Teleconferencing, Video and Web Conferencing
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Conference Call Rates
Conference call rates vary with the needs of the company. While the actual cost for the service is typically done on a per call, flat monthly fee, or free service, it is the add-ons that must be incorporated into the pricing that should be considered before selecting among the conference call companies.
Ancillary Services
Some of the choices to be considered in determining conference call rates follow. This is not a complete list as many conference call companies can also work out more customized solutions for customers needing it. This list also does not include conference call pricing as the actual call types vary. However, conference call pricing can be seen here.
Transcription Service: This service is normally ancillary to the recorded conference call so understand there can be 2 different conference call rates. One for recording the call, the second for transcribing it.
Call Recordings: Sometimes businesses conduct conference calls that are extremely important. It is for this reason that conference call companies offer the service of having the conference call recorded. In many cases, businesses record all conference calls either for internal use or to be made available in promotional materials, or on the company intranet or over a phone line.
Recorded Call Hosting: Quite a few conference call companies will offer the customer the use of having their recorded conference calls hosted on the conference call companies web site. The conference call company will supply the customer with a link to the conference call and the customer can then send people to the website link to hear the recording. The conference call rates will be for (1) recording the conference call and, in some cases, (2) hosting the conference call on the conference company's server.
Operator Assisted Conference Call: The operator assisted call is normally for very professional conference calls with different speakers or a call that involves questions and answers. Operator assisted calls mean that an operator from the conference call company stays on the conference and facilitates the different events within the call. This is extremely helpful for corporations.
Email Invitations: As an added nicety, some conference call companies send out pre conference invitations and reminders to registered guests. This service is typically set up when the conference call company also provides pre conference registration page where you gather more information from the people who will be attending. Email reminders without a doubt will increase guest counts on the call.
Unlimited Guests: There are a few conference call companies that allow for unlimited guests. Most calls do however have a limit unless you request this service. This will normally be done on a line that is different from the one you are used to using and will, in more cases than not, require you to set up a definite date, time, call length, and number of participants expected with the conference provider.
Unlimited Call Length: Great for companies that hold all day teleseminars or training. While most conference calls, unless specified, do have a call limit (average is 3-6 hours maximum), some conference call companies offer unlimited call length services for a small monthly fee.
Toll Free Conference Call: Toll free conference calls are handy for companies that hold training sessions or need to meet with groups of customers. Be careful when choosing the toll free conference call as many international customers can not dial into them. So when choosing the toll free conference call company to use, make sure the line can handle global callers.
Free Conference Call Rates
Sounds funny, "free conference call rates" but there are some additional services that free conference call companies may include with the free conference call account or as an added on and paid for service.
Free Conference Call Add Ons
Anytime Calls: Anytime calls, although they can have call length restrictions, are conference calls that can be conducted on a moments notice with no need for reservations or intervention from the conference call company. Quite a few companies offering the free conference call allow for anytime calls at no charge.
International Conference Call: Most all people internationally can call into a non toll free conference line. The international long distance rates will be charged as a normal long distance call to the customer calling from abroad. Check with the conference call companies to see which ones offer a free conference call service with truly global service for international guests.
Web Controls and Interface: A web interface
allows the users to have more control over their
conference call. Many free conference call services come
with web controls so the user can manage their own calls
and won't have to rely on the conference call companies
to do anything.
Phone Pad Commands: Standard with most any conference call system. Phone pads allow the host and sometimes guests to mute themselves, have a lecture only call where only the host can speak and a few other features depending on the conference call companies offering the service.