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Choosing the Right Conference Call Provider
By Chris Bowyer
Choosing the right conference call provider can be a truly daunting task, especially if you've never participated in one before. There are many aspects to weigh, from price, to built-in controls, to overall ease of use.
- How many people will be participating?
Various conference call providers have varying limits on the number of participants allowed. Most should be able to work with you if you have an unusually large number of participants planned, but it's possible that a call's rate could go up if more than a certain number of people participate. Be sure to find out what your provider's standard limit is, and what extra fees might apply if you go over it, before making your choice.
- Is this a one-time call, or will it be recurring?
Conference call providers not only charge various amounts for various services, but they also charge in various ways. Some providers charge by the minute and participant, but some offer a flat monthly fee. If your call is a once-and-done event, a cheap, reservationless provider might be the way to go. If your call is merely the first in a recurring series, you may want to consider a monthly plan. Flat rates do come with restrictions, but are generally the conference call equivalent of buying in bulk, and therefore can be cheaper in the long-run, depending on which provider you choose.
- Do they support international calls?
Look into the provider's policy on international calls if you or any of your guests will be calling from a foreign country. Some providers have more than one website to accomodate potential clients in more than one nation.
- Will your call require operator assistance?
Some conference call services provide, for a higher per-minute rate, operator assistance. Operators can assist you, to varying degrees, with call management. How much will probably depend on the provider. If you feel you need someone dedicated to managing in-call controls, or if you feel your call is important enough to justify having a trained operator on the line, you may want to consider springing for the higher rate. There are many other things to consider when choosing a conference call provider, but hopefully these will help get you started. Good luck!
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