SIP Trunking
help you partner with the right SIP trunking provider
What Is SIP Trunking?
If you’re thinking about getting a cloud-based VoIP system and are wondering how exactly it would connect to your traditional phone system, the answer is SIP trunking.
SIP (session initiation protocol) trunking is an application layer protocol that allows a virtual connection to be made between cloud-based VoIP communications and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). This allows your business phone system to access the extra benefits and features of VoIP.
Unlike traditional telephone service that relies on physical connections via copper wiring, SIP trunking uses the internet to virtually connect to your PSTN. It allows communication by digitally transmitting data over existing IP networks, which makes setting up additional infrastructure unnecessary.
It also allows for more communication channels than just voice calling, including:
- SMS texting
- Instant chat messaging
- Video conferencing
If you’re interested in getting SIP trunking for your business, sign up for Beyontel to get expert advice on the best provider for your needs.
How SIP Trunking Works
As the name “session initiation protocol” implies, SIP trunking works by initiating a virtual communication session over an existing internet protocol (IP) network. Each SIP trunk is the equivalent to one phone line, with the exception that an SIP trunk allows for more communication channels and features.
SIP trunking must be used with an SIP-compatible PBX (private branch exchange) phone system. It provides these systems with connectivity to cloud-based VoIP communication, which allows businesses to use their existing phone systems and hardware to communicate over the internet.
Benefits of SIP Trunking
The main benefit of using SIP trunking is that it allows businesses to access all the extra features and communication channels of internet communication while leveraging their existing phone systems. Here are some other benefits of SIP trunking.
Cost-effective
Advanced VoIP Features
On average, businesses save 50% to 70% on communication costs after they make the switch to SIP trunking. This is because:
- SIP trunking doesn’t require hardware. Hard phones, servers, installation fees, and monthly maintenance fees all become unnecessary with SIP trunking since SIP trunking happens completely virtually. SIP trunks can also handle 20+ simultaneous calls per trunk, so you’ll never have to pay fees or setup costs for additional phone lines again.
- Long-distance call fees are removed. Since all calls happen over the internet, long-distance calls are designated as local, which helps your business avoid hefty long-distance fees. Some calls to other VoIP users are entirely free.
- Pricing is scalable and flexible. Since SIP trunking is digital, it can easily grow or shrink to adjust to your business’s needs without the necessity of setting up costly or time-consuming hardware. Pricing structures can also be flexible, with many providers offering options ranging from unlimited monthly minutes to pay-as-you-go.
While traditional phone systems only offer the most basic features, such as call blocking, caller ID, and voicemail, SIP trunking allows you to take advantage of the full suite of standard VoIP features. These include:
- Call routing and forwarding
- Call monitoring
- Call recording
- Visual voicemail and voicemail-to-email
- File sharing
- Team chat instant messaging
- Call analytics and reporting
- Call queueing
- Call park, transfer, and flip
- Third-party software integrations with CRM systems or team collaboration tools
These features are also often customizable, so you can choose to have as little or as much of them as you need. There are also plenty of other add-on features you can choose, many of which are available with simple upgrades that are easy and quick to implement.
Increased Flexibility
With the world of work rapidly transitioning to a more remote or hybrid model, offering geographic flexibility is more important than ever. Whether you have remote workers from all over the globe, or just have multiple office locations, SIP trunking allows for increased geographic flexibility.
Because SIP trunking and VoIP communication works through the internet, workers and agents don’t have to be in a certain location to use the system. Instead, it can be accessed anywhere that has internet access on a multitude of devices, including desktop computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones.
How To Choose the Right SIP Trunking Provider
While SIP trunking is a great technology when used correctly, not all providers will give you the same level of service. It’s important to choose a high-quality SIP trunking provider so that your business gets the support, reliability and consistency it needs.
Good SIP providers will always:
- Use their own network (not a rebranded service hosted by a different provider)
- Offer free number porting
- Respond quickly to service outages and have a short standard resolution time
- Have third-party certifications
- Offer network redundancy
Additionally, you should always ask the following questions to ensure a provider is the right fit for you:
- Do they offer 24/7/365 support? Is this support for all customers, or just the ones with higher-cost plans? Are there paid priority support packages, omnichannel support, and onboarding assistance?
- Is there pay-as-you-go and bundled pricing, or is a long-term commitment required?
- What communications equipment is their service compatible with? Will it work with your existing hardware?
- What communication channels besides voice calling are available?
- What is their standard resolution time?
If you want further guidance on picking an SIP trunking provider that’s right for your needs, Beyontel can help you select from some of the highest-rated providers in Australia.
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