Guide to Getting the Best Business Phone Service in AK
Choosing the right Alaska business phone service is a vital decision for virtually any company. Much like your web site and brick and mortar location, the phone is among the primary ways in which customers, clients and employees alike contact you.
Because of the faceless nature of the internet, having a more personal method of contact with the phone also adds legitimacy to your business. Given these benefits the necessity for a solid business phone service is clear, however, how to go about picking the best one is not always as obvious.
Alaska Business Phone Service Options
Today, Alaska business owners can pick from an array of phone services. From cell phone plans for you personally along with your employees to international calling plans you will find there's Alaska business phone service for each and every kind of company.
Traditional Business Phone Lines in AK
Cable phone lines are the original way of delivering business phone services in Alaska. Phone companies like AT&T have been providing this kind of business phone service for many years. The pros of this type of phone service are the clarity and reliability because it isn't going to rely on an internet connection.
VoIP Business Phone Service in Alaska
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services make use of the internet instead of phone lines to deliver telephone calls. The big advantage with this sort of business phone service is the financial savings. It is also an ideal choice for Alaska businesses that don't presently have land lines in place.
Vonage is an leader in the industry at providing VoIP business phone services in AK and the first significant provider of this sort of service. Comcast has also acknowledged the benefits of this cutting edge delivery method and has started offering business VoIP phone service of its own.
Using Skype for Your Alaska Business Phone Service
Skype has obtained popularity over the last few years, providing a distinctive type of phone service that's centered around video chatting that uses VoIP technology. Many Alaska business owners like having the ability to see the people they are speaking with along with the fact that Skype is currently a free service if you're making calls from computer to computer. If you would like an online phone number that people can call from their phones local rates will apply.
International Calling Services for Alaska Businesses
Phone service that incorporates international calling is a good idea for any business that routinely makes or receives calls from overseas. Many local calling plans will incorporate the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and Mexico. If you need plans for calling outside those areas you should think about adding on an international calling plan to your local phone service.
Popular Business Phone Features to Look For
Business phone services today come included with many calling features depending on the plan you select. These features can make your business more productive and provide a better customer service experience. Below are typical calling features that many businesses require.
- · Voicemail
- · Call waiting
- · Three way calling
- · Caller ID
- · Call transfer
Most Alaska phone companies have their own unique, advanced calling features that may be added onto a plan. For example, Vonage has what they call Visual Voicemail which transcribes all of your voicemails and transmits them to you either as an email or text. It is best to look through each provider's calling features to find out which ones will benefit your business best.
One very important feature that must not be overlooked when you're getting a new business phone service in Alaska is the ability to retain your existing number. Most phone companies are able to help you preserve your current number but verify this before signing up for a service.
Another thing to consider is the need for a toll free 1-800 number. There are a number of providers who specialize in creating 1-800 numbers for businesses.