Menu
Business Phone Service in Saint Thomas, ND
Making a phone call is still the most preferred method of initiating contact with a business, so it's crucial for any business to consider the affordability as well as features and reliability of their business phone service. There are some different technologies available to businesses in Saint Thomas, ND, who are comparing possible service providers - and we here at MyRatePlan will help you come to an informed, educated and good decision! The three main types of technology we're going to discuss are VoIP (which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, meaning that the phone calls are routed through and over the internet itself to your computer or a traditional phone), PBX (which stands for Private Branch Exchange, and is a system whereby an enterprise-level customer can have any number of local-to-itself lines that all share the same or same few external lines) and - what the industry likes to call it - POTS, or 'Plain Old Telephone Service,' which is the standard that we've all grown up with.
| Provider | Plan Details | Monthly Rate* | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
RATED #1 BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS
|
$19.99
|
Details
142 Reviews |
 |
Business phone service - no internet required
* 8.3% discount if paid for the year upfront |
$17.41*
|
Details
7 Reviews |
 |
Engineering for the Small Business
* per user per month |
$9.95*
|
Details
1 Reviews |
 |
Alliance Phone Service
* 12% discount for subscribing and paying for a year upfront |
$19.97*
|
Details
13 Reviews |
_4.png&contenttype=png "Talkroute logo") |
The phone system built to do business anywhere
* $5 per additional user |
$19.00*
|
Details
1 Reviews |
_2.png&contenttype=png "Verizon logo") |
Get 99.99% network reliability with Fios.
* Per month. Plus taxes, fees and equipment charges. |
$69.00*
|
Details
11 Reviews |
What is Saint Thomas, ND Business VoIP Phone Service?
An alternative to traditional landline service, VoIP has become increasingly popular with new businesses as well as older companies that switch after realizing how VoIP can increase productivity and reduce operating costs. Although the technology is over ten years old now, it initially suffered from poor call quality due to limits in broadband technology. That issue is no longer a concern due to the widespread deployment of superior broadband networks, and adaptation of VoIP is expanding rapidly. VoIP now offers the same call quality as analog phone service while providing more features at a better price. VoIP works by sending voice calls over the internet rather than through traditional analog telephone lines, so it is important that you have a fast and reliable business internet connection available. To see if your internet connection in Saint Thomas, ND will support VoIP service, use the MyRatePlan internet speed test.
PSTN refers to traditional landline service, where voice calls sent through analog lines are routed through switches to other telephones. VoIP works differently, by turning voice calls into packets of data and transferring them over high-speed broadband lines. Transmitting voice calls over the internet costs less since analog lines are archaic and require constant maintenance, while broadband lines are already in use to provide internet service and the network is continually expanding and improving. Since PSTN service infrastructure is more expensive to maintain than broadband, analog telephone providers must charge for services and features that are often free with a VoIP plan. VoIP customers typically spend much less on features such as long distance than PSTN users and are not charged by the minute.
VoIP service providers offer plans tailored to businesses of all sizes and provide essential features like voicemail and call waiting, as well as advanced productivity features including automated line attendants and remote access. Whether your business needs a few lines or you need several thousand, VoIP providers in Saint Thomas, ND can meet your requirements and help to increase the efficiency and profitability of your business.
How to Choose the Best Business VoIP Service Provider in Saint Thomas, ND
Most business VoIP providers in Saint Thomas, ND offer plans designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes. You could have a small company with only five lines, or a large corporation that uses thousands of extensions for multiple departments. There is a VoIP service that meets your business needs.
Still, having more than one provider from which to choose requires knowing how to choose what is best. The first thing you want to do is determine the type of telephone service your business needs. Answering questions such as the number of phone lines required and features used during the normal course of business are relevant to finding the best phone service provider.
If you plan to expand, you want a system that is scalable, whether you are adding a new location or increasing needs at your current one. Of course, you want to determine how much you can afford and whether you are receiving an introductory rate that expires in 6-12 months.
Next, you can use MyRatePlan to look at different offers from business VoIP providers in Saint Thomas, ND. Compare their services, prices and reputation for serving businesses in the area. Getting a good deal is great, but having a consistently working phone system is crucial to your business' success. A low rate is not good enough if the company does not have a positive track record for excellent customer service and being reliable.
How Does Traditional Business Phone Service Work in Saint Thomas, ND?
Some businesses in Saint Thomas, ND still run on a traditional PSTN phone service, and it's useful to understand how this type of service works. When calls are made using a traditional phone service, the calls must be sent through a PSTN, which is short for public switched telephone network. The PSTN is a nationwide system, and it's made of mobile networks, telephone lines, satellites and cables. The public switched telephone network was created over 100 years ago, and it was the first public phone system.
When compared to a VoIP service, it can cost significantly more money to use a traditional telephone service in Saint Thomas, ND. The additional cost to use the PSTN is due to the massive size of the network, and the increased cost of maintaining the network. One of the major downsides of using the PSTN is the lack of reliability over long distances. Although a traditional phone service can work well for short distances, it has trouble sending call data across long distances.
A call that is made with the PSTN system must stop at several different parts of the network, and it must pass through equipment that is owned by different companies. The infrastructure is the major cost of using a PSTN, and the ongoing expenses needed to maintain the network keep the cost of traditional phone services high.
Analog Phone System Use With a PBX in Saint Thomas, ND
A private branch exchange or PBX, is what most Saint Thomas, ND businesses use to route calls inside their own offices. The PBX permits multiple extensions, voicemail, call forwarding and other important features. On a PSTN, the user's premises or an off-site location can house the PBX. A PBX costs a lot of money to run, regardless of the location.
This is due to required hardware costs, an investment of at least $1000. The equipment then has to be installed, configured and maintained on a regular basis. These, of course, cost money in addition to the initial purchase price. You have the option to get your in-staff employees to be responsible for the equipment or hire a professional. Professionals are known to charge $100 per hour or more.
Any kind of updates or maintenance on a traditional PBX system in Saint Thomas, ND is going to be very expensive. Be advised that such a system may not be adequate for all your needs, as it only supports a limited number of phone lines. You will need to spend extra money if you need to add more extensions in the future as your business grows.
From time to time, a PBX system will breakdown, just like any other network made from electrical components. In order to repair the hardware, you'll need to be prepared to pay high fees and may even need to buy new hardware to replace it. This could present a potential financial obstacle for start-ups or slow-growing businesses.
Find Business Phone Service Providers in
Find Other Services in Saint Thomas, ND
ZIP Codes in Saint Thomas, ND
- 58276