Conference call tips : international calls

Globalization has changed the way almost every business operates. A more connected world allows businesses to easily hire the best talent from around the globe. It also creates the opportunity to sell your product or service in a wide range of new and lucrative markets. Whether you're in your home office or traveling for work, organizing an international video conference call can be tricky. In addition to finding a time that works for your team that's spread out across multiple time zones, you must deal with connectivity issues that affect audio and video quality.

It's also crucial that your team is hosted on a reliable platform that protects your internet security. Luckily, there have been many advancements in telecommunications to make it easier for businessmen and women to host an international video conference call.

Below you'll find international calling tips to help you improve your team communication, no matter where in the world they're located.

Best ways to make an international video conference call

Use an international plan from your phone service provider

One of the most common ways to conduct an international conference call with your team is to get an international plan through your phone service provider. Most phone companies offer special packages that help to reduce international calling rates. However, it's important to note that rates will vary depending on where you are calling.

International rates vary by country, so it's best to discuss directly with your internet provider to prevent any unexpected charges. While this can be a great solution for audio-only calls, you will need to use data and a third-party application to conduct an international video conference call. Many service providers offer international data packages if you're traveling abroad, but the amount of data available is often quite low.

One solution for reliable and affordable conferencing is to utilize a local SIM card if you're traveling abroad. As long as your phone is unlocked, you can put in a new SIM card at your destination and use this data to conduct your international video conference call. This is something you can also budget for your team if they are traveling on behalf of your company. While you may need to switch your SIM if your phone doesn't have a dual card slot, you can always put your original one back in when you're connected to Wi-Fi so that you can check messages.

Use a VoIP service

The best way to make a video call internationally is to use a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service. These systems are software-based telecommunications services that can be used on phones, tablets or computers and rely only on a stable internet connection. Platforms such as Skype, Whatsapp, and FaceTime are all examples of VoIP solutions, and these services significantly reduce the costs associated with international calling.

While these conferencing solutions limit the number of participants allowed on any given international video conference call, many VoIP conference systems have been designed just for businesses. Certain software solutions allow for up to 100 participants at a time, meaning you can seamlessly coordinate your international teams.

At 8x8, we customize our award-winning VoIP systems to assist businesses of every size. Utilize our secure and reliable video conferencing software to ensure your meetings are productive and your team can engage in real-time to find solutions to enhance and improve your business. Contact us today to learn about our international video conferencing solutions, featured in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant.