Organizing an international conference call does not have to be complicated. This is basically a standard conference call with additional steps for the billing department. You might think that cross-border dialing is a nightmare of prices and connection drops, but it’s surprisingly simple. The main process is the same as for domestic calls. Participants select an access number and enter their PIN or access code to join the bridge.
The only real sticking point is money.
International players need special access numbers to avoid paying high long distance charges. Most major conference calling services have already solved this problem. They offer two main solutions. First, you can enter your international toll-free number. This is great for callers because it’s free for callers, but expensive for you, the host. Alternatively, many service providers set up local numbers in the major countries where their customers do business.
Let’s say you’re in the United States. You try to keep up with your colleagues in France, Israel and Australia. By assigning a local number to each zone, anyone can call their local phone line. There are no charges for international long distance calls. Behind the scenes, you are immediately connected to the central conference bridge via the global IP network. Costs are kept local. The connection remains global.
If you’re disorganized, there are other ways to cut costs. Use a dial-out system instead of a dial-in system. In the telephone network settings, you (the host) call each participant individually. The costs of international calls are the responsibility of the customer. This method works best if the rates for international calls are low (perhaps through a VoIP service). All your colleague has to do is answer the phone. I don’t have a PIN. No need to wait for a connection.
The industry is moving towards VoIP. cheaper. Faster. A physical landline is not needed. But not everyone is ready to ditch their smartphone and embrace the app. This is why we are seeing an increase in the number of dual-function devices. The phone moves seamlessly between cellular networks and wireless Internet. Coverage is obtained when the data signal is weak, and quality is obtained when the data signal is strong.
Skype and other service providers also offer dual-function VoIP phones. These devices allow you to make and receive calls from a landline or over the Internet. It’s the best of both worlds. Keep your home phone number. Get network flexibility.
Why your local number is more important than you think
When leading a global team, user experience is everything. Sydney attendees would be outraged if they had to pay $5 a minute to attend the conference. They might even skip it. You can solve this problem by calling a local number at the standard rate. The infrastructure does the rest. A global IP network bridges this gap without passing the cost on to callers.
It’s not just about saving a few dollars. It’s about participation. People show up when things are easy. If it’s empty, people gather.
Calling and calling: Who pays?
The choice between dial-in and dial-out depends on who controls the budget.
- Call in: Participants dial a shared number. The costs are shared between them or they are paid from the service provider’s free infrastructure. Suitable for large groups, because you can’t call everyone separately.
- Call out: The host calls everyone. Costs are paid by the host. Ideal for small and medium-sized groups who can take advantage of low international rates or VoIP credits.
If you have a VoIP service that allows unlimited international calls, dial-out is your best friend. You control the call. High quality can be maintained. All your group needs to do is answer.
The hybrid future of phones
We are living in a period of transition. VoIP is the future. However, old systems die quickly. This is why dual-mode technology is booming. This is not a complete replacement. This is a bridge.
Dual-mode phones can switch between cell tower and Wi-Fi or 4G/5G data networks. If you are in a dead zone
