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Choosing the Right Long Distance Provider

Before you settle on a long distance plan or a long distance provider, there are several questions you need to ask yourself. After all, different companies offer different rates and options, and finding the one that best suits your company’s needs is a decision that can affect your bottom line for years to come. If you answer the basic questions, though, you shouldn’t have too much trouble narrowing down your options.

•Where and when are you making long distance calls?

If you’re making most of your calls within the state or even within the region, you might be able to find a local long distance carrier that provides you with better rates than a global carrier such as Sprint. Often, these companies have specialty plans geared towards what they call “local long distance.” Sure, it’s an oxymoron, but it can benefit companies (especially small businesses) that deal with a client base that’s located in a centralized area.

If you’re making calls during “non-business hours” you might be able to find a plan that is geared specifically to you. For instance, many providers will have a set rate for long distance regardless of when calls are being made. Others will charge higher rates for calls made during traditional peak business hours, while substantially reducing rates at nights and on weekends.

•How much are you paying each month for long distance, and what exactly are you paying for?

You need to know if your call volume is affecting your business long distance costs. For instance, some providers might penalize you if you do not use a certain amount of long distance minutes each month. For instance, they might offer rates of $.08 per minute if you use a predetermined number of minutes. However, if you fail to meet that number, they will adjust your rates to bring your monthly bill up. This is a tactic used by a variety of providers, and these “minimums” often hide away in the small print or simply go unnoticed. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for each month when the bill comes. If you’re getting stuck with minimums, overages, or other penalties, it might be time to look elsewhere.

•Is your business expanding?

Most business owners harbor dreams of expansion. However, if it’s more of a plan than a flight of fancy, it’s time to start planning for your future business long distance needs now. Whether your company is going to grow quickly or at a slow steady pace, you need to look at long distance options that can grow with you. If all of a sudden you’re going to have 10 extra employees to accommodate, your current service might not be an effective one for the future. Before you get locked down into a time commitment, take a good look at your plans for the next several years.

Once you’ve answered these questions for yourself, it’s time to get some answers from the long distance service providers. Take a minute to Click Here and fill out our form, and 360Telecommunications can narrow your search down by showing you the best deals in your area!

 

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