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Conference Call Boutique - Different Conference Call Types for Different Users

As you know, one size doesn’t generally fit all. This is true of conference calling services. The conference calling plan that’s a perfect fit for your neighbor may be completely wrong for you and vice versa. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for a conference calling plan that’s not a good match for you. In fact, there are many different conference call types and plans from which to choose.

Conference Call Types
Conference calling services take many different forms including:
• Toll free conference calls
• Non-toll free conference calls
• International conference calls
• Free conference calls

Toll free vs. Non-toll Free Conference Calls
The two main conference call types are toll free or non-toll free. With toll free conference calls, all callers dial a toll free number, such as an 800 number, to access the conference. With non-toll free calls, each caller dials a standard phone number and each may incur individual long distance tolls on their phone bills. The host of the toll free conference call generally incurs the entire cost of the conference call while the callers of a non-toll conference call end up paying their portion of the call.

To add to the mix of toll free and non-toll free calls are “free” conference calls. These services typically have a catch. Rather than making money from collecting fees from conference calling participants, free conference calling providers may make their money from advertising. While you won’t necessarily have to pay for your call, you may be subject to advertisements or some other condition during your teleconference.

Domestic vs. International Conference Calls
Conference call types can also be broken down into domestic or international teleconferencing categories. With a domestic call, all callers are in the U.S. where rates are consistent. For example, a toll free call could be either domestic or international depending on where the callers are located. If everyone is in the U.S., then the per minute / per participant fees would be based on domestic U.S. rates. On the other hand, if some participants call from other countries, the per minute / per participant rates would vary with different prices for each international caller based on the participant’s country’s rates.

Conference Calling Plans
In addition to the different conference call types, calling plans are bundled in many different ways including:
• Unlimited conference calling plans
• Pay-as-you-go conference call plans
• Prepaid conference calling minutes

With so many conference call types, which one is the right fit for you? First, it’s important to understand usage. Ask yourself a series of questions to narrow down the type of calling patterns you expect to have. For example, will you be hosting calls with international participants? Do you want each caller to bear a portion of the call or is providing toll free access important to you? How often do you plan on holding teleconferences? Do you have the discipline it takes not to exceed monthly allotments of minutes or would an unlimited plan be a better choice? Are you looking for a plan with no monthly minimums or long term contracts?

Once you know your conference calling profile, you can then begin shopping for conference calling plans. Just as you wouldn’t shop at a boutique without knowing what fits, you shouldn’t go to a conference call boutique without knowing which conference call types and patterns are right for you.

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