Voice Duck » Mobile Phones

Arming employees with smartphones

Joe Pawlikowski — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:48:48 +0000

By now it’s no secret: businesses are using smartphones to their advantages. They allow for instant communications no matter where employees are. What’s more, it allows for the simplest type of communication. While there are many instances when phone calls take too long, or are simply not possible, email is the new communication currency. Employees armed with smartphones are more likely to remain up to date on all important business information.

There are many smartphones available, and so there are tons of choices. Here are a few suggestions when picking the smartphones for your workforce.

Compitability

Not all IT departments are the same. Each runs different hardware and software. Those configurations will mean a lot when setting up smartphones. For instance, if a company doesn’t run Microsoft Exchange, it might not make as much sense to arm the workforce with iPhones, since iPhones work optimally with Microsoft Exchange. Similarly, a small company might not want to invest in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server and then absorb the additional costs associated with one. The foremost consideration in putting smartphones in employees’ hands is the compatibility with the current systems.

Security

When it comes to business, security is a top priority. While hacking attacks aren’t exactly common, they can post a great risk to any business, big or small. Choosing a smartphone platform that provides the greatest level of security should rank highly among a business’s considerations. This might mean spending a great deal more. Using the above example, going with BlackBerry means investing more in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. But it also means having data encrypted at Research In Motion’s data centers, which means a greater level of security. It’s a tough balancing act, but it is a critical one.

Versatility

While the BlackBerry might be the most secure smartphone, it is also the least versatile. Users will get the basics — email, calendar, and contacts, with easy syncing to computers — but very little more. While a lot of the extras are entertainment-based, many of them can serve a purpose for businesses. A platform such as iPhone will offer users more features for essentially the same price — and perhaps cheaper when considering the cost of BES. Versatility might not be quite as important as security, but it does play a role in the decision.

Price

Of course, businesses can’t just throw money at the issue and declare a solution. They need to make measured decisions on every aspect, including price. Again, the most secure solution might cost a lot, but the less secure and cheaper option can leave businesses more vulnerable. There are monthly fees to consider as well — RIM is notorious for its monthly charge per user for BES usage. The extra price just might not work for some companies, even if the solution is otherwise the best.

Arming employees with smartphones

Smartphones vs. Tablets for Mobile Workers

voiceduck — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:16:47 +0000

The mobile worker has many unique needs. The typical checklist includes two primary items: cell phone and a laptop computer. Lately, though, cell phone has come to be defined as smartphone. That’s an added cost to any business, but smartphones have become necessary for the mobile worker. Yet there are restrictions to smartphones that might not make them the ideal solution. The recent trend in tablet computers might make more sense.

The idea is to replace the laptop/smartphone combination with a tablet/cell phone one. It will surely mean less bulk for the mobile worker, since a tablet and normal cell phone are smaller in size than a smartphone and laptop. This goes even if the laptop is a netbook. At the same time, it can lead to cost savings, depending on your current smartphone plan — especially if that smartphone plan includes tethering.

For starters, the prepaid cell phone will save over the cost of a basic contract cell phone plan. Services such as T-Mobile and Net10 offer minutes for about 10 cents each. For low-usage callers, this can save heavily over a $40 postpaid monthly calling plan. For heavier callers there are many unlimited plans that can fit the bill. Any way you slice it, you can find cheaper service, with long distance included, with prepaid wireless.

Where do those savings go, then? To the tablet device. Many of these devices are equipped with 3G, or even 4G, radios. That gives them all the capabilities of smartphones, other than voice calls — hence the prepaid phone for that function. Yet at the same time, tablets are now powerful enough to handle many functions that previously required a laptop. Users can create documents, manage communications, and even access their work desktop computers, all from a small device.

An Android tablet, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab, can provide an easy solution. It runs on the Android platform and therefore functions in a manner similar to a smartphone. But at the same time it’s far more portable than a laptop, while providing many of the same functions. In fact, it strips down the laptop experience and takes out all the unnecessary aspects. What’s left can help business users get the most out of their devices.

The total monthly savings will certainly play a role in this decision. Mobile workers who don’t need the phone frequently will save the most, since they can go with a cheap per-minute prepaid wireless plan. Cost savings are also realized from the devices themselves. Even the most expensive Android tablets cost in the $700 range, though one like the Galaxy Tab can be much cheaper than that. All in all, a tablet PC should cost considerably less than a laptop. So those are both up-front and recurring savings.

The switch from laptops and smartphones to tablets and prepaid cell phones might not be an easy one. Workers are used to the versatility of a laptop computer and might be hesitant to use a tablet instead. But these devices are becoming more powerful, and can handle many simple business-related tasks. It is certainly one way to stay on top of all communications, while helping the bottom line.

Smartphones vs. Tablets for Mobile Workers

What’s Best for Your Business: VoIP or Unlimited Cellular?

voiceduck — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:39:07 +0000

Your unique business needs a unique solution to its communications needs. There is no single be-all, end-all answer that provides the best answer for every business. We discovered this in our VoIP and landlines discussion. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, meaning that each individual business must determine what will best serve its needs. Yet VoIP and landlines aren’t the only services at play. They get the most attention, because they represent the traditional business schema. But there are other options, namely cellular phones.

An all-mobile workplace has its advantages, especially for businesses that have traveling employees. There are certainly reasons to forego the traditional landline setup and get everyone on your sales force a mobile phone. It might be an expensive solution, but it can help provide opportunities that are not available through VoIP and landline solutions. Here are a few reasons why an unlimited cellular plan might work for you better than a standard VoIP plan.

Mobility

Obviously, the No. 1 advantage mobile phones have over stationary phones is that they can go with the user wherever they are. That means fewer voicemails to be checked. It also means easier access to the employee, from clients and bosses. This can help foster a more efficient workplace, where tasks left on voicemail don’t slip through the cracks, and where clients can talk to their representative one-on-one, no matter where he’s currently stationed.

Data On The Go

Mobile solutions are expensive not only because they provide mobility, but also because they provide more services than a landline or VoIP carrier. That is, they provide data and messaging services on top of the standard voice options. This means employees can access information from wherever they are, making for a more flexible work environment.

The BlackBerry has long been considered the best smartphone for businesses. It contains a world-class messaging system, which will keep all mobile employees connected to their email at all times. It also has a high-quality web browser, a big upgrade from older BlackBerry models, and applications that can help a mobile worker do her job more efficiently. There are even apps that allow employees to access their office computers, making mobile life even easier.

Always-On Connection

One of the advantages landlines have over VoIP solutions is connectivity. If power goes out in the office, so goes a VoIP connection. The same goes for the internet connection. Every so often everyone experiences an issue with their internet connection. For VoIP customers, this means problems with the phone lines. Some businesses just can’t afford this type of inconvenience. It can cost them time, and therefore money.

Mobile phone connections are essentially always on. There need be only a few bars of reception for an employee to access basic voice and messaging services. While signal-less areas do pose a problem, there are far fewer of them now than there were even two years ago. Most of America is blanketed with cellular network signal, and with all of the roaming agreements between carriers it’s sometimes tough to find an area that has no service.

The Rub: Price

The three above-mentioned features don’t come for free. The added convenience necessarily means a higher price on those services. On our VoIP comparison you can see plans for as little as $7 per month. Even the most expensive ones are $20 per month. Cell phone plans will cost more than double that — maybe even triple, depending on what services you require. Many cell phone carriers work with businesses to provide custom solutions that help keep costs down. But where you pay $20 for VoIP service, you might end up paying $80 per month for a single employee’s smartphone, and that doesn’t even cover the cost of the smartphone itself.

As with the VoiP vs. landlines debate, the VoIP vs. cell phones debate comes down to each business’s unique needs. For some businesses, the extra cost of mobile phones is a mere investment. They can recoup it with the added work its employees can handle. For others, though, it’s an unnecessary cost that will negatively affect the bottom line. Choose with care.

What’s Best for Your Business: VoIP or Unlimited Cellular?

How to Customize Your Ringback Tones

graywolf — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:14:23 +0000

Ringback tones allow callers to hear a song when they call you, rather than the standard ringing. Take a look at this to find out how to customize your ringback tones.

AT&T Ringbacks

If you are an AT&T customer, you know ringback tones as “answer tones.” To setup your answer tones, all you need to do is visit the AT&T wireless Web site. You’ll see a list of available answer tones where you will be able to preview them to see if that’s what you want your callers to hear. Once you have chosen an answer tone you like, click the “Buy” button. Answer tones cost $1.99 each per year, and the service will cost $0.99 per month. At this point, you will be prompted to login to your account. If you do not have an AT&T wireless account, you will have to create one.

Once you have logged in to your account, you will be able to complete your purchase and use the answer back tone. Within the account, you should see the option to “Manage My Answer Tones.” This will allow you to set which answer tones callers will hear. Answer tones can be set for days of the week, each contact, or certain times of the day. Setting up answer tones can also be done through your handset if you have access to MediaNet or Media Mall. Prepaid customers can also get answer tones for an additional $1.00 delivery fee.

T-Mobile Ringbacks

T-Mobile customers know ringback tones as “caller tones.” To setup caller tones, visit the T-Mobile Web site. To access the tones, you’ll need to subscribe to the service for $1.49 per month and $1.99 per tone. Subscribe to the service through your online account. From there, you’ll be able to preview, purchase, and setup caller tones.

To setup caller tones from your device, dial: *TUNE (*8863). Currently, caller tones are not available to prepaid customers.

Verizon Ringbacks

Verizon customers know ringback tones by that name. To setup ringback tones, visit the Verizon Web site. Simply preview a tone, click “buy” and login to your account to complete the purchase. From within your account, you’ll see an option to “Manage Ringback Tones.” From here, you’ll be able to set ringback tones for individual callers, days of the week, and times of the day.

Ringback tones are available for a fee of $1.99 per tone per year and $0.99 per month for both contract and prepaid customers. They can be purchased and managed from your handset by going to: Get It Now > Tunes and Tones > Get New Tones > VZW Tones Deluxe. If you don’t have the VZW Tones Deluxe app on your phone, you can choose the “Get New Application” option after the “Get New Tones” menu. The app will allow you to find, preview, purchase, and set ringbacks.

Sprint Ringbacks

Sprint customers know ringback tones as “call tones.” To make use of this service, you’ll need to visit the Sprint PCS Web site and login to your Sprint account. If you do not have one, you will have to create one. Once in your account, look for the “PCS Vision Services” link. Choose “Content Catalog.” This will allow you to preview the call tones before making a purchase. When you find one you want, purchase it. It will then move to the “My Content Manager” where you will be able to handle assignments to callers based on groups, individuals, or time of day.

To purchase and manage call tones from your phone: Use your phone’s web browser to navigate to the Sprint PCS Vision Web site. Choose: Downloads > Caller Tones. Find the call tone you want and choose “Buy Now.” From here, you can choose assignments following these steps: Click “Add/Remove Numbers.” Then enter the 10 digit phone number to assign the call tone to and repeat as necessary for all numbers you want to hear the call tone.

Ringback and Ringtones

Ringback tones are different from regular ringtones in the sense that ringbacks are offered and hosted by your carrier. This is why there is a monthly or annual charge for the service, and also why you cannot find and download your own ringbacks.

Ringtones can be purchased and downloaded directly from your wireless carrier or from a variety of Web sites. The following Web sites require registration and verify your phone via text message.

• Myxer offers free ringtones to many wireless customers, though you will have to pay for the download if you’re not using an unlimited data plan. Verizon wireless customers receive their tones through a PIX message so they will pay a text messaging fee.
• PhoneZoo is another service very similar to Mxyertones, offering free and custom ringtones to nearly all wireless customers.
• SendMeMobile Ringtones is similar to Myxtones and Phonezoo, except a $9.99/month service charge is billed to your cell phone bill for each month the service is used and carries ringtones for all of the major cellular services including harder to find Sprint ringtones.

How to Customize Your Ringback Tones

Compare Cellular Services

voiceduck — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:06:20 +0000

How Do Cellular Phones Work? When you talk into a wireless telephone, it picks up your voice and converts the sound to radio frequency energy (or radio waves). The radio waves travel through the air until they reach a receiver at a nearby base station. The base station then sends your call through the telephone network until it reaches the person you are calling.

When you receive a call on your wireless telephone, the message travels through the telephone network until it reaches a base station close to your wireless phone. Then the base station sends out radio waves that are detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the signals are changed back into the sound of a voice.

How Analog Cellular Works

Analog works much like a radio. Your cell phone broadcasts your voice into the airwaves of the cellular network at about 800 MHz. Analog calls are sent out on a single frequency or channel.

How Digital Cellular Works

Digital cell phones convert your voice into a digital format before transmitting it over the airwaves at about 800 MHz. Instead of one call per frequency or channel, digital is able to carry multiple conversations over a single frequency making it possible the digital cellular networks to handle numerous calls over the same channel at one time. Calls made by digital phones tend to be clearer than those made by analog phones. Digital formatting (as done with music and movies) tends to produce better results (think of a DVD vs. a VHS tape).

How PCS (Personal Communications Services) Works

PCS works much like digital cellular. The big difference is that PCS networks have a higher frequency range of about 1900 MHz. FCC regulations only allow one analog and one digital carrier to have operations in major metropolitan areas. But, they allow up to six PCS networks in one place. This makes PCS carriers compete and can help make costs, plans and customer service better for users.

Type of Service – Do I want analog cellular, digital cellular or PCS service? Compare the columns below to find the one most suited for you.

Any phone that transmits signals through the air without a physical connection. Cell (cellular), mobile, portable phones (hand held), in-car mounted and bag (transportable) phones are all considered wireless phones.

Category	Analog Cellular	Digital Cellular	PCS
Frequency	800 MHz	800 MHz	1900 MHz
Channel Spacing	10-30 kHz	30 kHz	200 kHz
Call Quality	Poor-Good Sometimes interference with the network can cause static and dropped calls.	Very Clear Less prone to interference and therefore not as many dropped calls or static.	Very Clear Newer networks can make for better sound quality due to the newness of PCS itself.
Coverage Nationwide	Complete	Build-Out In Progress	Build-Out In Progress
Rural Area Access	Poor	Poor	Poor – may take a few years to improve
Security	Can Be Intercepted	More Secure	More Secure
Phone Cost	Inexpensive	Mid-Priced	Expensive
Air Time Cost	More Than Digital	Less Than Analog	Less Than Analog
Features	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Voicemail Less features due to no wireless data services.	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Caller ID Voicemail Text Messaging Numeric Paging Internet Access Additional bandwidth can deal with wireless data.	Call Waiting Call Forwarding Caller ID Voicemail Text Messaging Numeric Paging Internet Access Additional bandwidth can deal with wireless data.
Battery Life Talk Time On	1 1/2 – 2 Hrs.	2 – 10 Hrs.	2 – 10 Hrs.
Battery Life Not Talking	24 – 40 Hrs.	3 – 17 Days	3 – 17 Days
Disability Access	Generally HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.	Generally NOT HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.	Generally NOT HAC & TTY Compatible Ask your provider.

Choosing Your Package

Choosing a cellular package can be overwhelming. Here are some questions to ask yourself about frequency of use and your other needs to determine the best plan for you before going shopping:

Calling Options

• At what time of day will I be making most of my calls?
• On average, how long do I expect each call to last?
• How selective will I be in giving out my cell phone number? Remember: You’re paying for calls you receive as well as those you make
• Will I use my cell phone for long distance calls?
• How often do I expect to travel outside my home calling area?

Phone Requirements

• Will my phone need a clip so I can attach it to a piece of clothing?
• Do I need a flip phone to guard against it inadvertently being turned on? One that has a cover you flip-up to access the phone.
• Does my phone need to be designed for use in other countries

Looking for some great deals on cellular service? Click here to find top notch deals from T-Mobile, AT&T and more.

Compare Cellular Services

Tips for Choosing a Cell Phone Plan

voiceduck — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:01:43 +0000

It seems that everyone has a cell phone today. While that means demand is high, it also means that providers have had to offer increasingly competitive cell phone plans and prices in order to earn the business of the ever rising number of customers signing up for cell phone plans. This is a good thing for consumers.

However, with the increasing number of options – you may also find yourself overwhelmed and confused when trying to choose the cell phone service plan that is right for your needs. Read on to find out what to look for in a cellular phone plan so that you can make the best decision possible before signing the contract.

Service Plans – Coverage

Most cell phone providers offer three basic types of cellular calling plans – local plans, regional plans and national plans. Each type specifies a different “home” area that you may use to make and receive calls without having extra fees tacked on your bill at the end of the month.

Local plans usually reach a very small metropolitan area or portion of s state. Regional plans follow this same method, except that the area they cover is a bit larger. Usually an entire state – while some may also include service to certain areas of surrounding states. National plans usually allow you to make and receive calls throughout the continental USA.

No matter which plan you have, if you go outside of the covered area as designated by your particular plan (and sometimes outside of your providers coverage area), you will be considered by the phone company to be roaming. Calls made or received while roaming are usually a lot more expensive and many also incur long distance charges on top of the per minute roaming fee.

Service Plans – Minutes

Most cell phone plans come with a designated number of “anytime” minutes. Anytime minutes are almost always daytime minutes (most providers now offer unlimited nights, weekends or nights and weekends – otherwise known as off-peak hours) and going over the allotted number of anytime minutes included in your plan can be pretty costly.

Be sure to pick a plan that will realistically cover the amount of daytime calls you will need to make and be sure to watch how much time you spend on the phone during the day to make sure that you don’t go over that allowed time.

Some family plans also offered shared minutes. This means that a block of phones all under the same account are assigned a certain number of minutes as a group. So, if a group is assigned 1000 minutes, all 1000 minutes can be used by one group member or each group member could make 250 minutes worth of calls each – or any other variation.

Free member to member minutes are another common feature. This means that a provider allows you to call other customers on their service at any time of the day or night without eating up those precious anytime minutes. Many families find that all being on the same service provider helps them be able to use their phones more frequently without going over their plan minute amount.

Features

Check out what features are included in your plan and what features are extra. For example – some providers provide text messaging for free, others allow you to do 10 a month for free and still others will charge you for each message you receive. Also check that other features you want will be available, such as call waiting, caller ID, voicemail and more.

Service Agreements

The service agreements used by most cell phone companies are iron clad. Once you sign the service contract, you are required to honor it or else risk paying extremely high fees for breaking it. Be sure to check the cancellation policy. Some providers must be notified in writing at the end of your contract that you do not wish to continue service. If they don’t get that written notice, then your plan may end up automatically renewing for another set length of time.

With the competitiveness of the industry, plans that are a great deal now may not be a steal a year from now. Make sure that your cell phone company allows you to change from one plan to another (that are offered by that company) without violating your service agreement contract.

You will need to decide which plan will best suit your needs based on your historic or probable use of your cellular telephone service. If you need help finding some good plans and service providers, have no fear! We’ve looked at a lot of the plans being offered in the cellular phone service arena and have found some great deals on cell phone plans. If you’re credit is a problem, you can also check out deals on prepaid cell phone plans like those offered by TracFone and Verizon Wireless.

Tips for Choosing a Cell Phone Plan

Glossary of Cellular Terms

voiceduck — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:57:48 +0000

You will see a lot of terms that you may find confusing in your search for wireless services. Check out the glossary below to help in deciphering the “cellular code”.

Glossary

Access Fee
A special fee that local telephone companies are allowed to charge all telephone customers, including wireless, for the right to connect with the local phone network.

Airplane Mode
Some cell phones and other wireless devices (such as laptops) have a special mode made just for planes that allow you to use the non-wireless functions of the device without causing interference with any safety needs of the plane.

Air Time
Actual time spent talking on a cellular telephone. The longer you talk the higher the bill.

Analog Cellular
Cellular technology that sends your voice over the airwaves to another person’s phone. Analog cellular is quickly being replaced by digital cellular – which allows for less interference due to its ability to handle multiple calls over a single line where as Analog can only handle one per line at 800 MHz.

Calling Party Pays
The term used when a person making a call to a cell phone pays for the call instead of the person who receives it. “Calling party pays” is available on a very limited basis in the United States.

Digital Cellular
Cellular technology that converts your voice into digital data packets and can send multiple packets over the same frequency or channel at 800 MHz.

GPS (Global Positioning System)
GPS is satellite based technology that allows users to determine their exact location on the earth’s surface. When combined with wireless technology (with the user’s permission) it can also transmit the location of the device, especially useful in emergency situations.

Hearing Aid Compatible Telephones
Phones that emit magnetic impulses that are picked up by telecoils in hearing aids. The telecoil enables the telephone user to increase the volume on the hearing aid without feedback and background noise.

Landline
Because wireless networks are just that – wireless, many people refer to regular telephone connections as landlines due to the fact that data transfers on a normal telephone network via cables underground rather that via airwaves like cellular and other wireless services.

MHz
Megahertz is a frequency unit equal to one million cycles per second. MHz is the speed which wireless telephone providers use to transfer calls over the network.

Number Portability
The ability to switch to a different cell phone provider and take your number with you. Any number is considered to have portability, so you can also switch a landline number to a cell phone and vice versa.

Off-Peak
The part of the day defined by the provider when customers can expect to pay reduced airtime rates, usually evenings and weekends.

PCS (Personal Communication Services)
A two-way digital voice, messaging and data wireless telephone service with a frequency of 1900 MHz, hailed as the second generation cell phone.

Peak
The part of the day defined by the provider when customers can expect to pay full service calling rates.

PAYG (Pay as You Go)
Another popular term that describes prepaid cell phone services. However, some pay as you go plans can be set up to automatically deduct payments from a credit card or bank account to replenish minutes when the balance goes to zero. If the charge is denied, your minutes stay at zero making the phone unusable until you update your billing information.

Prepaid Cell Phone
A prepaid phone allows you to buy a phone and purchase minutes as you need them. They usually do not require contracts or credit checks and are a popular choice with teenagers who are too young to enter into a contract and people without stellar credit.

Roaming
The term given to a cellular phone’s ability to make and receive calls outside the customer’s home calling area.

Service Charge
The monthly amount paid to receive cellular service. This amount is fixed, and is paid regardless of how much or little the phone is used.

Smart Phone
An expression used for cellular phones that can send and receive voice and data messages.

SMS (Short Message Service)
A feature offered by some wireless phones that allow a user to send and/or receive short text messages by cell phone. Almost all digital phones can receive SMS messages and most digital phones also have the ability to send them – providing the network itself supports the sending and receiving of text messages.

TTY
A type of machine that allows people with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate over the phone using a keyboard, a viewing screen, and sometimes a printer.

Voicemail
A service provided by cell phone providers to store, listen to and manage messages left on a user’s cell phone. Voicemail works like an answering machine with the main difference being that the user needs to call the providers voicemail number and enter a password to use it rather than just pressing a button on the phone because the messages are stored on the network and not the phone itself.

Walkie-Talkie
A two way radio that is handheld that operates independently of any land based network (unlike cell phones). Walkie-Talkie like functionality have been duplicated onto cell phones with a form of service call Push to Talk and was made famous in cell phones by Nextel.

Wireless Phone
Any phone that transmits signals through the air without a physical connection. Cell (cellular), mobile, portable phones (hand held), in-car mounted and bag (transportable) phones are all considered wireless phones.

Glossary of Cellular Terms