Local Voice

Local Voice Thoughts

Local voice services, although simple in concept are complex in implementation.  A couple of things to remember before we start:

• Every state has its own regulatory body that watches over telephone services within its borders (in addition to the Federal Government through the FCC).  Therefore, service providers operating in multiple states will often provide not only different sets of services but also vastly different pricing for the same services.  Therefore, in our reviews, we're looking more at the "macro" than the state level of service.  To make sure you can get some of the services we talk about - at some of the prices we quote - check with your provider in your specific geography.
• There are hundreds of small operators that service many rural areas in the U.S.  We have not reviewed them (a simply overwhelming task) frankly, because folks in those areas don't have a lot of choice.  It's the local provider or nothing.  This may change in the future, but not in the near term.  So if you operate your business in an area where there is a single provider, you'll have to make do with their service offerings.
• We've reviewed service offerings of cable companies and some other "non-incumbents".  Most of them provide their services in specific geographies only.  Check with them to make sure their services are available in your area before getting too far down the road.
• Finally, there are also a number of small CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) that service residential customers.  Many of these companies simply resell ILEC services, a few have their own switching equipment.  Again, any attempt to review all of those companies at this time would be impossible (if you'd like us to look at someone specific, however, let us know).  With that said, many of these companies provide competitive services at very good prices (here in McKinney, TX  we have Sage Telecom for example).  It might be worth your time and good for your pocketbook to check into their capabilities and pricing.

Last thought - remember that voice services remain the "lifeline" of your business - and will often be one of the largest ongoing costs your business must support.  And although getting basic telephone services often just seems like a "no brainer" the alternatives that are available - to help you contain costs and implement innovative services that can help you and your business be more productive - should make you think twice before just "signing up" for standard POTS with your local ILEC.

Web Home Office Reports

Let's get to it.  Our review of Local Voice Services and Service Providers follows.   (Note:  If you don't recall our rating system:  Rating Guide.)

Local Voice Services Review

Local Voice Services and Service Providers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

allo.com

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

allo.com offers eight residential and business plans as well as "add-on" services that are designed for business customers.

Cost - $$$$

Pricing for allo.com services is detailed below.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

A good communications package can help you save time and stay in touch with your customers.  allo.com's packages are designed to help you do that.

Ease of Use - @@@@

allo.com's services can be managed via the web, and your analog phone works just like it always did - with the help of an ATA.

Works With - YYYYY

allo.com services work with both the traditional PSTN and IP networks - and can also work with any SIP-based phone, including newer cell phones with SIP clients.

Support - pppp+The technical support area of the allo.com web site includes a FAQ, details on VoIP, installation support and information on number portability and more.  If you need help you can contact allo.com tech support via email, using their live chat capability on the web site or at their "800" number.

Features - iiii

allo.com services include the ability to use their services "on the road" (Mobile VoIP), voicemail, Caller ID with name, ID spoofing, a softphone client, E-911 dialing, 411 assistance, call conferencing, call forwarding, call waiting, international call block, in-networking calling, call history/search, change phone number, simultaneous ring, area code selection and the ability to use any SIP-based device on the all.com service network.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

Competitively priced VoIP services for both the very small home business (residential) and the more robust ones (business services).  A good support strategy is in place as well.  But, make sure your broadband service has enough bandwidth to ensure voice quality before you switch.

AT&T

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

AT&T offers traditional local services as well as AT&T's CallVantage Voice over IP services for home business owners with broadband Internet access. 

Cost - $$$$

AT&T's local, bundled services are outlined below. 

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

You can't do without a local voice service for your business (even if you do use your cell phone more than your land line).

Ease of Use - @@@@@

Is there anything easier to use than the telephone?

Works With - YYYYY

AT&T gives you lots of options and they don't force you to use AT&T long distance services (although if you do a lot of calling one of their packages with unlimited long distance could save you a ton of money see our Voice and Data Service Bundles Ratings and Review for more information).

Support - pppp

AT&T's web site includes the ability for you to manage your account and personal information as well as get