FAQ

Yes, if the porting process (migration from existing phone service carrier to new) is done correctly, in nearly all cases you can keep your phone numbers. There is a Federally-Regulated process that all Local Exchange Carriers (LEC’s) need to comply with; however, the loosing phone service carrier can temporarily reject the release of your phone numbers for reasons such as an outstanding balance, pending open order, etc.

While this process can be accomplished within 2 weeks, we strongly advise to plan for 30-45 days as this will allow enough time for the process to be completed accurately and in a controlled manner. Cabling, networking and phone system programming can take place during this time in preparation for the new phone system.

As more and more technologies move into the cloud, we recommend to our clients to consider deploying a redundant internet connection for fail over or load balancing of internet usage. There are several reliable and low-cost internet options (Verizon FIOS, Coax Broadband (Coax/Cox), Fixed Wireless, 4G, Satellite and Ethernet over Copper) that make this more affordable than ever. Additionally, the development of Software Defined WAN (SD WAN) technologies have afforded smaller businesses the ability to build higher-performance Wide Area Networks and a very low price.

If redundant Internet is not in your plans/budget, consider using the Mobile Accession smart phone application for redundancy. For just $2/per month you can enable the full features of your cloud PBX right on your smart phone and utilize your wireless carrier’s (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) as a back up to keep your operating during an internet outage.

Loss of Internet causing downtime is very common concern we hear from nearly all our customers during our discovery process.  However, we strongly believe that cloud-based technologies are significantly more reliable and offer higher availability to “up time” because of the new and more affordable technologies available.

Yes! For the past 15 years, Teltek has eased this burdensome process for our client’s to-do lists. Nearly all our support packages include what we call Managed Carrier Services which enables our technical staff to work between phone/internet service company and client to place, manage and resolve trouble tickets, moves, adds, and changes to service.

Additionally, with our cloud PBX offering, Teltek becomes your phone service company limiting the number of vendors that need to be managed.

VOIP has come along way in the past 3 years and if deployed/managed properly you can nearly eliminate the potential for poor call quality.  That said, many VOIP providers are more focused on just trying to make a sale versus property planning and integrating the technology; here are a few points to consider for a successful VoIP network:

• Isolate VoIP from the core computer network: use a separate solid cabling infrastructure/POE switches, separate VoIP-grade managed router for monitoring and security
• Ensure that you have adequate dedicated and symmetrical internet connection(s) (fiber internet is preferred).
• Consider adding a second internet service for redundancy with a router configured to prioritize the voice across the better connection in real time (SD WAN)
• Use decent desk phones – ensure that they have adequate buttons, features and a gigabit network interface card (if you are using single cable infrastructure)

All these suggestions above are affordable and easy to deploy. However, we find many VOIP providers don’t take the time consider/explain this to their customers and/or lack the knowledge deal with the network/cabling/internet requirements. Typically, these essential components of a proper VoIP network are left up to an under-educated and prepared customer to deal with and result in poor call quality, dropped calls and a lot of frustration.

We often use the analogy of “the war on drugs” to paint a picture of the challenges with cyber security. What we mean, is that like drugs, customer data is valuable, and criminals are savvy. 100’s of billions of dollars are spent each year in an attempt to protect the public from both threats but unfortunately criminals are constantly adapting to overcome new technologies and preventative measures.  Here are a few easy to deploy and low-cost ways to protect yourself and your business:

• Use complex passwords, change them often, don’t use the same password for multiple sites.
• Consider how much personal data your Facebook profile contains: lock it down and don’t use the same password for any business credentials.
• Don’t store usernames/passwords on websites or in internet browsers like Chrome/Firefox. Consider using a password volt such as Pass Portal or Last Pass to store/manage passwords and control who levels of access to each set of credentials within your organization
• Deploy ongoing and mandator education to your staff on how to prevent hacking and phishing attacks. Services are now available and affordable that will provide ongoing online training, tracking and reporting to business owners. Additionally, simulated phishing attacks can be scheduled throughout a set timeframe to test your employees and identify which ones need remedial training.
• Deploy and hire a company to manage best in class firewall, antivirus and antispam software
• Take the time to understand and invest in the best image-level data backup and disaster recovery solution like Datto.
• Integrate two factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible (receive SMS/email alerts or use an authentication application to access online accounts)
• Talk to your business insurance broker about getting in cyber-liability insurance policy

We believe clients should still install two separate network cables, one for telecom and one for their computer network – even if they are using VOIP and can get away with one and save a little money. The cost of adding a second network cable at the time of installation is nominal and a smart practice. While VoIP technology is nothing new, many “IT Guys” still don’t understand how it works and how to properly configure a network to promote optimal call quality.  By installing two cables you can effective isolate your voice and data networks from one another and potentially limit future serviceability problems and costly downtime.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question, however, we encourage all customers to discuss their specific situation with one of our Account Executives. In many cases we can advise or assist our clients to evaluate their agreements and the negotiations to break existing contracts if necessary.