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With constant and growing cost pressures on their business, Toll Free providers can no longer rely on slow, manual, ad hoc techniques to analyze and deploy least cost call routing.

Many Toll Free service providers sign agreements with multiple carriers to carry call traffic on that carriers’ network for Toll Free Numbers in areas where the provider has no service or can find a better rate than using their own network. In order to take advantage of such agreements, your company must generate Call Processing Records (CPRs) for your Toll Free numbers that use a specific set of carriers based on where the call originated. The initial CPR that must be created may seem obvious or trivial (use the lowest cost provider for each NPA-NXX), but SMS/800™ restrictions on the size and number of paths in a CPR often prevents the simple choice and requires a more complex routing record.

Inefficiencies in implementing least cost routing translations and CPR updates can cause providers to unnecessarily sacrifice time, money, network performance, and business opportunities by:

• Unsuccessfully implementing new call routing in response to rate changes
• Failing to take advantage of price disparities or to apply discounts
• Losing focus on the cost reduction opportunities while implementing “home-grown” IT solutions for Least Cost Routing (screen-scraping, spreadsheets, etc.)

A successful Toll Free Least Cost Routing Tool:

• Produces CPRs with a number of paths and a size that will be accepted by SMS/800™ and can be loaded successfully in their Service Control Points;
• Chooses between multiple carriers for any NPA-NXX;
• Allows you to merge traffic data across multiple toll free numbers to generate a single least cost routing CPR for that set of number

Once the analysis is done and the LCR CPR generated, many benefits exist:

• Agreements with carriers can be renegotiated for example, to provide a volume discount based on the call volume that will be sent to that carrier
• “What-if” scenarios can be done to determine which carrier negotiations would minimize costs
• LCR CPRs could be quickly regenerated as traffic changes on a toll free number.

Successfully implementing Toll Free Least Cost routing can be very challenging. Manual, ad-hoc solutions are not the correct answer. Automation is required! The benefits of successful automation efforts will definitely impact your bottom line!

Matthew J. Noreen PMP® works for csf Corporation supporting and promoting their flagship 8MS® product. 8MS was designed from the ground up by a team of former Bell Labs engineers to be a superior toll free provisioning system that eliminates traditional dependence on SMS/800.

csf Corporation has built a powerful Least Cost Routing CPR Generation engine that uses your providers’ rate agreements and traffic data to produce a CPR that will minimize your Toll Free calling costs.
More information at http://www.8msweb.com

Also see http://www.8mstools.com

What is an IP PBX?

An IP PBX is a complete telephony system that provides telephone calls over IP data networks. All conversations are sent as data packets over the network. The technology includes advanced communication features but also provides a significant dose of worry-free scalability and robustness that all enterprises seek.

Enterprises don’t need to disrupt their current external communication infrastructure: An IP PBX is able to connect to traditional PSTN lines via a VOIP gateway - so an enterprise can keep its regular telephone numbers.

How it works

An IP PBX system consists of one or more SIP phones, an IP PBX server and optionally a VOIP Gateway to connect to existing PSTN lines. The IP PBX server functions in a similar manner to a proxy server: SIP clients, being either soft phones or hardware-based phones, register with the IP PBX server, and when they wish to make a call they ask the IP PBX to establish the connection. The IP PBX has a directory of all phones/users and their corresponding SIP address and thus is able to connect an internal call or route an external call via either a VOIP gateway or a VOIP service provider. More information and commonly asked questioned about IP PBXs can be found on IP PBX, SIP & VOIP FAQ - http://www.3cx.com/PBX/IP-PBX-faq.html

The top 10 Reasons

Reason #1: Much easier to install & configure than a proprietary phone system:
An IP PBX runs as software on a computer and can leverage the advanced processing power of the computer and user interface as well as Windows’ features. Anyone proficient in networking and computers can install and maintain an IP PBX. By contrast a proprietary phone system often requires an installer trained on that particular proprietary system!

Reason #2: Easier to manage because of web/GUI based configuration interface:
An IP PBX can be managed via a web-based configuration interface or a GUI, allowing you to easily maintain and fine tune your phone system. Proprietary phone systems have difficult-to-use interfaces which are often designed to be used only by the phone technicians.

Reason #3: Significant cost savings using VOIP providers:
With an IP PBX you can easily use a VOIP service provider for long distance and international calls. The monthly savings are significant. If you have branch offices, you can easily connect phone systems between branches and make free phone calls.

Reason #4 Eliminate phone wiring!
An IP PBX allows you to connect hardware phones directly to a standard computer network port (which it can share with the adjacent computer). Software phones can be installed directly onto the PC. You can now eliminate the phone wiring and make adding or moving of extensions much easier. In new offices you can completely eliminate the extra ports to be used by the phone!

Reason #5: Eliminate vendor lock in!
IP PBXs are based on the open SIP standard. You can now mix and match any SIP hardware or software phone with any SIP-based IP PBX, PSTN Gateway or VOIP provider. In contrast, a proprietary phone system often requires proprietary phones to use advanced features, and proprietary extension modules to add features.

Reason #6: Scalable
Proprietary systems are easy to outgrow: Adding more phone lines or extensions often requires expensive hardware modules. In some cases you need an entirely new phone system. Not so with an IP PBX: a standard computer can easily handle a large number of phone lines and extensions – just add more phones to your network to expand!

Reason #7: Better customer service & productivity:
With an IP PBX you can deliver better customer service and better productivity: Since the telephone system is now computer-based you can integrate phone functions with business applications. For example: Bring up the customer record of the caller automatically when you receive his/her call, dramatically improving customer service and cutting cost by reducing time spent on each caller. Outbound calls can be placed directly from Outlook, removing the need for the user to type in the phone number.

Reason #8: Twice the phone system features for half the price!
Since an IP PBX is software-based, itis easier for developers to add and improve feature sets. Most VOIP phone systems come with a rich feature set, including auto attendant, voice mail, ring groups, advanced reporting and more. These options are often very expensive in proprietary systems.

Reason #9 Allow hot desking & roaming
Hot desking – the process of being able to easily move offices/desks based on the task at hand, has become very popular. Unfortunately traditional PBXs require extensions to be re-patched to the new location. With an IP PBX the user simply takes his phone to his new desk – No patching required!

Users can roam too – if an employee has to work from home, he/she can simply fire up their SIP software phone and are able to answer calls to their extension, just as they would in the office. Calls can be diverted anywhere in the world because of the SIP protocol characteristics!

Reason #10 Better phone usability: SIP phones are easier to use
Employees often struggle using advanced phone features: Setting up a conference, transferring a call – On an old PBX it all requires instruction.

Not so with an IP PBX – all features are easily performed from a user friendly Windows GUI. In addition, users get a better overview of the status of other extensions and of inbound lines and call queues via the IP PBX Windows client. Proprietary systems often require expensive ‘system’ phones to get an idea what is going on on your phone system. Even then, status information is cryptic at best.

Conclusion

An investment in a software based IP PBX makes a lot of sense, not only for new companies buying a phone system, but also for companies who already have a PBX. An IP PBX delivers such significant savings in management, maintenance, and on going call costs, that any company should be looking at upgrading to an IP PBX.

Nick Galea is CEO of 3CX, http://www.3cx.com, a developer of IP PBX software. Nick has written articles & whitepapers about Network administration, Telecommunications Software, Security & VOIP.

This article will allow consumers to educate themselves on the best deals possible for bundled services. In the ever changing and ultra competitive world of telecom many consumers can be confused with the many different bundled plans and services most phone companies now offer. With the implementation of bundled services consumers can now have most all telecom products (phone, tv, internet, wireless) and services provided by the same company at a lower rate than having multiple service providers. This article will categorically break down plans provided by most major telecom service providers available in th US. Each provider will be rated based on blanket availability, services offered, and cost effectiveness. These are comprehensive reviews based on research and not personal experience. Phone Companies Beware this article is designed to educate consumers and provide the best possible options for telecom services.

First up AT&T The monopolizing entity of the Big 3 phone companies few can compete with the blanket availability of AT&T’s products and services worldwide. Being one of only three telecom companies that also offer wireless phone service as a part of its residential bundle which also includes its unlimited calling plan phone service, satellite TV Through Dish Network and of course the world famous ATT Yahoo DSL. Few companies can compete, but there are cheaper bundled service plans out there especially for the consumer that is not interested in cellular phone service. Here is an example of the services offered and billing for the AT&T Residential bundled services plan.

Phone Service- Order AT&T All Distance Online Select(SM) online and get unlimited local and domestic direct-dialed long distance plus great calling features.

TV Service- AT&T | DISH Network entertainment package with over 60 of America’s favorite channels. Includes local channels Plus Free DVR.

High Speed Internet- Yahoo DSL ATT,Plus, order Express online and receive 1 month FREE! (New residential DSL customers only. Bill credit applied after three months paid service. See offer details.)

Wireless Cell Phone- Cingular Nation 450 anytime minutes Cingular Wireless® plan with Rollover® Minutes, unlimited Mobile to Mobile minutes, and more. Plus get a $5/mo. discount
with qualifying AT&T services.

Bundled Plan Total Cost $130.94/mo or less!

Well Old Ma Bell Does Have A Cost Effective Money Saving Bundle With The Most Availability!
4.5/5 Stars

Next we have Qwest Communications One of the Big 3 Telecom service providers its coverage area is limited to the Western half of the states mainly the Pacific Northwest but as far as price and overall services this company by far has the best bundled package including wireless cell phone service on the market. One Negative though No free DVR here but more channels with Direct TV as opposed to ATT Dish Network, Here are the details.

Phone Service- Digital Voice: Unlimited local and long-distance calls from your home phone to anywhere in the U.S. and now Canada, anytime. PLUS, choose up to three of your favorite calling features.

TV Service- The DIRECTV® package offers 185+ channels in 100% digital quality.

High Speed Internet- Qwest Choice DSL Deluxe with MSN. Unlimited Internet access that’s up to 25 times faster than 56Kbps dial-up.

Wireless Cell Phone- 500-minute plan, free UT Starcom 7025 phone (after $10 credit on 2nd or 3rd bill, with a two-year agreement), free headset and charger, free shipping, free activation and free Unlimited Nights and Weekends Starting at 9 p.m. WHOO HOOO a FREE PHONE!

Bundled Plan Total Cost 125.96/mo

Unbeatable 5/5 stars if its available in your are choose Qwest!

Well here it is last of the Big 3 Phone companies Verizon. I’m wondering which of these companies will be around for the next 20 years with AT&T having a strangle hold on our national market. Verizon Phone company does provide some pretty stiff competition for Old Ma Bell though, Here are the details.

Phone- Verizon’s Freedom Essentials provides unlimited calls to the US and Canada as well as the main basic calling features with voicemail being FREE 1 up on AT&T.

TV Service- Same Plan as Qwest with Direct TV more channels for the money as opposed to AT&T.

High Speed Internet- DSL the cable companies sure have 1 up on DSL consumers with faster speed available but in a bundle Verizon has a pretty good plan, Connection speeds up to 3.0 Mbps, More than 80 times faster than dial-up, Three installation steps
here is the one negative with their DSL service in the bundle One-year commitment required.

Wireless- Well We’ve all heard of the network on TV and the such and Verizon Phone Company does offer wireless services as part of its bundle with 450 anytime minutes and a standard wireless plan.

Bundled Plan Total Cost 134.99-144.99/mo depending on your area.

I would have to rate them #2 amongst the Big 3 as far as services and pricing but they do have the edge on Qwest based up blanket availability.

4.5/5.0 stars

Now we go on to the cable companies that have also submitted their bids for your telephone service as well first up we have Comcast Cable Company. Well if you are truly dedicated to cable TV and internet if available in your area Comcast Cable Company is the way to go all necessary equipment is Free after mail in rebates and services are exceptional based on consumer reviews online. Here are the details.

Phone- Unlimited local and long distance in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada from one provider. One bill for local and long distance. Keep your current phone number (subject to some restrictions).

TV Service- Over a hundred channels, plus local channels. Digital quality picture and sound. Parental Controls and an Interactive Program Guide Movies and shows you can start on your schedule with Comcast OnDemand - many included at no cost.

High Speed Internet- Comcast Highspeed Cable Internet, Speeds up to 3Mbps and a reliable connection. Anti-virus and firewall software, spam filtering and parental controls included. Always connected, no dial-up required. Up to 10 email boxes and extra storage FREE MODEM NO LEASING FEE AFTER REBATE!

With no wireless service available as part of the bundle I still have to give the Cable edge to Comcast with So many cash back offers on signup!

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.00/mo

Next Up Charter Communications, the reviews are in some good some bad and well some just plain indifferent. Charter Communication Cable…Cable TV’s answer to the Big 3 phone companies (AT&T, Qwest, Verizon) and satellite tv’s quest to crush cable have assembled their own bundled telecom services package as well. Though wireless cell phone services are not offered as part of the Charter Bundle. Charter does have a few advantages that may just sway a chunk of loyal wireless consumers back to the wired world. Here are the details.

Phone- Unlimited local and long distance in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada from one provider. One bill for local and long distance. Keep your current phone number (subject to some restrictions).

TV Service- Over a hundred channels, plus local channels. Digital quality picture and sound. Parental Controls and an Interactive Program Guide Movies and shows you can start on your schedule with Charter OnDemand - many included at no cost.

High Speed Internet- Charter Highspeed Cable Internet, Speeds up to 3Mbps and a reliable connection. Anti-virus and firewall software, spam filtering and parental controls included. Always connected, no dial-up required. Up to 10 email boxes and extra storage

Wireless Cell Phone- NA

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.97/mo

On Demand is Pretty Nice and no matter what DSL users say cable is faster than DSL but with no wireless service it means I still have to look at another bill month to month. Limited availability Though. 4.0/5 stars

Last but not least Time Warner Cable Company Well While Competing in huge markets such as New York, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio Time Warner has a bundled services package that seems to be the best for the loyal cable consumer. Still no wireless phone service but with high speed cable internet service through Road Runner and On Demand programming as well as a free DVR included in its digital Cable package it seems to be the service to outlast Charter and Comcast in the Cable Providers rank and file in our new telecom bundled services world.

Phone- It’s time for a better residential telephone service. It’s time for unlimited calling to anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, plus popular calling features for one low “monthly” price.

TV Service- Time Warner Cable Over 250 Channels
With features like Digital Video Recorder (DVR), you can now record anything you like and watch it later, with all the control of a VCR or a DVD. You can even pause live TV. Plus On Demand

High Speed Internet- high speed cable via Road Runner. Hey Its Cable internet always on and faster than DSL.

Wireless Cell Phone- NA

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.97/mo

Hey I had AT&T but DSL was too unreliable I now have Charter but wish I could have Time Warner

4.0/5 stars

In closing with the market as competitive as it has become for your telecom dollars finding the best bundled services package for your home or business is just a matter of educating yourself.

Trish Reed is a CSR for a major teleservices company specializing in market research.

Educate Yourself And Save More Ordering Your Bundled Services Online CLICK HERE NOW!

Do you remember when cordless phones first came out in the eighties? I do and I remember two things about them. One is that they were pretty expensive and the other is there were only a few models to choose from. A lot has changed in the past twenty years. Now not only are there many models to choose from, but you need to choose a phone frequency too. You can choose from 5.8 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz or the new DECT technology.

Do frequencies matter? And if they do, how much do they matter? Most people assume the higher the frequency is, the better the cordless phone must be. The goal of this article is to provide some information to help you decide which cordless phone is right for your home or office.

Traffic and Interference

Before you pick a phone, you need to consider some important factors. The first factor to consider is traffic. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigns a specific range of frequencies that are used by cordless phones. Since devices such as cell phones are also transmitting and receiving wireless signals sometimes there is interference. To prevent this type of interference, the FCC determines which devices can transmit within specific ranges. When a range reaches capacity, the FCC will usually open up another range of frequencies.

The early cordless phones used 46-49 MHz bandwidths. Users of these phones faced challenges such as limited range, poor sound quality but most of all they faced problems with interference. Devices such as fridges, TVs and computers emitted low-based interference that diminished the clarity and range of cordless phone conversations. By the early 1990’s, as people purchased more cordless phones, baby monitors and pagers the traffic was increased and the FCC opened up the 900 MHz range.

Because of their improved range and clarify, the 900 MHz phones quickly became a standard household appliance. As the number of 900 MHz phones increased, so did the subsequent traffic. So next the FCC opened up another range of frequencies: the 2.4 GHz band. Though this frequency was new for phones, the 2.4 GHz band was also being used for wireless LANs and microwave ovens emit 2.4 GHz. So then the FCC opened up the 5.8 GHz band.

The new 5.8 GHz phones offer the latest in cordless telephone technology with the best clarity, range and possibly security. The biggest advantage to a 5.8 GHz phone is that its frequency band is less trafficked than the 2.4 GHz band, resulting in less interference.

Obstructions

The other factor to consider is the number of obstructions in your home or office . I remember learning in science about how transmitters and receivers work and how obstructions can affect the strength of a radio signal. Cordless phones use this same concept. A lower frequency will usually provide a better range because the signal’s wavelength is longer and can travel around obstructions better.

So in theory a 900 MHz phone should work better than a 2.4 GHz phone. However, this isn’t always so. If a cordless phone is used in your home or office, then obstacles such as equipment, walls and doors obstruct the path and prevent signals from traveling as well as they could in a less densely occupied area. The fewer obstructions there are, the easier it is for signals to be deflected and find the reception antenna.

Security

Another factor to keep in mind is security. As technology advances so do ways to take advantage of this technology. Cordless telephones are really just small radio transmitters and receivers, so if you use a cordless phone with poor security, then anyone with a scanner can tune in and hear your entire conversation. However, most inexpensive radio scanners can only access frequencies of 512 MHz or the 900 MHz frequency.

On the other hand, even the pricier scanners can’t cover the 2.4 GHz frequencies used by the newest, most advanced cordless phones. So if security is a concern, then you definitely want to get a cordless phone with at least a 2.4 GHz frequency.

DECT Technology

And now there is even another new phone technology to consider. DECT is a digital wireless technology that is now being adopted increasingly worldwide. DECT is used in cordless telephones, wireless offices and even wireless telephone lines to the home. This technology originated in Europe and it is a radio-access technology, rather than a comprehensive system architecture used by most cordless phones.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are many things to consider before purchasing a new cordless phone. One suggestion is to decide what factors are most important to you. If you just want a basic cordless phone that’s inexpensive, then the lower frequency phones should work fine. However if your needs include better security, clearer phone calls or increased phone range then you will want to consider purchasing higher frequency phones.

Peter Nugent is the President of 3Cware, Inc., a leading provider of online consumer electronics. Peter has worked in the tech industry for over 16 years, and is certifications in Pansonic hybrid phone systems.

http://www.3cware.com