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Choosing the Right Business Long Distance Service Provider

Unless you’ve been traveling the world, detached from civilization for the past few decades, you’re aware of AT&T, Sprint, MCI, the Bell companies, and others of the like. These consumer/business long distance service providers are ubiquitous, seemingly dictating every move the telecom industry makes. Now, for some companies the big boys might be the best bet. They provide a variety of long distance options, and many have even established plans designed specifically for small businesses. However, there are alternatives out there that can provide lower costs and superior customer service.

When people are faced with the option of choosing a business long distance provider they know such as AT&T or one they might not have ever heard of such as XO or PowerNet Global, they often go with AT&T simply because they are unsure of the service quality that the lesser known provider has to offer. Well, you can rest assured that the service and sound quality will most likely be exactly the same, because the “second tier” company is using the same equipment as AT&T.

Many smaller business long distance providers lease the cabling, switches, and vast network equipment that are owned by a select group of companies such as AT&T. For instance, the smaller company might pay local and long distance providers what amounts to $.04 per minute for long distance calls, while charging the customer $.06 per minute. Meanwhile, customers using the same materials with the likes of AT&T might end up paying $.07 per minute. It’s a similar set up to one you can find in convenience stores all over the country. Perhaps the owner of the corner store buys his candy bars in bulk at a reduced rate from Sam’s or Costco. He then sells the products to you, the customer. The candy bar you get from the convenience store is the exact same one you would get from the larger store.

Along with possible savings, there are added benefits to using a smaller long distance carrier or buying candy bars from the corner store. Both have smaller customer bases, so your business is actually important to them. In most cases, they will come to know you personally and they'll work with you to provide you with exactly what you need, and if there’s a problem you might actually get the chance to talk to a person who can help you without getting passed around for thirty minutes while listening to soft rock hits on hold.

For some companies, AT&T; MCI; Sprint; and the other industry leaders might be the right choice. However, don’t discount smaller business long distance providers simply because you’re not sure of the voice and service quality they will provide. Remember, in most cases you’re getting the exact same service as you would with the juggernauts but with a more personal touch and the potential to save anywhere from 35% to 50% on long distance each month.

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