VoIP Wholesale Carriers play a vital role in the telecoms industry. However, these providers face a number of issues in the rapidly changing market and new innovations such as IWS can help.
What do Wholesale VoIP Providers do?
Wholesale VoIP providers manage networks and offer white routes, termination and origination services to carriers and providers. Origination allows customers to access to numbers worldwide, while wholesale termination gives access to an extensive voice network. These businesses support carriers, other VoIP service providers, and other resellers such as calling card companies, call back services, wireless networks, and call shops.
What challenges are they facing?
Wholesale VoIP providers face a number of challenges as they strive to be competitive and maintain their profit levels. These issues include:
– Route rates
Because routes and associated rates change constantly, wholesale VoIP providers need to be able to monitor and keep on top of the updated rates. Otherwise they may end up paying more than the going rate.
– Route Quality
For wholesale VoIP businesses, the route is probably the most important component. Moreover, the quality of the VoIP routes arguably matters more than anything. If the quality is poor then customers will leave and profits will suffer.
– Poor negotiation
Because the majority of VoIP service providers carry out their business online, it can be difficult to negotiate properly. This can result in problems and misunderstandings and may mean the service clients expect is not the one they receive, or the price they pay is more than they anticipated.
– Payment delays
Arguably the most damaging issue faced by wholesale VoIP providers is the delay with payments. This delay occurs because VoIP service providers follow a standard billing cycle, with the result that they have to wait for the end of the cycle to invoice and then wait even longer to receive payment. This impacts on a business’ cashflow and can cause major problems.
What is IWS?
IWS stands for Instant Wholesale Service. It is a relatively new concept and essentially an advanced form of wholesale VoIP. It is highly beneficial to smaller businesses who wish to get started in the wholesale VoIP sphere.
How can IWS help Wholesale VoIP Providers?
Because IWS is instant, there are no delays in payments. This prevents disruptions, improves cashflow and ensures that VoIP businesses can function smoothly. The payment methods available are also safe and secure and businesses can request any payment amount at any time via an automated portal.
Other benefits of IWS include:
- Bilateral business opportunities
- Account customisation
- No additional paperwork,
- Routes for voice
- Mobile top-up options
- Safe and secure payment options
- 24/7 customer support
Choosing a VoIP wholesale carrier
The right VoIP system can help a business to be more responsive to customer demands. If your business is looking to select a VoIP provider to help transform your telecommunications, there are a number of things to consider.
Price
While cost is understandably a major factor in choosing any type of provider, the cheapest is very rarely the best option in terms of value for money. It is better to spend a little more for a service that is reliable and can grow and expand with your business.
Customer service
The level of customer service on offer is a critical factor and helps your business deal with changing communication needs. Smaller providers may be able to offer a more personalised service with a dedicated account manager.
Technology
Larger providers are likely to have access to and be able to afford more up-to-date technology and equipment than smaller firms. It is down to you as to how importance you place on this.
Reliability
Experienced VoIP providers such as IDT have a large, modern, and well-developed global infrastructure that enables them to offer extremely reliable and efficient service.
Adaptability/ease of expansion
The ability to scale up or down easily is something that you should seek in a provider. For example, the ability to easily add/remove dedicated numbers when employees start or leave is something you should look for. As is being able to add a group of new numbers together if you were to perhaps open up a new office. The system should be flexible enough to be able to adapt to your requirements and deal with both expected and unexpected changes in your circumstances.
Features
In deciding on a provider, you should check which features are available – which are included as standard and which you will have to pay extra for.
Ultimately, in selecting a VoIP provider, it is vital to undertake detailed due diligence and to check that they really can supply the service you need.
