Phone Lines We install SIP, Analog, and PRI lines. Do you know which one is right for you? Switching phone lines might save you 20-50% on your next bill.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

SIP is a protocol used to make multiple connections over a data network. To make or receive calls, a SIP trunk uses your Internet connection or a virtual private network (VPN) via a SIP-based private branch exchange (PBX) to the provider.

PROS & CONS

SIP trunking is much more flexible with porting numbers; you can bring your numbers anywhere the provider has service. If you need to add a line to another location you can simply add that location to your wide area network (WAN) and continue with your normal service. Calls are placed over the Internet, therefore, call quality is dependant on the quality (not only the speed) of your internet service. You may need to increase your bandwidth or change service providers to accommodate your needs. You can have direct phone numbers to route calls to employees directly reducing the time your receptionist spends handling calls. Because SIP trunking uses your internet connection, it may eliminate your long distance bills. SIP puts big business features and flexibility within reach of small businesses.

COST

A SIP trunk will require monthly payments to maintain your service. If you are adding SIP trunking to your phone system, you will need to pay for each phone number you are transferring. Our plans come with features such as unlimited local calls and long distance calls within Canada and the continental USA. SIP trunking can represent up to 50% savings or more over traditional suppliers. You should consider moving to a SIP line if you want added flexibility with your calling.

ANALOG

Analog lines are a communication tool that’s been around for decades. Also known as POTS (plain old telephone service), an analog phone line uses copper wires to connect inbound and outbound calls. Analog lines are not intelligent systems. It understands one instruction: point A to point B.

PROS & CONS

Analog lines are standard and reliable. The line has its own power source from the provider, meaning it will continue to work during a power outage at your premise. If you need to make an update, configure or change a line you will require a professional to cross-connect lines to the appropriate location. The call completion rate is slower than PRI and SIP.

Primary Rate Interface (PRI)

A PRI is a digital line that interprets digital commands and routes calls intelligently. If you use a PRI box, you can carry multiple lines through one connection between you and the network provider. Instead of using a copper wire for each phone line, you can connect multiple lines with one pair of copper to deliver a data connection that is interpreted by a PRI box. This service is common among businesses and enterprises that use a digital private branch exchange (PBX) with more than 30 users. A PRI box uses an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) to interpret the data signals.

PROS & CONS

Your phone system will require a PRI card for every 23 lines. One PRI circuit can carry up to 23 lines on one cable pair but it is possible to have more or less active phone numbers than lines. For example, if you purchase one PRI circuit with 23 lines for your business and you have 35 employees, instead of purchasing two PRI circuits of 23 numbers, you can activate 35 numbers on one PRI circuit because chances are, all the employees won’t be using the lines at the same time.

COST

PRI lines are not generally cost-effective for small businesses. You should consider upgrading to a PRI line if you have more than 8 analog lines. Small businesses should consider SIP trunking to get many of the features of PRI service at a price affordable for small businesses.