As voice, data, and video convergence matures, the data services such as MPLS continue to grow in importance. However, reliable, high-quality voice communications will always remain a business necessity. As network traffic migrates to packet-switched IP (Internet Protocol) technology, legacy voice networks based on traditional TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) have become increasingly expensive to install, maintain, and operate. We and our partners understand the migration challenges and work with the customers in implementing appropriate solutions.
Local Business Lines:
Analog access lines provide local dial tone for your traditional business lines. These are known by many names (POTs-Plain Old Telephone Lines, Centralink1100-2100, Business Local Calling, etc.). They are widely offered by LEC, CLEC and the companies that provide single contracts for multi-carrier, multi-state requirements that many larger companies prefer.
PRI - ISDN:
Primary Rate Interface Integrated Services Digital Network (PRI ISDN) service utilizes 23 channels of a T-1's 24 digital channels for inbound and outbound calling. The 24th-or 'D' channel-is used for signaling information and call control. PRI service also allows you to:
- Receive caller ID telephone numbers on every call
- Transfer inbound calls to another location that's bridged in the carrier’s network
- Combine your local, long distance, and Internet services on a single access facility
- Local DID (Direct Inward Dialing) Trunks allow the customer to use the 23 PRI channels to route the call to intended recipient without operator intervention. Using DIDs, the customer can have less than 23 to hundreds of direct extensions using the same PRI.
VoIP - SIP Trunks - Dynamic IP - IP Flexible Reach:
Dynamic IP (Internet Protocol) or IP Flexible Reach Service allows you to fully integrate data, voice, Internet, and in some cases, VPN (Virtual Private Network) services on a single IP connection. Data and voice services share all bandwidth with no artificial limits on your number of business lines.
Dynamic IP is an ideal option for customers who want to use converged, dynamic IP data and voice services while continuing to utilize traditional telephony or IP telephony systems like PBX (Private Branch Exchange) or key systems.
The customer can purchase a T1, NxT1 or Ethernet Data Service (10M+) with voice facilities. Unlike other VoIP services, these carrier grade VoIP Services use their own MPLS backbone for voice traffic (instead of the public Internet) and employ Class-of-Service to deliver high quality voice services. Depending on the vintage of customer’s Phone System (PBX), the customer can choose PRI, POTs line, or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) handoff from the carrier’s router. This allows backward and forward compatibility with this service.
Hosted VoIP – PBX-less Solutions:
There are many Carrier Grade “Hosted VoIP Solutions” on the market. The Hosted IP Telephony offers flexible and affordable solutions with a fully managed IP (Internet Protocol) network for complete data and voice integration. All of the functionality of a high end PBX is hosted by the carrier. The customer purchases a Dynamic/Flex IP Service (T1 or higher) and the office phones are connected to the hosted PBX via a Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) Switch that is connected to the carrier’s Dynamic IP Service. A customer can seamlessly connect multiple locations and voicemail through this architecture. Contact us to learn more about this service.
Long Distance Plans:
There is a large array of long distance plans available from the carriers. A customer can have services with one carrier and chose to have another carrier to provide all their long distance services. The domestic long distance rates can vary from under 2cents /min to 50cents/min depending on the plan.
Typical long distance rates with pre-purchased Block-of-Time in minutes are around 2-7c/min depending on expected usages (200, 1000, 2500 minutes, and up). Some smaller customers (10 lines or less) can also purchase an Unlimited Long Distance Plan for a fixed rate of $10-20/line/month, depending on the promotions. Customized account codes are available to track LD usage by user.
Anyone calling Canada or other countries (intentionally or accidentally) should subscribe to an International Long Distance Plan. Without it, the customer may incur hefty, unexpected long distance charges.
Although a majority of customers use “switched” long distance service, high volume business users can use Dedicated Domestic and International Long Distance service bypassing the local phone company to reduce toll rates.
Domestic & International Toll Free Service:
Domestic and International Toll-Free services are a convenient way for your customers to reach you, while you pick up the tab at a predetermined per-minute-rate. This may be a dedicated, switched, domestic, or International service. Some of the services also include DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service).
Some of the value-added services available with Dedicated and Switched Toll-Free service are:
- Geographic and Percent Call Allocation routing and blocking
- Time-of-day routing
- Custom and standard announcements
- Account codes
- Toll-free Intercepts
- Call Forwarding
- Toll-free Directory Assistance
Do-Not-Call Automation - Outbound Call Screening:
Some our partner carriers offer outbound call screening solution that uses a centralized database to determine whether prospective call recipients reside on a DNC (Do-Not-Call) list. It's the perfect solution for businesses that generate approximately 50,000 to one million calls per month, or that utilize two or three T-1 lines