Integrated Voice — FAQ
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- What is Integrated Voice?
Integrated Voice is a cost-effective way to provide voice and data services for businesses with a PBX, IP PBX or key system. Integrated Voice combines voice and data over the same DSL, T1 or Business Ethernet circuit. Voice and data services share a single dynamic connection and provide greater efficiency of broadband connection - when calls are not in use, the remaining bandwidth is available for data.
Integrated Voice can provide either analog, digital T1-CAS, ISDN-PRI or direct SIP delivery depending on your existing equipment.
Key benefits of Integrated Voice include substantial cost savings over traditional PRIs, low long distance rates, greater broadband utilization, and advanced IP Hosted Voice services.
- How does Speakeasy's Integrated Voice work?
Speakeasy's Integrated Voice service transmits voice traffic to and from the customer location via SIP Trunks. SIP Trunking is a dial tone service that is delivered by utilizing VoIP technology. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a signaling method for establishing multimedia sessions over an IP Network. SIP is a popular replacement for traditional TDM (ISDN-PRI/T1-CAS) or analog circuits because they are inexpensive compared to traditional PRIs.
Speakeasy Integrated Voice service not only includes standard features such as e911 emergency calling, DID service and toll free numbers, but also combines advanced hosted voice / IP-Centrex functionality, such as hunt groups, auto attendants, and audio conferencing.
With analog lines or digital trunks delivery, the IAD is installed in the customer's location. This serves as the T1 or Business Ethernet router and LAN gateway, and performs voice traffic conversion to and from the Speakeasy network to the customer's PBX. Voice and data remain segmented in the customer network.
Speakeasy's SIP Trunks can be delivered directly to IP PBXs capable of receiving direct SIP handoffs. With a direct SIP connection, an IAD is not required. Voice and data may be combined on the same internal network.
- What are the benefits of Speakeasy's Integrated Voice solutions over a different provider?
The primary benefit of Speakeasy Integrated Voice is the cost savings generated over traditional phone companies and the overall improved utilization of bandwidth. Integrated Voice also provides substantial savings on long distance and provides advanced features increasing overall productivity.
- By combining voice and data over a single, dynamic broadband connection, customers purchase only one circuit vs. one for voice and one for data.
- Speakeasy offers low domestic and international long distance minute plans.
- Companies can share long distance minutes company-wide and can carry forward unused minutes monthly.
- Another benefit is Speakeasy utilizes G.729 as the primary voice codec for Integrated Voice solutions. This codec allows for a significant reduction in bandwidth usage per call compared to channelized PRIs, or G.711, which is common with other integrated access providers. This delivers more available bandwidth for data usage and allows your business to support your voice and data needs with fewer bandwidth circuits and, therefore, lower costs.
- Speakeasy uses a VoIP network and provides hosted IP features to our Integrated Voice customers, such as Auto Attendants or hunt groups. For individual users, simultaneous ring, click to call and other features can be configured through a web portal to extend phone service out of the office.
- Finally, Speakeasy is one of the few providers to offer an Integrated Voice service over a Business Ethernet circuit with speeds up to 10 X 10 Mbps.
- What types of hosted services can I add on to Integrated Voice?
Because of our Hosted Voice platform, we can offer productivity improving features for both your business and individual users. These include:
- Auto Attendant: an automated receptionist that answers the phone and provides callers with options for connecting to the operator, dialing by name or extension.
- Hunt Groups: allow for advanced call routing and distribution of incoming calls to two or more DIDs.
- Enhanced PBX Users: define specific PBX users and let them individually configure call routing, click to dial, remote office, simultaneous ring and more through a personal Voice Communication portal. (Only available on Business Trunks service.)
- What are the different ways I can purchase Integrated Voice?
Speakeasy Integrated Voice is not a prepackaged solution. We create solutions to fit individual customers' business needs. Integrated Voice is compatible with most Key Systems, PBXs and select IP PBX equipment.
Customers will work with a Speakeasy Business Consultant and select:- Number of voice lines - Speakeasy can offer 2 - 48 concurrent calls depending on the solution. The size of your company and voice and data usage will determine the number of lines needed as well as bandwidth.
- Choose bandwidth: ADSL or ADSL2, 1.5 X 1.5 Mbps T1, Business Ethernet at 3 X 3 Mbps, 5 X 5 Mbps, or 10 X 10 Mbps
- Select Low Long Distance National or International Calling Plans
- Choose optional features:
Toll Free Numbers, DIDs, Hosted VoIP Features
Call 800-556-5829 to speak to one of our Business Solutions Consultants today.