Long Distance Service Buyer's Guide
Choosing a dedicated long distance service provider
Switching dedicated long distance providers for your business is easy if you’re buying switched service; setting up dedicated long distance service is more difficult. Your new long distance provider will ask you a few questions, have you complete some paperwork, and your long distance service will be switched within a couple of months. Don’t just leave the questions to your long distance company, though-- You can ask them questions to help determine if they're the right provider for you. Knowing the answers to the following questions will help you gain a better idea of what you’re looking for in a long distance service provider.
• What is your typical long distance usage?
Different long distance providers have different "specialties." A large, nationally-based carrier such as Sprint may not have the best long distance service and rates if you only make long distance calls within your home state, for example. Before you begin the process of choosing a long distance company, think first about your company's long distance usage. Where and when does your company make the majority of your long distance calls? The answer might help you evaluate a long distance provider's rates accurately as they pertain to your needs.
• How much does your business spend per month on long distance service?
Some long distance service providers offer the same rate to all of their customers no matter their usage, while other long distance providers set a "penalty" for low usage. Other providers still reward high-usage customers with extra-low rates. Depending on how much long distance calling your business does, this can make a big difference to your bottom line. Once you’re aware of your spending, ask potential long distance service providers how your call volume will affect how they propose to charge you.
• How will your business grow?
Consider your business plans over the next five to ten years, because it’s smart to begin planning for your future long distance service needs now. Do you expect to grow, stay the same, or get a little smaller? If you have plans to expand your business, will you do so locally or add locations across the nation? Is there any chance of expanding internationally? For example: If you never plan to open up new business locations in different parts of the company, your best bet for superior long distance rates may be a long distance provider that serves businesses solely in your local region. By contrast, if you plan to add more branches to your business in other regions of the U.S., a regional carrier will not be able to service all of your locations. Identifying your growth strategy will help you choose the right carrier now.
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 fill out our form, and 360Telecommunications can narrow your search down by showing you the best deals in your area!
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