VoIP call packages and the many options available can seem a little overwhelming, but there are a few key things a client should consider before making their selection.
When comparing VoIP packages, one of the important decisions a business can make is whether to choose a usage based package or an unlimited calling package. The right choice can significantly reduce communication costs, improve budgeting, and ensure that your business has the flexibility it needs to grow.
Usage based VoIP call packages are billed according to the actual call usage, such as the number of minutes used or calls made. You pay for what you use. Unlimited VoIP call packages offer a fixed monthly fee for unlimited calling, usually subject to fair usage terms and some exclusions depending on the Unlimited package you select.
At Switch Telecom, customers can choose between two easy to understand usage based VoIP packages, namely; Package 1 or Package 2, as well as a range of Unlimited VoIP Packages designed for home users, small businesses, and larger organisations that need concurrent inbound and outbound calls.
Usage Based VoIP Call Packages
Usage based VoIP packages are ideal for businesses that prefer lower monthly service fees and only want to pay for the calls they actually make.
Package 1
Package 1 is best suited to businesses whose staff spend longer periods on calls. Companies that provide professional services, consulting, customer support, or account management often benefit from the lower call rates available on this package. Calls are billed in 30 second increments with a minimum duration of 60 seconds.
For example, an accounting practice, legal firm, or insurance brokerage that regularly spends 10 to 30 minutes on calls with clients would typically benefit from Package 1.
This VoIP call package is ideal for customers and businesses who receive more calls than they make.
Package 2
Package 2 is designed for businesses that make shorter, more frequent calls. While the per minute rates are slightly higher, the per second billing structure often reduces overall call costs for companies that spend less time on each call. This package is particularly effective for security companies, appointment booking teams, dispatch operations and collections departments.
This is the most cost effective package for call centers making large volumes of shorter calls.
Unlimited VoIP Call Packages
For businesses looking for complete cost certainty, the Unlimited VoIP Packages offer a powerful alternative.
Unlimited VoIP Call Packages include unlimited calls to South African local, national, and mobile numbers for a fixed monthly fee. Selected packages also include unlimited calling to a range of popular international destinations.
Clients simply choose the number of concurrent call channels they require (inbound and outbound) and pay a predictable monthly amount.
One of the biggest advantages of Unlimited VoIP is budgeting. Businesses can set up a recurring debit order or monthly bank payment knowing exactly what their monthly voice costs will be. There is no need to estimate call spend or worry about fluctuating monthly bills caused by higher call volumes.
This makes Unlimited VoIP particularly attractive to businesses with multiple employees making calls throughout the day.
International Calling Benefits
Unlimited VoIP Line Premium and all Unlimited VoIP SIP Trunk packages include unlimited calling to selected international destinations. The Unlimited VoIP Lite package, which is designed for home users, does not include these international calling benefits.
Included international destinations are as follows:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- India
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
The list of included destinations may change from time to time and should always be verified with Switch Telecom.
If a business needs to call destinations that fall outside the included international list, those calls can still be made and will be billed separately according to the applicable international call rates at the Package 1 rate. Depending on the payment method, these charges can either be deducted from a prepaid balance or included as part of the client’s monthly debit order.
Which VoIP Call Package Should You Choose?
The best VoIP call package will depend on your business’s calling behaviour and operational requirements.
- Choose Package 1 if your users spend long periods on calls or if you have more inbound than outbound calls.
- Choose Package 2 if your team makes large volumes of calls.
- Choose Unlimited VoIP Line Lite if you are a home user looking for affordable unlimited local calling.
- Choose Unlimited VoIP Line Premium if you are a home user or sole proprietor that wants to connect up to 3 different devices and is looking for unlimited local calling plus selected international destinations.
- Choose an Unlimited VoIP SIP Trunk if your business requires multiple concurrent calls, predictable monthly costs, and unlimited calling benefits.
By understanding your calling patterns and business requirements, you can select the most suitable VoIP packages and maximise both cost savings and productivity while keeping your communication costs under control. Switch Telecom clients often choose a usage based package if they are unsure of their calling patterns, then review their VoIP Call Reports after the first month or two to determine whether the package they initially selected still makes sense. If they decide to change packages, there are no waiting periods, notice periods, or downtime.
Speak to a professional VoIP Consultant for more information.
