What Features Should You Look For in a SIP Provider?

What Features Should You Look For in a SIP Provider?

Are you fed up with unreliable, inflexible phone systems that require constant maintenance and repair? Do you want to improve call quality while cutting costs?

Whether your business is growing or you’re simply hoping to improve both internal and external communications, SIP trunking is an affordable, yet effective way for companies to connect with global customers.

From small businesses and remote workers to large enterprises and managed service providers, SIP trunking services are a great choice for those looking to keep their physical PBX. At the same time, they also allow organisations to enjoy the cost savings, flexibility, and scalability of VoIP systems.

But how do you find the best SIP provider to cater to your business’s unique needs? In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know about a good SIP trunking service, including the key features to consider when comparing providers.

What is SIP Trunking?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking offers a virtual alternative to a traditional analog phone line, by allowing businesses to make and receive phone calls over the internet.

SIP trunks work by converting a copper-driven phone line to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), directing incoming calls to an on-site PBX (Private Branch Exchange) server. This is a cloud-based telecommunications device that supports everything from call recording and video conferencing to call data analysis.

However, SIP trunks operate slightly differently from hosted PBX systems; while they both make use of VoIP technology, SIP trunking continues to utilise traditional phone lines, whereas hosted PBX is based entirely on the cloud.

SIP services are ideal for businesses that already have this existing PBX infrastructure installed, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of VoIP while integrating easily into the current phone system.

6 Key Features of a Good SIP Trunk Service

Finding the best SIP trunk providers in Australia isn’t always easy, especially with so many options available on the market today. Here are the key features to look out for when choosing a SIP trunking service:

1.  Transparent Pricing

One of the key benefits of SIP trunking compared with traditional landline phones is the cost savings you’ll make. Rather than paying for expensive international calls, SIP trunks offer a flat fee that significantly reduces the cost.

You can also benefit from pay-as-you-go pricing plans, which allow you to pay only for the number of calls that your business requires. However, while cheap pricing plans may seem good value for money, some SIP trunk providers charge high hidden fees for adding extra lines or making more calls.

At CloudLine, our SIP trunking services offer a flat monthly rate or a straightforward annual fee with no per-user costs. Our pay-per-call SIP trunk pricing plans start from just $20 per month for the basic package, which includes inbound lines, local and national calls for 10 cents, and calls to 1300 numbers.

We also offer Plus, Advanced, and Corporate packages for larger organisations.

2.  Good Call Quality

Another huge advantage of switching to SIP trunking is the improved quality of communications that businesses can experience. However, this is only the case if you choose a provider that supports Tier 1 voice carriers, as opposed to Tier 2 or 3.

As well as building and operating network infrastructure, Tier 1 providers must meet the highest Quality of Service (QoS) standards. This ensures reliable, consistent call quality even during periods of high traffic, while also promising exceptional customer service.

3.  Wide Coverage

To ensure great call quality, the right SIP provider for you should have at least one point of presence in the areas you’ll be communicating with.

Depending on the size and needs of your business, a good provider should also facilitate outbound calls around the world, allowing you to expand your VoIP networks without having to find new carriers in each new area.

Here at CloudLine, we also offer local numbers tied to specific geographic areas, as well as 1800 contact points. These Direct In Dial (DID) numbers enable businesses to tap into national markets at local call rates, making it easier for customers to get in touch.

4.  Solid Security

Thanks to the expertise of the SIP provider, good SIP trunk solutions provide superior security benefits compared to traditional phone systems.

Although they should accommodate call recording so that you can retain all important communications, the provider should ensure your calls remain confidential without third-party data sharing.

When comparing providers, take a look at the protection methods they use to stop calls from being intercepted over the cloud. Common methods involve IP authentication and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) to encrypt SIP trunks, for instance.

A SIP provider should also be on hand around the clock to maintain firewalls and security patch levels, with an expert team available if the local network does become compromised.

5.  Easy Scalability

In the ever-evolving business landscape, a SIP provider should offer the tools to help your company quickly scale up or down whenever needed.

For example, good SIP trunks allow you to manage your system directly from an online web control panel, where you can add a new phone number from a comprehensive area code inventory without waiting for a technician.

These tools should be available on a flexible basis, rather than locking you into a contract that may be out of budget or mean you end up with under-utilised capacity.

6.  Depth of Knowledge

Although the quality of the system is integral, the best SIP trunk providers in Australia must also have plenty of experience in handling the complex technologies behind the systems they offer. This depth of knowledge can ultimately affect the success of your system, from purchase and installation to troubleshooting and scaling.

At CloudLine, our dynamic team of IT technicians offer over 15 years of experience, dedicated to offering customisable VoIP plans and hosted phone system options for your business, MSP, or IT company.

Driven by a commitment to reliability, we take pride in offering direct help to businesses of all sizes seeking a transition to cloud-based communication systems, including VoIP, hosted PBX, and SIP trunking.

As a Tier 1 voice carrier and VoIP provider, our SIP trunk systems come with HD voice quality, secure connections, and easy setup, as well as 24/7 technical support.

Seamlessly integrating into your existing phone systems, our SIP trunks are also compatible across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android to ensure that your team stays connected and productive, no matter where they’re located.

Call us today at 1800 256 830 or contact the team online to find out more about CloudLine’s SIP trunking services.