When you need modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services for your businesses, you’ll find that some providers are better choices than others. Choosing a provider involves looking at the services, features, and cost. However, if you already have a phone system at your business, you can get the same VoIP features by adding Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
SIP trunking gives organizations features like voice, messaging, and connectivity using private branch exchange (PBX). The system relies on infrastructure used for landlines. Businesses can also turn to cloud-based SIP trunking for more services through the internet.
The services include voice calling through the internet for remote and on-site workers. It also includes robust video conferencing, chat messaging, and file transfer services. Another benefit of SIP trunking includes multitasking through the phone service, as it can handle up to 20 calls at once.
These five providers are the best choices for businesses looking to use SIP trunks for phone services:
- Nextiva
Customers can choose Nextiva for metered and unmetered SIP Trunking plans that they can use for local calling around the United States. The company includes several features in their SIP trunking plans. They include:
- Voicemail to email
- Local numbers
- Video conferencing
- Instant messaging
- Fax services
- Call routing
- Call logs
- PSTN connectivity
- International long distance
- Nationwide calling
The services are up nearly 100 percent of the time, as Nextiva guarantees 99.999 percent uptime. Organizations with existing landline hardware benefit from Nextiva SIP trunking to access omnichannel communication for a lower cost.
- Twilio
Twilio is an ideal communications provider for healthcare companies as it delivers HIPAA compliance. The company provides REST API and SMS for effective communication, video collaboration, and omnichannel notifications. It can send SMS to email and several marketing automation tools. Other features include
- Real-time data and analytics
- Instant provisioning
- Voice support in 180 countries
- Video conferencing that handles up to 250 participants
- Speech recognition and analysis
- Pay-as-you-go options
- Vonage
This provider uses per-second metered billing, giving users the opportunity to pay for what they use. Vonage’s Business Cloud pricing has three tiers for various needs, and the features include:
- Conference bridges for 30 participants
- Call and paging groups
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Call flip
- Portals for admin and users
Small businesses that need affordable phone service should look to Vonage for the per-second billing. The per-second prices depend on the carriers, so they can change as the market changes.
- AT&T IP Flexible Reach
AT&T is a recognizable name in the communications industry. It provides SIP trunking with strong security. The web-based portal offers reporting and call-center analytics, virtual phone numbers, and branch office extensions. It’s the best choice for businesses needing exception call quality.
- UniTel Voice
This is another pay-as-you-go provider that also offers a committed-use discount for high-volume users. UniTel features include
- Customizable on-hold music
- Follow me/Find me
- Vanity numbers
- Virtual auto attendance
UniTel has a low-cost, simple setup for small businesses that need phone services without waiting.
