Switching phone providers hurts when you’re locked in, whether by a contract, by proprietary phones, or by a number that won’t move. Ask the right questions now and the right fit will become clear.
Compare business VoIP providers using the same requirements: total monthly costs, calling needs, number porting, supported devices, reliability, security, and support. For each question below, ask for evidence and written terms so you can judge how the service fits your team.
These 13 questions put the details on the table before you sign.
Contracts lock you into service you might not be happy with and limit your options for flexibility. Try to avoid them if you can.
The VoIP pricing advertised on a provider's website often fails to capture the amount you'll be paying in mandatory taxes and fees. Find out how expensive these costs are before jumping into a plan.
Service providers that lock you into certain models of phones minimize your ability to customize the cost and the logistics of your hosted phone system. Search for offerings that work with a variety of different phone models or have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.
Worse still is if the service provider sells you phones that are not compatible with other platforms. This makes it even harder to leave the provider if you are unhappy with your phone system.
Being able to 'split' a single user between multiple phones comes back to the concept of not having to pay for each individual phone on your network. Splitting a user between phones gives you more leeway in how your team operates and ensures that you are only paying for the features you use.
Geographically distributed service means that there are data centers in more than one geographical location. This lessens service disruptions, because if there is an issue at one data center, the other can pick up the burden without any downtime for the user.
Mobile VoIP solutions are key for remote workers and other employees who need to access the phone system on-the-go. Find a provider that offers a free desktop app and mobile app for your staff to use while working from home or on business travel.
Most providers have Knowledgebases or Help sections, but ask if they also offer training webinars and other onboarding assistance for new customers. Personalized help sessions provide a forum for you to get answers to specific setup questions you may have.
Transparency is key when it comes to a hosted VoIP service. Choose a provider that has a clear list of all of the times their service has experienced disruptions. Then rate the company's marketing claims of reliability against this list.
Having a surefire method for spreading information about service disruptions saves you unneeded confusion. Choose a provider that has a clear way of getting in touch when service disruptions occur.
An overseas support department is typically a signal that the provider is trying to cut costs when it comes to customer support. Average tenure gives you a general idea of how experienced the support staff is. Weigh these options when you decide to pursue a service provider you're interested in.
Dedicated bandwidth is a set amount that users must adhere to strictly. It's often wiser to go with a plan where bandwidth can be shared among the other Internet services in your office.
The whole idea of a cloud VoIP service is that you are avoiding the unnecessary costs of employing an on-premise solution. A need for on-site devices basically defeats the purpose of hosted telephone service.
Total cost: Request an itemized, sample estimate that shows plan charges, usage, numbers, optional features, taxes, and fees.
Contract and promotion terms: Ask about the service commitment, cancellation terms, and any separate conditions attached to equipment offers.
Device and network fit: Confirm which phones and apps are supported and what your network needs. Existing hardware or additional network work may be appropriate for your deployment.
Reliability: Ask how the service is designed, what its commitments cover, and which local connectivity or power dependencies remain.
Support and migration: Review support availability, relevant experience, escalation procedures, onboarding responsibilities, and the number-porting plan.
Use the same requirements for every provider. The best fit is the service that can demonstrate how it can solve your business needs.
You don’t need to be a telecom expert to choose a good VoIP phone system. You just need good questions and clear answers to them.
Bring your checklist to a conversation with OnSIP. We can help you compare your requirements with the available plans, features, and setup options. Talk to our team, get answers, and then decide on your terms.