In the early years of 21st century, the IP technology has become “next-generation” networks for all forms of “unified” communication. By end of the century, it is predicted that a fixed-line carrier or PSTN service will be ruled by the advanced voice over IP network. By modernizing networks with the VoIP technology, there are many strong drivers impelling service providers to deploy “next-generation” services and well known as VoIP carriers. With the lingering doubts and inhibitors on product maturity and interoperability, the unproven business and corporate houses are steadily diminishing, which is leading to increased investment.

The VoIP carrier services deliver a complete application solution such as integrated VoIP, unified communication proxy, advanced call routing support, network management support and enhanced interactive voice response. Furthermore, the packet switching technique of IP network minimises the network congestion. This technology allows to reduce bandwidth consumption by up to more than half, as it combines several voice and images packets into a single packet.

These services allow users to switch intelligently between circuits and IP. As a matter of fact, the IP services provide scalable, centralised network routing control and administration for larger networks. These carrier services also offer enhanced network routing flexibility including the QoS, source based and extensive network. Moreover, the VoIP technology also helps to lower down the maintenance costs through centralized provisioning, alarm monitoring and CDR collecting.

There are three types of VoIP carrier service providers namely Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier3. The Tier1 or wholesale carrier service providers have their own networks. They can easily manage and operate their service globally. While, the Tier-2 carriers comprise of companies that lease their services from Tier-1 providers. Lastly, the Tier- 3 providers either lease their services from Tier- 1 or Tier-2 carriers and then deliver to the end users.

Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that to a great extent, the profit and quality of service are depended upon your VoIP carrier. The users must keep various points in mind, before selecting the VoIP carrier service provider such as:

1. Quality of services: The quality of service should be the priority. One must check out the ACD, ASR and PDD. As a matter of fact, the ACD should ideally range between 2-3 minutes while, ASR should be between 40-50%. To give quality of services, the PDD should not be more than 3 seconds.
2. Rates: The market is flooded with VoIP carrier providers who offer same IP service but at different rates. Therefore, the users must carry out the depth market analysis in order to get the service from the best voice over IP carrier.
3. Availability of technical support: In this competitive world to the best, several premium VoIP providers offer round the clock online support service to their clients. This ensures uninterrupted telephony communication.

To conclude, these VoIP carrier services ensure business houses can save on their phone bills by up to 40-60 percent.

By: Kristen Kiya