By Robert Bright
BTT
SIP Phone Lines (Trunks) have been around for some time. Historically, they weren’t the strongest option but they are now fast becoming the best alternative to ISDN.
Do you remember Skype? That was one of the first uses of IP technology and the quality of calls could be terrible. Essentially if you didn’t have the required bandwidth it wasn’t a stable solution.
SIP has come a long way since those days. SIP Trunking now runs via private IP networks rather than the internet itself.
Pros of SIP Trunks
* Save money on call costs and line rental – you’ll benefit from lower call costs. Typically, you are looking for saving of up to 50 per cent on line rental and 25 per cent or more on call costs.
* Flexibility with phone numbers – SIP trunking enables you to reduce the number of PBXs you need to maintain whilst keeping your existing phone number(s).
* Scalability – you are always in control because you can add lines, remove lines and split calls at any time.
* Business continuity – SIP trunking allows you to take your phone lines with you quickly and cost-effectively.
Cons of SIP Trunks
There are only three and they are more like considerations rather than cons.
* Bandwidth – to maintain a good-quality voice call and be able to receive concurrent phone calls, you need to have good amount of bandwidth. A supplier like us can guarantee your call quality and the number of lines you need.
* Compatibility – if your phone system isn’t compatible then you’ll need to upgrade your phone system.
* Security – This really shouldn’t be an issue as long as it is configured correctly and has the right firewalls.
So, should I choose SIP Trunks?
We were one of the early-adopters of SIP (2006) and we know how far the technology has come. Taking in the considerations, then, yes, it is a good alternative to the likes of ISDN.
If you don’t have ISDN in place, a hosted solution might be the best choice but that depends on the business and existing infrastructure.
Interested in SIP? Call Robert Bright on 0330 222 0330.
