I was given a task by my boss to look for a VOIP service provider for the office, as we currently only have a simple telephone line with a Time Warner cable connected to our Toshiba PBX, and he wants everyone to have a direct connection. With about 15 lines and new phones available on the market, I'm not quite sure where to begin my search.

One provider that caught my attention is 8x8, which seems to be very noticeable in the market, possibly due to their extensive advertising. However, I am also considering Cincinnati Bell, who are offering a quote but require more maintenance as they want to drop their own T1 line.

Before making a final decision, I wanted to take into consideration the reliability of our current service provider, Time Warner Cable business class. Losing telephone connection would be detrimental to our business, and it's important to consider potential blame should anything go wrong.

I have researched reviews for both 8x8 and Megapath and found that while their pricing is similar, their reviews vary drastically. Given this information and the importance of phone functionality, I recommend sticking with our current reliable service until we move.

However, I am still curious about popular telecom operators or service providers for small businesses, especially in the Dayton, Ohio area where I have not found a reliable supplier. Alternatively, I wonder if it may be better for us to obtain POTS and run our own VOIP locally or let local providers handle it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The number of your employees will determine the appropriate option for you. Opting for a partial PRI that offers 12 connecting lines out of 24 could be a preferable choice over getting the minimum. When you have this, both incoming and outgoing calls will utilize 2 channels at the same time, leaving you with 4 stems.

In general, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business when choosing a PRI (Primary Rate Interface) service. This will ensure that you have an adequate number of channels to accommodate your communication requirements without unnecessary expenses.

Choosing a VOIP service provider for your office can be a crucial decision, considering the impact on your business's communication. It's great that you have done some research on providers like 8x8 and Megapath and considered sticking with your current reliable service until you move.

In terms of popular telecom operators or service providers for small businesses in the Dayton, Ohio area, it would be helpful to consult local business directories or ask for recommendations from other local businesses. They may have insights about reliable suppliers that could meet your needs.

Regarding the option of obtaining POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and running your own VOIP locally or letting local providers handle it, there are a few factors to consider. Managing your own VOIP system locally would require technical expertise and resources, including setting up hardware, configuring software, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. On the other hand, relying on local providers allows you to outsource the technical aspects and focus on your core business operations. Assessing your team's capabilities and the level of support you require would help guide your decision.

Additionally, when evaluating potential providers, it's essential to inquire about their reliability, customer support, scalability, and any specific features you may need for your business. Reading customer reviews and seeking testimonials can provide further insights into the experiences of other businesses using these services.

Ultimately, selecting the right VOIP service provider for your office requires careful consideration of your specific requirements, budget, and the reputation of the provider in terms of reliability and customer support. Don't hesitate to reach out to multiple providers for quotes and information to make an informed decision that best suits your company's needs.

VOIP service providers that you may consider:

1. RingCentral: RingCentral offers a comprehensive suite of VOIP solutions for businesses, including voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration tools. They have a user-friendly interface and a range of plans to cater to different business sizes.

2. Vonage Business: Vonage Business provides cloud-based phone systems with features like virtual receptionists, call routing, and conferencing. They offer scalable plans suitable for small to large businesses.

3. Nextiva: Nextiva is known for its robust features, including advanced call management, analytics, CRM integration, and mobile apps. They offer flexible plans and have a reputation for excellent customer support.

4. Ooma Office: Ooma Office is designed specifically for small businesses, offering affordable and reliable VOIP services. Their plans include features such as virtual receptionists, extension dialing, and call forwarding.

5. Jive Communications: Jive Communications offers a range of VOIP solutions for businesses, including hosted PBX systems, call analytics, and call center features. They focus on delivering feature-rich and customizable solutions.