How to Choose the Right Telecomunications Provider

There are many moving parts in the selection of Telecommunications services. Asking the right questions at the start will prevent regrets in the future. Below is a list of the things you should look into before deciding to use a new vendor or upgrade services with a current one. 
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​Types of Telecommunications Providers

• Dedicated Internet Access 
• Broadband
• Fixed Wireless Providers
• Point-to-Point Lines 
• Cellular
• Voice over IP
• PRI
• SIP Trunks
• Analog Phone Lines

Criteria to Consider when Selecting a Vendor

• Customer Service and Support  
  • What is the track record of the vendor?
  • What are others saying about the vendor? Whether it be online or from references provided.
• Pricing
  • How does pricing compare to other vendors?
  • Cheaper is not always better. Compare features, and functionality to determine what’s best. 
• Security
  • Request documentation of security and privacy practices. 
• Network
  • What is the vendor’s guarantee SLA?
  • Do they provide credits in case of an outage?
  • What is their latency?

Terms & Conditions 

Most companies neglect to read the fine print on the T&Cs some of the things to look at are:

• Cancellation policy in case of excessive outages or service issues.
• Renewal practices.
• Notice of cancelation. i.e 30,60 days
• Invoice Terms.
• Any hidden fees, such as price increases during the term.

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How to Choose the Best Internet Service

​Technical Checklist for Requesting Quotes

Internet Access​

• What speeds? 
  • Ask for different speed options, vendors tend to have discounts on certain speeds and not on others.
  • Some questions to ask to determine the speeds needed:
    • How many users work simultaneously on the network?
    • Do you send out and/or receive large files?
    • Do you work with video, photos, audio files?
    • Will the line be used for both Voice and Data?
    • Do users need to access documents from the cloud to both work on and collaborate?
• How many IPs will you need? 
  • will you need static or dynamic IPs?
• Do you want the vendor to provide the router?
  • Will the router be managed or unmanaged?
• What type of handoff do you need? i.e. RJ-45, Fiber.
• Where is the Demarc location for the line? i.e floor, suite, telco closet
• Will the vendor install to the Demarc or will they charge extra for an extension?​

Voice

VoIP 

• how many user licenses will you need?
• Will all users need handsets or can some or all use a laptop or current cell phone to access calls?
• Do you need direct dials or extensions with a main number?
• Do you need: 
  • Auto Attendant
  • Hunt Group
  • Conference Bridge

PRI or SIP Trunks

• How many concurrent lines do you need?
• What is the make or model of your current phone system?
• Do you have a vendor that manages the system and will be able to configure the new service?​

By partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call.

Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.

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