportunity to utilize Voice over IP services such as:

  • Call management tools to manage and route calls
  • Call transfer
  • Voicemail
  • Call recording
  • Interactive voice response (IVR system)

What is SIP Trunking?

SIP trunking also uses VoIP technology. SIP connects your existing PBX to the internet and enables the sharing of multimedia files such as voice, video, and text. Therefore, to use SIP trunking technology, you need to have an on-premise PBX system and a skilled and experienced in-house IT team to manage it.

SIP trunking

Benefits of Using SIP Trunks

SIP technology is growing more and more popular with businesses because of the many advantages of using such a system. Here are a few benefits of SIP trunking:

SIP trunks replace traditional phone lines by helping you make and answer calls over virtual lines instead. This enables long-distance and international calling at cheaper rates. Therefore, SIP technology is often preferred for its affordability.

Furthermore, you do not need to subscribe to 4-5 different services to handle your office’s communications. SIP trunks allow for transmission for various types of data all in one place, making business communications easy to manage. This is also helpful in increasing overall office productivity and efficiency as employees spend less time learning new services and more time providing better customer support.

Key Differences Between Hosted PBX and SIP Trunking

Now that we have a better understanding of what each service means, let’s look at the key differences between having a hosted PBX system and SIP trunking as part of your office phone system:

Hosted PBX SIP Trunking
1) Setup Costs Low Low, if you own PBX equipment on-premise
2) Ongoing Costs $15-$50 per phone line per month $20-$50 per user per month
3) Maintenance and Expertise Handled by your provider Handled by your in-house IT staff
4) Expertise Required No, handled by the provider In-house IT staff must be experienced
5) Call quality and volume Great for low call volume Great for a large workforce and a high call volume
6) Flexibility Geographically flexible and self-reliant Depends on PBX program licensing and support
7) Company size and type Recommended for companies with <20 employees Recommended for companies with >20 employees
8) Security Depends on the provider’s standards More secure infrastructure

Choosing a Phone System

Deciding on a type of phone system for your business can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, pay attention to what your business needs and what your budget allows. For example, can you afford a skilled in-house IT team or do you want your provider to handle maintenance? Do you need a system that supports a low or high call volume and traffic? And so on. Determining your business’ needs will help you make a better choice. To get SIP trunks and PBX, call United World Telecom and speak with an expert.

5 SIP Trunking Benefits You Probably Don’t Know

Posted on by Meryl D'Sa-Wilson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#249739200 ID#27446420

SIP trunking has slowly revolutionized business communication. This business phone solution uses an internet connection to provide a high-quality and low-cost phone service. More and more companies are using SIP trunks to improve the way they communicate internally and externally. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider this service for your business.

What Are the Top Benefits of SIP Trunking?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an internet protocol that enables communications between two parties through voice, video, and chat. SIP trunking, therefore, transmits voice, video, and other unified communications through the internet.

This enables businesses to have multi-channel communication options through voice over IP technology. Doing so improves and enhances internal (within the office) and external (between the business and its customers) communication. This is why everyone from small businesses to large corporations is using SIP trunks in their business communication systems. So, what are some benefits of SIP trunking technology?

1. Cost-Effective Services

The main reason why this technology is gaining popularity is because of its affordability while still remaining reliable. SIP calls are routed over the internet instead of traditional expensive phone lines. Furthermore, they give your business the opportunity to make local, long-distance, and international calls at cheaper rates. By routing your calls through international call forwarding services, you can reduce long-distance and international calling costs.

When you sign up for such a service, you are immediately made aware of what the charges for your entire phone system will be. SIP trunk pricing depends on the provider you choose and the various virtual communication tools they offer such as call recording, video conferencing, etc. The cost is predictable and flexible based on your needs and usage. Additionally, most providers do not offer long-term contracts and so if you need to adjust or change your service, you do not have to worry about high cancellation rates either.

2. Unified and Easy-to-Manage Communication System

With this technology, you do not need to have 3-4 different services to manage your company’s communications. SIP trunking allows for different types of data transmission; all in one place. You can access and share voice, video, text, instant messaging, and other files via SIP channels. Having all of your communications in one place can help increase office efficiency, as less time will be spent on finding, learning, and using new software or services.

3. More Office and Employee Productivity

Companies want to improve their communication system to provide better caller experience and service to their customers. In other words, a seamless connection between the business and its valued clients is essential.

Part of such development is providing employees with the right tools to help them be productive and reduce errors. With SIP trunk technology, employees spend less time figuring out how to connect with customers. Managers can access log and activity reports, review recordings of calls, and more to study employee performance. This gives employees additional incentives to do a good job as well.

4. Mobility and Flexibility

Another benefit of SIP trunking is the mobility and flexibility it offers your team. With this technology, you can answer calls not only on traditional phone systems but also on computers, smartphones, tablets, and more. Therefore, you can convert almost any device into a business powerhouse.

Plus, you are not limited in terms of where you can make and answer calls. SIP and VoIP technology enable users to make and receive calls anywhere in the world. This is most useful to businesses with remote offices and employees or those that have employees who travel for work. SIP trunking makes it cheaper to stay connected across borders.

5. Improved and Reliable Phone Service

Most importantly, SIP technology is a reliable phone service with low costs and high quality. Even during a power outage, calls can be directed to employees’ mobile devices or other offices to keep the business running. Failover options make this service one of the most reliable when it comes to secure communications.

Considering SIP Trunking Technology for Your Business?

There is no time like the present to start boosting and enhancing your business’ communication system. SIP trunking can help you create a smooth and interruption-free mode of contact between you and your customers. This, in turn, will help you serve them better and increase customer happiness. Ready to get SIP trunks for your business? Start by signing up for a virtual number with us or call us at 1 (877) 898 8646 to learn more.

What is Direct Inward Dialing (DID)?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#69035001 ID#27446420

This post shares information about direct inward dialing from over twenty years of telecommunications experience.

What is Direct Inward Dialing?

Direct inward dialing, also known as DID or direct dial-in, is a telecom service that forwards incoming calls directly to voice over IP (VoIP) or to another telephone number anywhere in the world. DID enables callers to directly dial in to a phone extension without the assistance of a live operator or voice response menu.

What is a DID Number?

A local telephone number that corresponds to a particular country or city, and is not tied to a physical phone line is called a “DID number” (and multiple numbers are called “DIDs”).

DIDs can help scale the capabilities of any business phone system by enabling multiple new phone numbers to ring through to a single phone system or user extensions in the cloud.

How Does DID Work?

Direct inward dialing works by routing calls from a virtual phone number to a mobile or regular phone number on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX).

Nearly all modern organizations use direct inward dialing. It allows them to provide unique contact phone numbers for various departments. For example, a company will usually have a different phone number or multiple DID numbers for support, sales, and other departments. It’s also common to see larger corporations with direct numbers for each employee.

DID numbers work without additional hardware and are one of the most scalable telecom solutions in the market. We found the following tech acronyms most relevant to DID. Here is how each technology relates to direct inward dialing.

Voice over IP

Calls made to a DID number are usually forwarded to voice over IP using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). SIP is a signaling protocol used to terminate and maintain voice communications in private telephone systems. This is usually the most affordable option. In 2018, an estimated 36% of all businesses used VoIP.

Private Branch Exchange

Direct inward dialing is frequently used in combination with a Private Brach Exchange, which is a multiline telephone system used within a company or organization. The trunks for DID service are unidirectional, forwarding inbound calls to direct extensions on the PBX.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

It is not uncommon for businesses to use direct inward dialing with their plain old telephone system, as calls can be routed to traditional landlines or mobile phones on the public switched telephone network. The quality is generally top-notch with underground copper wiring used to deliver calls.

In second place after VoIP, an estimated 24% of businesses terminated calls from their DIDs to PSTN in 2018.

Primary Rate Interface (PRI)

Primary Rate Interface (PRI) is a standard telecom interface that businesses use to carry voice and data transmissions over a network. PRI uses T1 carriers on an ISD Network to ensure premium call quality. It was used by about 11% of mostly larger businesses in 2018.

Fax

DID can be also used to receive fax transmissions over IP, enabling a single fax machine to receive transmissions from multiple different DID numbers. It is less common than usage for voice transmissions.

Top 4 Benefits of Direct Inward Dialing

Direct inward dialing has many benefits for businesses. It is a scalable service that helps businesses expand internationally and manage call traffic more effectively while reducing costs.

1. Scalability

The top benefit of direct inward dialing is scalability. The service enables organizations to have nearly unlimited unique phone numbers for different departments and employees without requiring any additional equipment. Anyone can start small and scale the network as their business grows.

2. International Expansion

Another major benefit of direct inward dialing is international expansion. It helps businesses of all sizes expand across borders, as it’s possible to get DID numbers in other countries without requiring any physical presence in those countries.

For example, someone could get international DID numbers from most of the 195 different countries around the world without any investments in physical infrastructure.

3. Call Tracking

It’s easy to get unique DID numbers for different departments or individual employees. This makes it possible to track productivity and return on marketing investments. Streamline various functions of your business with real-time access to call detail records and analytics.

4. Cost Savings

A major benefit of this service is reduced costs. Efficient spending is the lifeblood of small- and medium-sized businesses. Compared to physical expansion with traditional phone lines, DID with VoIP can reduce telecom costs by up to one third.

Does Your Business Need Direct Inward Dialing?

If you are looking for more efficient ways to manage inbound and outbound calls, then you may consider getting a direct inward dialing service.  This service can cut down on receptionist costs by letting the caller reach the right department or employee. Furthermore, it reduces the time callers spend trying to find the right department and getting transferred from one to another. Together, you can improve caller experience and satisfaction.

DID versus Direct Outward Dialing (DOD)

Direct Outward Dialing (DOD) is a service that enables outbound calls from a DID number. DOD can complement direct inward dialing service to enable two-way voice communication with a fixed caller identification. In addition, DOD can also facilitate from any of the company’s main phone numbers on the network. 

Where to Buy DID Numbers?

United World Telecom provides DID numbers for business. You can purchase new numbers with us or port your existing number. We will work with you to get multiple DIDs for your business teams. Speak with our representatives to get started today!