Today’s telecom market allows companies access to a numerous types of business phone systems, two of which are SIP Trunking and PRI. While some may consider the two indistinguishable, they have differences in terms of versatility, equipment, and cost.
What is PRI?
PRI is more of a traditional form of business phone system communications. It relies on the Public Switched Telephone Network and requires a circuit switch and physical phone line. Each line has 23 voice channels in order to handle simultaneous calls. You purchase additional connections per circuit of 23 channels at an additional cost. In other words, if you want to up your call capacity, you will have to install more lines.
What is SIP Trunking?
The biggest difference between PRI and SIP Trunking is that the former connects virtually to the aforementioned Public Switched Telephone Network. It routes all your VoIP calls through the Internet as opposed to through a physical line. Arguably the best thing about SIP Trunking is that you can combine data, voice, and video in one line and does not limit the amount of voice channels you can use.
SIP Trunking is also more cost efficient than PRI; SIP connections are sold as per call path. If you need to increase call volume you purchase more SIP Trunks (each one allows for 2-3 users).
Major Differences Between PRI and SIP Trunking
Cost
PRI requires you to pay per-minute fees if you want to make long distance phone calls. SIP Trunking, on the other hand, permits you unlimited local and long distance calls.
Hardware
As mentioned, PRI requires a physical phone line with 23 voice channels. If you want to expand your business you have to install additional lines. SIP Trunking doesn’t require new hardware if you want to grow your business.
Features
If you want additional features with PRI, you have to pay extra. SIP Trunking, however, has customizable features at no additional cost.
Our Conclusion
In terms of equipment, versatility, and cost, SIP Trunking is almost certainly the better choice for your business’s telecommunications. If you have any business phone system questions, please contact us. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.
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