How to Pick the Perfect Audio Conference Call Provider

Written by lifang May 04, 2008 16:10

An audio conference call can be a valuable alternative when geography and logistics make it impossible for all of a meeting's participants to be in the same room.

However, most business phone systems can connect only up to three callers on a line. An audio conferencing service allows you to connect more people together without having to invest in expensive equipment.

With so many audio conference calling sites, how do you decide which will fit your needs best? A big factor is cost and depending on what features you want this will impact your bottom line.

Here is a quick list of features to look for:
  • Reliable conferencing bridge
  • Good voice calling quality
  • A written guarantee
  • Great support staff to help your company in times of need
  • An Instant Reply feature allowing others to review what was said
  • Ability to reserve call online
  • Call archiving and downloading options
  • Call security
  • Powerful operator functions
  • And few disruptions


Audio Conference Calls Pricing and Rates

The following is a short list of common pricing options:

Flat Rate Conference Call Pricing
You don't have to worry about overages, so you don't have to cut meetings short. On the surface, "flat rate" conference call pricing plans sound like the perfect choice. Remember to read the fine print.

There are quite a few companies that offer audio conference calling and the following list is partial and in no means conclusive. MeetingZone
UK based, provides a conference calling service that works over public telephone networks with many additional features. One thing to keep in mind is that you may have some compatibility issues with their services. http://www.meetingzone.com/

Free Conference
They offer free and premium conference calling services.

A+ Conferencing
Offers reservationless and operator assisted conferencing.

Express Teleconferencing (Australia)
Australian provider of telephone conferencing services.
Spiderphone Telephone conferencing services with many features.

"Minutes" Conference Call Pricing
Providers offer plans ranging from 500 to 12,000 minutes for the month. Within these conference call pricing plans, you can find low per/minute rates, but if you exceed your minute limit expect to pay overage fees.


Pay Per Use Conference Call Pricing
If your conference calling needs vary from month to month, "pay per use" might be the best choice for you. You enjoy a low per/minute rate only if you use a certain amount of minutes over the course of the month. However, if you fall short, penalty fees are attached to bring you up to the minimum.

Regardless of your audio conference call needs there is a company out there that can meet them. Keep in mind the above mentioned features, pricing options and different services and it's goinf to be much easier to choose the best provider for you.