Well, I've been thinking of adding phone support to one of our offices in Canada although the actual server is the US and was wondering what the best solution for doing this would be?

I've called to local phone companies like Rogers Cable and Aliant but both seem to want charge large amounts of money for business accounts and have a bunch of loops to jump through first.

I also though of VOIP Solutions like Vonage but still unsure. For the amount of call volume I doubt there will be many calls, Its just that it seems more professional to have a phone support than just the email, ticket support, and chat support we offer. The other reason is that a phone number would be more friendly for local business and advertising needs.

How does one also get a toll free number like 1-800 or 1-866 and if I could get one with something like 1-800-digit digit - comapny name (that would be awesome)

Have no idea how expensive that would be or how to reduce the amount of phone bills because most calls will come from US to Canada.

I'm interested in what people are going to say about this aswell. I'm considering VOIP services myself. It just seems cheaper with long distance costs.

Have you considered running an asterisk server? We do that ourselves and works well. You can setup an auto-attendant, extensions, on hold music, the works really and you can get your DID's from Unlimitel, Inc. (www.unlimitel.ca) which is who we use as well.

I run a hosting company, and whilst i dont offer direct phone line support, i do offer voice support via skype, and it is now a very popular option, plus it doesnt cost anything :D

You should also check over Skype's business features.

Unlimitel, Inc sounds like it has alot of the features I want but still not sure.
Skype free features would be kind of doubled since I already have chat support.
Still wondering about business toll free numbers though

Ok, toll frees you can get from a variety of providers. Vitelity (http://www.vitelity.net) is one of those, a toll free number costs something like $2.00 a month and a few cents a minute. Unlimitel also offers them.

I don't think Unlimitel covers Aliant territory, so if you want a local number, you're going to have to look elsewhere. VoIP is a perfectly adequate solution. If you want to sound like a big business, you could run an Asterisk server and configure it to your liking. That way, you can have all the features you want at a low cost.

- Jason

Unlimitel is great. Stephane does a great job! Extremely affordable for the services you get.

les.net is another good option as a DID provider with Canadian numbers. You just need a SIP device - or an asterisk box. (or - have the calls routed to any other PSTN number!) Les has both flat rate and pay as you go options. They are located in Winnipeg.

You could also use a hosted IVR system, that would simply forward the calls to your regular number you have with Rogers. Many such services feature a call announcement option so you will be able to know if a call is coming for the business vs. just some friend calling you on the same number.

Skype i know is clearer quality then most instant messenger's

Get a phone line from bell canada and then get a number from kall8.com and have it forward to your bell number.

We use Unlimitel for our phone service at Scratch Telecom. As far as I'm aware, we haven't had a single problem with them; from my experience, phone service is rock-solid, quality's perfect, and as aingaran mentioned, their service is extremely affordable.

Get a phone line from bell canada and then get a number from kall8.com and have it forward to your bell number.

Bell Canada is located in western canada and I'm in eastern canada, thanks for the suggestion though. BTW have no idea setting up a server for phone calls, I've only setup web servers and intranets before.

BTW have no idea setting up a server for phone calls, I've only setup web servers and intranets before.

Check out Trixbox (http://www.trixbox.org/wiki/trixbox-quick-install-guide). Excellent functionality, well supported, well documented, and decently easy to use.