5 Best Telecom Service Providers in Singapore for Top-Notch Calls and Business Unified Communication

How to Select the Best Telecom Services Provider That Supports Effective and Efficient Communication

Telecommunications are a vital part of our lives, allowing us to stay connected with family, friends, and businesses in a global network. This is possible through the system composed of nodes and links that transmit electrical or electromagnetic waves. For this to work, the system must have six components: the input and output devices or terminals, the channels, the processors for control and support, the control software, the protocols or specifications of handling the messages, and the message or data to be transmitted.

Telecommunications, therefore, is a broad term that encompasses technologies that send and receive information, such as landlines, mobile devices, broadcast networks, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) networks. This communication is facilitated by a system, such as a telephone network, internet, and computer network, which enable us to communicate instantly, and often for free or at a meagre cost. Its key components, signals, communication channel and network, transmit messages for fast and easy connection at a distance.

Its importance in business goes beyond phone calls and fax messaging; telecommunications streamlines collaboration and work processes, increases flexibility in the workplace, expands the reach of companies, and makes every day work in general easier. Digitisation, especially in the past decade, has created an opportunity to overhaul traditional business models and make way for new innovations to meet the expectations of a growing tech literacy among customers. 

These technologies have made the exchange of information in real-time faster for businesses. Moreover, it also supports customer service, branding efforts, data security, and cost-effective operational costs.

Understanding Telecommunications Services 

Telecom services are a type of communication service that allows people to connect with each other through an analogue medium (telephone and similar devices) or through digital communication (via the internet and wireless data connection). 

The services telecom companies offer are broadly divided into two communications mediums: voice and data. Voice telecommunications include telephone calls, while data telecommunication systems include text messaging and email. 

To understand how telecom services work, it is first necessary to understand the basics of modern communication. Telecommunications is the science and technology behind the data transmission of information over long distances. This can be done in various ways, including through electrical signal, optical, or radio waves.

The history of the telecommunications industry dates back to the early 19th century, when the first electrical telegraph was developed. In 1876, the development of the telephone followed, revolutionising long-distance communication. 

In the late 20th century, telecommunications underwent another revolution with the advent of digital technology and wireless communications. Digital transmission became faster and more efficient over various telecommunications systems. This allowed for a broader range of services, including mobile phone calls, internet access, and email. 

Modern telecommunication services allow us to transmit messages through wireless communication, with a faster transmission speed and better voice call quality and data transmission. And today, the widespread adoption of mobile communication has now become central in how we connect and work. 

In Singapore, there are currently 11 primary telcos or telecom companies . According to Statista, the country has 1.89 million fixed telephone subscriptions and a mobile phone penetration of 158.8% with 1.6 mobile phone subscriptions per resident. 

Analogue and Digital Communications: An Overview 

To further understand how telecommunications work, it is also necessary to understand the difference between analogue and digital communications. 

Analogue signals are a type of continuous-wave signal that convey information over long distances. The analogue signal is typically used for voice communication, such as telephone calls.

Digital signals, on the other hand, are a type of discontinuous wave signal that can also carry information over long distances. These signals are typically used for data communication, such as text messages and email. 

Digital signals have several advantages over analogue signals. Mainly, they are much easier to store and process and can be transmitted over longer distances with less degradation. Additionally, digital signal can carry more information than analogue signal. This is the reason why the vast majority of telecommunications networks today use digital signals. 

Other advantages of digital signals over analogue signals are improved sound quality, increased security, and lower costs. While analogue signals are still used in some industry, particularly radio broadcasting, digital signals are rapidly replacing it. 

Digital systems have also allowed the development of new telecom services, such as VoIP and cable television. VoIP is a telecommunication service that allows users to make telephone calls using a broadband internet connection. This can be a great way to save money on monthly phone bills.

Cable television is a telecommunications network services that delivers television programming to users through a network of cables. Cable companies typically provide this service, which can be a great way to access high-quality HDTV channels. 

Types of Office Phone Systems 

For businesses, office phone systems are essential in keeping employees and customers connected. They are used for various purposes, such as making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving faxes, and accessing voice messaging. Additionally, office phone systems can be integrated with mobile phones and computer networks. 

There are several types of office phone systems available on the market today, including PBX, VoIP, and cloud communication. The type of system you choose will depend on several factors, including the size of your business and your budget. 

The traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system is the most common office phone system. This system connects the telephone network in your office to a central switching system. PBX systems can be costly, but they offer several advantages, such as added security and the ability to host meetings across a variety of devices. 

Another type of telephone networks system is the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system. This system uses existing broadband internet connection to make and receive calls. While VoIP systems don’t offer as many specialized features as PBX systems, they have a much lower cost, provide better multitasking support, offer more flexibility with softphone, and are more portable.

Finally, there is the cloud-based office phone system. A third-party provider hosts this system to allow you to make and receive calls via your internet connection. Cloud-based systems are typically affordable and offer several features, such as remote work support, “anytime, anywhere access”, ease of expansion and integration with a CRM software.

Factors in Choosing an Office Phone System 

When choosing an office phone system, there are several factors that you will need to consider, such as the following: 

• Size of the Business 

A small business may not need all of the features that an extensive office phone system package offers (which, notably, comes at an additional cost). However, the current size and spread of the business should not be its only determining factor; plans for expansion and future business goals have to be considered too. A scalable service package is a better option and will save resources in the long run.

• Type of Business 

If you have a traditional office-based business, you will likely need a PBX system. However, if you have a small or home-based business, a VoIP system is more suitable. The phone system must be compatible with your setup and business tools because it can affect how employees do their work and accomplish their goals. 

• Features 

Each type of office phone system offers different features, so to narrow your options decide which features are most important for your business. For example, if you need advanced call forwarding capabilities, you will likely need a VoIP system. In comparison, a PBX system uses a server maintained in-office, which makes it more reliable when it comes to having a consistent connection. Cloud phone systems, meanwhile, are scalable and customisable, which means additional features can be easily included as needed by your business

• Budget 

Office phone systems can be costly, so you must make sure that you choose a system that fits your budget. The cost is determined by the following factors: initial setup, additional or new hardware, licensing, installation, internet bandwidth charges (for a subscription upgrade or new connection), and additional subscriptions. Legacy systems that are not compatible and cannot be integrated with the office systems will also need replacement. 

• Service Provider 

There are a variety of different providers that offer office phone systems. You will need to research each provider to find the one that best meets your needs. Providers with clients from the same industry you are in will likely already have service packages compatible with your business. It is essential to find a reliable internet service provider that can consistently offer stable connection for virtual and mobile phone service. 

Benefits of Mobile Communication 

Mobile communication is exchanging information wirelessly between two or more devices. This can be done via text, voice, or video. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers advantages over other forms of communication, such as phone calls and face-to-face meetings.  

Some of the benefits of mobile communication include the following: 

• Convenience 

Mobile communication allows you to communicate with others without having to meet in person. This can be especially helpful if you are busy or live in different parts of the world. 

• Flexibility 

Mobile devices utilise various communication channels. For example, you can send a text message, make a phone call, or even video chat with someone. 

• Cost 

Mobile communication is usually very affordable, and most mobile plans include a certain amount of data you can use for communication. Additionally, there are many free mobile apps that you can use for communication. 

• Privacy 

It allows communication without having to share your contact information. This can be helpful if you want to keep your communication confidential.

Factors in Choosing Mobile Devices 

Given the importance of mobile communication, there are now a lot of device and service providers in the mobile industry. Keep the following things in mind when choosing mobile devices for business: 

• Data Usage 

A good data plan for business should cover text messaging, voice, and data. Keep in mind that some plans break down these services into separate charges with respective limits. Activities that take up a lot of data include audio and video streaming, video calls, downloading large files (such as programs), browsing image-heavy websites, and automated cloud back-ups. 

• Battery Life 

Mobile communication can also use a lot of battery life. Batteries in mobile devices work best when brand new and operating at room temperature. If the battery life of a device becomes an issue, factors such as screen brightness, wi-fi range, background apps, location-tracking, and multiple notifications should be monitored. 

• Security 

Mobile communication for businesses needs a plan for securing sensitive or private data in phone calls, text messages, emails, and cloud storage. This presents challenges in security vulnerabilities, such as hacking and identity theft if users are connected to Wi-Fi connections or a central system. Passwords, encryption, and remote erasing should be considered as security measures for mobile.

Mobile Accessories and Mobile Phone Plans for Business 

To ensure that your business can continue making phone calls, sending text messages, and accessing the Internet through mobile, you must ensure that you have the right telecom equipment and phone plan. Consider the following: 

• Number of Lines 

Determine how many lines you need for your business. This will depend on the number of employees you have and the number of customer calls you receive. Some questions to help you decide are: How often does each user make a call? Where are the calls made (local or international)? How often is mobile internet used? Which operating system are your employees familiar with (iOS or Android)? 

• Data Usage 

Decide how much data you need for your business. This will depend on how much information your employees use and your customers' data. It is also a deciding factor for the type and number of device storage the office needs. Data-intensive tasks will use more data and need large storage capacity. Small businesses that anticipate high data and storage needs can choose cloud services, for example. 

• Cost 

Compare the costs of different mobile phone plans to find the one that is right for your business. The type of subscription for mobile business plans include total available monthly data, total minutes for calls (local), number of text messages, and add-on features like caller ID, 5G access, roaming, and download speed boost. Inquire about special packages and discounts that your company may be eligible for. 

• Applications 

Mobile apps can help business stay organised and connected. Some useful app features are emails for employees and customers, calendar to keep track of schedules and client appointments, contact management to store contact information, reminders for important events and dates, and integration with other apps. 

The best way to find the right mobile phone plan for your business is to consult and partner with a business mobile phone provider. They will be able to help you compare different plans and find one that is perfectly suited for your business. 

Mobile accessories are also crucial for businesses. Some mobile accessories that you may need include the following: 

• Mobile cases for exterior damage protection such as scratches and nicks. The case also serves as a shock absorber to minimise damage when the phone is dropped.  
• Mobile chargers help to keep the devices charged and ready to use. Chargers for mobile devices come have different ports for common cable such as USB type A, type B, type C, micro or mini USB, USB 3.0, and lightning. 
• Using headsets allow employees to interact with distant clients and other co-workers with ease and more efficiently, as well as letting them work with better posture. There is a wide variety of headphones and earbuds with special functions, so choose appropriately. For example, true wireless earbuds offer great sound quality and portability, while over-ear headphones offer comfort and passive isolation. 

Choosing an Internet Service Provider for Your Business 

Internet service providers enable the communication necessary to accomplish business processes. In particular, it allows company owners and employees to access the Internet, send and receive emails, and upload and download files. Additionally, some ISPs offer special packages for businesses. 

There are many factors to consider when looking for an ISP. Firstly, finding an ISP that is reliable and offers good customer support is essential. It is also important to find an ISP that provides services that meet your business's specific needs, such as integrating or upgrading your current telecommunications network. 

To begin, you should list ISPs that provide customized plans for businesses. Ask for recommendations from peers in the industry or browse through our list of telecom companies. Once you have a list of potential providers, you should contact each one to inquire about their services and rates. 

When speaking with an ISP representative, ask about their service reliability and customer support. Additionally, inquire about their services and if they have any special packages for your particular type of business.

Once you have chosen an ISP, sign a contract outlining the terms of service. This contract should include the length of the service agreement, the monthly fee, and any other charges. The contract should specify the types of services included in the package. Be sure to read the agreement carefully before signing it.

Excellent communication is a cornerstone of a successful business, which is why it is vital to partner with a reliable telecom service provider. To determine which phone system, mobile plan, or internet service package is right for your business, check our list of top-rated telecom providers in Singapore.