SIP Trunking Providers: 10 Qualities to Look For

More businesses are turning to SIP (session initiation protocol) for their telecommunication needs. It’s a growing technology that offers many advantages over traditional phones.

Finding the right SIP provider for your business can be challenging. This is especially for those who are not well-versed in this technology. Even if you find a provider who promises outstanding service at a low price doesn’t mean they’ll fit your business’s needs.

But there are a few SIP trunking provider qualities to look for to speed up this process. Looking for these qualities in a provider will ensure they’ll fit your business needs and offer great support. You’ll save time while improving your business’s telecommunication services.

Are you ready to find the perfect SiP provider? Check out these 10 SIP trunking provider qualities you should look for.

What SIP Trunking Providers Do

SIP is a technology that enables VOIP (voice over internet protocol) which lets you send voice communications over the internet. It’s a reliable and secure replacement for traditional phone lines.

It uses an IP-enabled private branch exchange (PBX) to make phone calls over the internet. You can use it like you would any phone to make calls to anyone around the world.

The SIP provider is what connects your business PBX and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). It works with physical PBX systems and hosted VoIP solutions as well.

SIP is a reliable way for your business to communicate internally and externally. 

Look for These SIP Trunking Provider Qualities

Before you select a SIP trunking provider, you’ll need to do your research. Use these 10 SIP trunking provider qualities to make your research more effective.

1. Technical Support

One of the biggest SIP trunking provider qualities to look for is reliable technical support. That support should always be available during your company’s working hours or 24/7/365.

Most businesses want reliable technical support without having to pay extra. There should also be multiple ways to contact support such as by phone, email, or live chat. Check provider reviews to see what customers are saying about the provider’s technical support.

2. Redundancy & Reliability

There are many reasons why a SIP provider service will fail. When this happens, you want as minimal interruption as possible. The last thing any business wants is to be unable to contact its customers.

Look for SIP trunking providers who have the infrastructure to maintain your service without any major interruptions. They should have redundant hardware, Tier-1 carrier connectivity, and several locations.

If you’re unsure, research or ask about the provider’s uptime. A quality provider should have a 99.99% uptime or better.

3. Quality Security

A quality SIP trunk provider should guarantee security with their SIP trunking services. Cybercrime and security threats are continuously evolving. Your SIP provider must be vigilant with their security practices.

A quality SIP provider should invest heavily in security technologies. This will help prevent denial of service, eavesdropping, and spam attacks. They should also support and monitor your SIP services in real-time 24/7 in case a security emergency does occur.

4. Provider Coverage

If you’re a business that makes calls all over the country or the globe, you’ll want a SIP provider with great coverage and low rates for the countries you call most often.

Look for providers who offer different numbers for use in different locations. Your provider should offer national, toll-free, local, and mobile numbers.

5. SIP Provider Flexibility

Every business has different telephony needs, right? Look for SIP providers who offer flexible plans and contracts. If your business grows within the next year or two, you’ll have the flexibility to add SIP trunk lines and adjust services and terms.

Other flexibility to look for include the ability to change phone numbers and IP access control lists. If you want to upgrade or add softphones, you’ll also want a SIP provider who can accommodate your needs.

6. Fair Pricing

One of the best qualities SIP has to offer is lower phone costs. This is especially true with long-distance and international calls.

As you compare prices, look for pay-as-you-go pricing models compared to paying upfront or bundles. The pay-as-you-go option lets you pay only for what you need. Larger businesses may find SIP bundles to be a better deal.

7. Scalability

Avoid locking your business into a 1, 2, or longer contract that prevents you from adding users. When you do need to make changes, your SIP provider may charge you penalties and fees.

Many businesses experience seasonal changes that may affect the number of SIP trunks they need. So, look for providers who are transparent with their pricing and who are willing to fit your business’s needs.

8. Knowledge

When looking at SIP trunking provider qualities, knowledge and expertise should be at the top of your list. Not all SIP providers are experts in SIP trunking. You can see their level of knowledge reflected in the services they offer, pricing, scalability, and more.

If you’re unsure, ask for testimonials and reviews. Check out what current and previous customers have to say about the provider.

9. Simplicity

SIP should be simple and can be with the right SIP provider. Your SIP provider should help you with the setup and have an intuitive way for you to manage and configure SIP trunks.

A good provider uses plain language, not a bunch of SIP jargon when communicating with you.

10. Voice Quality

The quality of service (QoS) is an important quality to look for in a SIP provider. They should work to maintain and improve latency, jitter, burstiness, and packet loss to keep all calls clear and crisp. There’s no reason your calls should sound fuzzy, echoey, or delayed.

Get SIP Today

By looking for these SIP trunking provider qualities, you’ll find the right SIP provider for your business. Your company will enjoy the many benefits such as reliability and affordability of SIP trunking.

Are you ready to improve your phone services? Let’s get in touch and help you find the right SIP services for your business.