When your business is considering making the switch to VoIP there are some questions you will want to address with your VoIP specialist in order to ensure you are getting exactly the service you need for your business.  Asking questions in the beginning will ensure that you are able to make a confident decision in choosing to set up your business with a VoIP service plan.

How much will I need to invest to get my business started with VoIP? You will want to find out if there will be any fees applicable to your IP telephony plan.  If you decide to go with a service like SIP Trunking, for example, you may need to make some hardware investments. 

What is the contract termination policy?  It happens that sometimes you sign up for a service only to find that you don’t need it any more, or that it just doesn’t work for you.  Find out what your VoIP service provider’s cancellation policy so you will know how committed you need to be to your service.

What hardware is necessary for my VoIP plan?  IP telephony systems normally do not require much hardware.  However, services like SIP Trunking require an existing PBX system and an Integrated Access Device so you will want to find out what you will need before you decide to sign up.

What is the call clarity of the providers IP telephony service?  VoIP calling can be two to four times clearer than PTSN lines due to cutting edge HDVoice technology.  Check to see which kind of voice technology is utilized by your VoIP provider.

What are the daily fees and costs? Your basic VoIP plan will normally cover some services but not all.  Long distance calls, for example, are a separate charge.

Are there charges for upgrading and downgrading my service plan?  Despite your best planning, you may end up with a VoIP plan that has either too much or too little coverage.  Find out what the costs are for changing your plan and how it affects your contract.

Does my VoIP service provide for emergency calling?  Some VoIP providers do not provide full 911 emergency services.  Location of the call must be manually typed in so this is something you will want to consider when choosing a VoIP plan.

What are the faxing capabilities that are included in my VoIP service plan?  Faxing services can be vital to a small business so you will want to make sure the both inbound and outbound faxes can be handled by your VoIP provider.

What is the company track record of the VoIP provider? There are many reputable IP telephony companies that have proven track records.  Due some research on your VoIP provider to ensure that you are dealing with a trusted company.

What are the mobile capabilities of my VoIP service?  An IP telephony system should be able to handle workers in remote areas but not all may offer the same abilities. If your business is on the road or has employees stationed outside the main office, this will be an important part of your VoIP service.