Cost of VoIP Phone Systems

VoIP phone systems are great for both small and large businesses.  Because it can offer such substantial savings, VoIP allows small businesses to compete with large companies by providing capabilities small businesses may not be able to afford with standard phone systems, such as long-distance or international calling.

Choosing to use a VoIP system in your office most likely will ultimately save you money.  Though it could be somewhat costly to purchase and install a VoIP phone system, you need to think of it as an investment for your business’ future that will end up saving you money over time.

 VoIP systems cost less than traditional phone systems, and can offer services that you wouldn’t otherwise get.  The actual cost of installing a VoIP phone system will vary depending on the size of your business, and could range anywhere from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands.   The cost of your monthly phone bill will also be determined by the number of phones you are using in your office, and the features you choose to incorporate into your plan. Some other costs to consider include:

• Initial startup costs to install both network and voice data traffic. If your office is brand new, your costs will be slightly higher. Routers, a software system that allows your network to give priority over voice data, additional bandwidth should all be considered.
• Operational costs for equipment upgrades and routine maintenance. A VoIP service provider will charge a monthly fee to operate and manage that should include all the features.

Here are some instances in which using VoIP can be a very cost-effective choice:

• New Office – If you’re setting up a new office, choosing to install a VoIP system can save you money because you won’t have to run separate cabling for your phone system.
• International and Long-Distance Calling – If your business makes a substantial amount of long-distance or international calls, VoIP systems can save you a considerable amount of money.  Because the Internet does not recognize borders, it cannot recognize how far away the person that you are calling is and will not charge you extra for making international or long-distance calls.

Internet phone system costs can vary so be aware of the service features that are provided, as well as the features you need to operate your business.  Know what services you want before you begin to talk to potential vendors so you can get relevant price quotes.  You should also consider getting quotes from several vendors, as vendors may offer the same services at different prices.