Conference Call Rates

Flat-Rate vs. Pre-Paid Conference Calls

Services are now being offered that allow users to either set up an unlimited usage contract for regular monthly conference call rates or purchace an allotment of minutes for use in conference calling.

Because many telephone services are now including free long distance calling in a bundle with their other services, flat-rate conference calling plans are becoming more popular with businesses and non-profit organizations with budget concerns who are looking for low conference call rates.

Flat-rate plans allow users unlimited access to a conference bridge at a fixed monthly cost.  Pre-Paid conference services are often purchased online and allow users access to conference calling on a pay-as-you-go basis which can reduce conference call rates if the service is used infrequently.

Both options often allow users to connect from anywhere in the world, as long as they have appropriate telephone access.  The Internet and global VoIP networks have done a lot to reduce the barrier for setting up conference calling and now it is common that there is no need to purchase specialized and expensive telecommunications hardware or to change your phone services.

Several vendors are now offering free conference calling services, however, users are usually required to connect to a long distance number to use such services.  Free conference calls do not carry an organizer fee and allow people to connect to a conference for regular long distance charges which can be lower than some conference call rates.