An Intro to SIP Trunks and How to Choose a Provider

By now, you’ve likely heard of SIP Trunks and you may be aware that they can save your business money by cutting communication costs. However, if your business isn’t yet using SIP Trunks, you might have questions about the benefits of SIP Trunking, the impact of switching to this technology, or even how to find a provider to help you through the transition.

We’ve put together some basic information to help you better understand what SIP Trunks are, how they can improve communication, and what you should know if you are beginning a search for a SIP Trunk provider. If you’re already well-versed in SIP Trunks, don’t miss the tips at the end for finding the best provider for your business.

An Introduction to SIP Trunks

SIP Trunks are a modern replacement for outdated copper phone lines. They connect phone systems enabling voice and video calls via the Internet rather than over physical phone lines. SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol, while trunk — in this context — refers to a group of lines that carry calls and data.

With analog phone lines soon obsolete, SIP Trunks are a modern, flexible alternative. A growing number of businesses are opting for SIP Trunks to modernize communications and save money.

Businesses are now partnering with SIP Trunk providers and purchasing SIP Trunks that connect into their PBX, instead of buying T1 trunks from phone companies.

7 Benefits SIP Trunks Offer Businesses

Here are seven reasons businesses choose to use SIP Trunks:

1. Reduced costs: With SIP Trunks in place, and phone numbers linked or ported in, businesses save money on local, long-distance, and even international calls, while offering customers a convenient and reliable way to reach them. Additionally, businesses can consolidate both voice and data into one network, further reducing communications costs.
2. Increased call capacity: One SIP Trunk will support many phone lines, which are called SIP channels. Businesses can use a single SIP Trunk to connect desktop phones, mobile phones, and fax machines across the business.
3. Improved call quality: With SIP Trunks, calls are transferred via IP. Businesses no longer have to rely on voice gateways to convert signalling. The result is less degradation of call quality compared to the quality delivered through outdated PSTNs.
4. More efficient use of communication channels: With SIP Trunks, businesses no longer have to overpay for unnecessary lines because of technology limitations. Instead, businesses only pay for the number of channels needed, with the flexibility to scale up or down.
5. Location flexibility: SIP channels can cover multiple locations. Using virtual numbers, businesses can set up unique, local phone numbers wherever business is conducted, regardless of team member location. With SIP Trunks, remote workers can easily be connected to a centrally managed PBX.
6. High reliability: Businesses rarely miss calls when using SIP Trunks with redundancy because backup lines offer needed protection in the event of internet outages, delivering near 100% up time for business phone lines.
7. Scalability: SIP Trunks offer complete flexibility to scale up or down. Adding or removing lines on a SIP Trunk does not require a technician to make hardware or landline changes, meaning it is easy to immediately make adjustments without service delay or disruption.

Ready or not, telecom providers are phasing out copper phone lines and encouraging customers to use IP for call transferring. Switching now to SIP Trunking allows you to get out ahead of the inevitable forced migration.  

When Choosing a SIP Trunk Provider Prioritize Service

Once you make the decision to switch, you need to find a partner that offers SIP Trunking. Don’t overlook the importance of researching options to find a provider that is a good fit for your business.

What should you look for in a provider? Exceptional service should be at the top of your list.

The truth is, a lot of SIP Trunk providers will offer similar technology features. However, a provider with a reputation for delivering superior customer service will be responsive and make sure you are getting just what you need from your technology. That same provider should also be readily available to offer support whenever you need it—whether you are a small business with a few SIP Trunk channels, or a large corporation with SIP Trunks in multiple locations.

Ask questions to see if the provider is hands-on and committed to providing support, or tends to simply provide technology. Partnering with a provider that offers high-quality, responsive support will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re taken care of if issues arise.  

In addition to customer service, consider choosing a provider that offers:

• SIP Trunks that are certified for and supported by your PBX
• Competitive pricing and flexible payment options
• 99% or greater phone line up time and reliable fail-over strategies
• A secure network

Finally, if you rely heavily on fax, it is worth noting that you need to be careful when choosing a SIP trunk provider. Not all SIP trunks are the same when it comes to fax.

It is easy to recognize the benefits of modernizing your business communications with SIP Trunks. If you are looking into SIP Trunks and have questions, or want to learn more about Cloudli, contact us.