It’s Time to Switch to SIP Trunking
By now most people responsible for their company’s phone system have heard about SIP trunking as an alternative to using a PRI circuit to connect to the PSTN. Many have also heard about SIP Trunking’s advantages over PRI, and that it is “the future of telecom.” But often they wonder when it is appropriate to take the plunge and switch to SIP?
First we’ll cover some of the basic advantages of SIP Trunking over PRI’s as well as some things to watch out for when considering SIP Trunking; then we’ll cover some potential opportunities to switch to SIP.
Advantages of SIP Trunking over PRI
The main advantages of SIP Trunking over PRI are Cost savings and scalability; let’s list a couple:
- Less equipment costs: Equipment costs for VoIP systems that use SIP Trunking instead of PRI are between $2000 and $6000 less per IP PBX.
- Smaller Monthly Fees: Each SIP Trunk voiceline costs between $15-25 per month, while each PRI voiceline typically costs between $30-$65 per month.
- Smaller Calling Fees: Calls with SIP Trunk phone systems have extremely low costs compared to PRI calls. Outbound call savings alone could quickly cover the costs of your new phone system if your organization makes a lot of outbound calls.
- Scalability: SIP Trunk voicelines can be added 1 at a time, with PRI you are limited to adding groups of 23 voicelines at a time.
The potential “gotchas” with SIP Trunking are related to how you are connected to the SIP Trunking provider. DSL and Cable connections can be too inconsistent for acceptable quality voice, especially if multiple simultaneous calls are needed. How many “hops” are involved between your PBX and the SIP carrier’s point of presence can also be a factor in the controllable quality of the voice.
Opportunities to Switch to SIP
SIP Trunking is clearly where telecom is headed, but when is it appropriate to make the switch? Here are some great opportunities for your company to switch over to SIP Trunking:
• Your telecom contract is coming up for renewal: Most telecom service contracts are written for 1-3 yrs. When they are up for renewal is the best time to look at a switch to SIP Trunking. CAUTION—Many contracts are written for automatic renewal if not terminated a specified time before contract term end.
• Switching from TDM to VoIP: By now most businesses are using VoIP to communicate, but if you’re one of the few remaining TDM users, now is the time to make the switch to VoIP. Because SIP Trunking requires less equipment than PRI, upgrading to VoIP with SIP Trunking costs about the same as putting in a new “old” TDM system.
• Business Growth: Is your business growing? Business growth is a great time to switch to SIP Trunking because you can add additional voicelines 1 at a time instead of in groups of 23.
• High Calling Costs: If your business makes a lot of outbound calls, switching to SIP Trunking will dramatically lower your monthly phone bill.
• Multiple Business Locations: If your business has multiple locations, they can communicate SIP-to-SIP and completely bypass the PSTN—resulting in calls between business sites that cost fractions of a penny.
• Right Now: With the advantages SIP Trunking provides over PRI, any time is a good time to inquire about SIP Trunking.
In summary, SIP Trunking is a proven solution to lowering your telecom costs. So the next time you receive your monthly bill consider making the switch to SIP Trunking.
Dalcon Communication Systems provides telephony solutions. Our initial consultation is free and there is no commitment—so give us a call at (877)WE-UNIFY to see if we can help you start saving money on your telecommunications today.
