What is your Service Level Agreement?

This is important because as a business owner it is important to know what network guarentees your carrier provides.

How are network outages handled?

It is important for your carrier to have Peering relationships with other carriers to reroute your information during a network outage. 

1. Can I still use my phone? - Unless you have a rotary phone, you'll probably be able to use the phone you own now. But, sometimes you need a particular phone. Specifically if using a Voice Over Internet Protocol or Broadband Phone


2. What basic features do you support? - Make sure that you get all the same basic features you'd expect from a phone company. Features like call waiting, call forwarding, etc.
   


3. What features set you apart from your competition? - Internet phone providers aren't subject to the same regulations as a telephone company. This gives them the opportunity provide features that your phone company can't. For example, some providers offer a second phone number in another area code - giving you the ability to launch marketing campaigns in other areas with a local presence from across the country.
   


4. How much does the service cost? - Does the broadband phone company charge a flat rate or based on usage? 


5. Can I keep my current phone number? - The answer should be yes. But, sometimes their are issues when transferring a phone number from on location to another but with some Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
   


6. Can I change phone numbers? If so, how much does it cost? - Sometimes you just need a new phone number. Make sure you can get another number without having to buy new equipment or establish a second account.
   


7. What will my calls sound like? - Your broadband phone calls should sound as least as good as your traditional phone calls. There shouldn't be any "drops", pauses or echoes. Installing a Quality of Service Switch (QOS) will also aid in balancing your network canceling internal issues


8. Can I call directory assistance (411)? - Most internet phone companies have access to the 411 system though the calls are rarely free. Find out what they charge for each call. You still might be better off doing a Google Search or hitting the Yellow Pages.
   


9. Can I dial 911? What about Enhanced 911?- The 911 service was designed to be accessed over phone lines not over the internet. Some broadband phone providers have figured out a way to get 911 working through their service. Make sure yours is one of them.
   


10. What kind of fees do you charge? - Broadband phone providers don't have to charge the regulatory fees set for traditional phone companies. But, that doesn't stop them from making up some of their own. Find out what the fees are up front rather than getting surprise on your first bill.
    


11. What is your guarantee? - How long do you have to test the service? Do you get a money-back guarantee? Can you cancel without any fees?
    


12. How easy is it to setup my new broadband phone service? - Can you install the service yourself or do you need a professional installation? How long does it take to setup? What if you want a professional installation? Can you get one? What does a service call cost?

Questions to prepare yourself for a new Phone system

How many employees are in your organization? This will determine  the number of phones and or extensions

How many locations do you have that need VoIP service? 

How many remote or mobile users do you have that will not have a local office? Will they need a VOIP  Phone for their remote Office?

What are your current broadband connection details – bandwidth, type, lines and so on?

Make sure to have as much information available as possible, including your supplier and level of service.

What is your current network load and available unused bandwidth? Your provider may want to test your network to determine this information for themselves, and if you don’t have enough you may need a network or broadband upgrade.

What type of servers does your system run on? Your service provider may need manufacturer, model number and, most importantly, operating system details.

What are your existing phone system details - manufacturer, number of lines, connections and so on?

Will you need to or want to keep existing lines?

Will you only be upgrading part of your organization?

What is your budget? What are your total project cost limits and target cost per month per user?

What is your mix of calling - average amount of internal, local, long-distance and international calls per month? If you don’t know, have a few months of current phone bills handy.

What are my growth Strategies?  

What is covered under my Warranty?

What is your return process?

How long is my Warranty?

Is my Warranty transferable?