Making the switch from making calls using a traditional telephone line to using a SIP trunk phone system can have myriad benefits for businesses small and large. Phone bills are drastically reduced and many more communication options become available. But as with any new technology, business owners need to ask the right questions before committing to any big change. One of the most common questions is how many SIP trunks do I need. The answer is more simple than you might think.
What Is A SIP Trunk?
SIP trunks essentially enable a number of virtual telephone lines, known as SIP lines, to send voice calls and other communications over the internet. The fundamental difference between SIP trunking and traditional telephony is that it operates across a PBX, or Private Branch Exchange. SIP trunks allow for a SIP connection to take place over the internet. SIP trunks enable VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, so you often hear the two terms used together.
How Many SIP Trunks Do I Need For My Business?
If you’re considering a SIP trunk phone system, it is useful to know how many calls your business handles on a day to day basis, including those placed on hold. Each SIP line can only support one call at a time but the number of SIP lines that can be operated through a SIP trunk is limitless. For most small businesses, this type of information is easy to work out as it’s easier to monitor the number of calls made and received per day. For larger businesses, it’s best to work with any SIP trunk providers you may be discussing your needs with, to analyse your needs. You don’t want to be paying for SIP services you don’t need after all.
How Many SIP Trunks Do I Need As A General Rule?
If you’re looking for a more generalised figure, look to the 3:1 rule. A little outdated now but still useful, this estimation states you should have 3 employees to each line. It’s a good starting point when considering different options for SIP Australia wide.
What If I Need More SIP Lines?
One of the benefits of operating a SIP system is you can add and remove SIP lines as you wish. If your business is expanding and growing, you can assume your employees will be making and receiving more calls. In which case you can add more lines, and SIP trunks as needed. If you’re downsizing or the nature of your business is changing, you can always reduce the number of lines you are paying for each month.
All businesses want to make the most from their telecoms budget. SIP systems have transformed the way businesses communicate. Asking how many SIP trunks do I need is one of the first steps towards running an efficient, cost effective communication system for your business.
