SIP trunking has gained widespread adoption in recent years, thanks to its ability to drive down PSTN access costs while increasing deployment flexibility.
Gone are the days when organizations purchased fixed PSTN access circuits, carried over a digital communications network. Today, SIP trunking enables customers to purchase only the amount of capacity that they need, burst, or scale up if necessary, all while enjoying the resiliency of an IP network to minimize downtime.
What the research says
Given the many benefits of SIP trunking, it’s no wonder that more than half (57%) of the approximately 625 organizations participating in Nemertes’ most recent unified communications and collaboration research study have deployed SIP trunking, while another 19% are evaluating doing so by the end of 2019.
Nearly half of those who have deployed SIP trunking have seen a measurable decline in spending on PSTN access.
How SIP trunking is changing
SIP trunking services are now going through a rapid evolution, transforming into cloud-based communications-as-a-service (CaaS).
What was once simply a means of connecting on-premises phone systems to the PSTN has evolved into a communications service offering virtual phone numbers, messaging, and more, with global, cloud-based providers able to provide a one-stop-shop for all enterprise operating regions.
Common features delivered by CaaS providers include:
- Global reach enabling local PSTN handoff anywhere in the world, further potentially reducing PSTN access charges
- Routing of emergency services calls to the proper answering point, enabling customers to save money by eliminating the need for local PSTN circuits for 911 access at branch locations
- Provisioning of virtual phone numbers that customers can use to establish a local presence in remote markets
- Integration with Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS) platforms like to enable optimized PSTN access and call routing, even when using a cloud calling or contact center platform
- SMS integration enabling texting to existing DID numbers, or the establishment of texting capabilities for customer engagement (e.g. two-way text, or application-to-people texting)
- Flexible pricing models with flat rate, per call, or combination options
What should IT leaders do?
Now is the time for IT leaders to revisit their SIP trunking strategies and evaluate potential cost savings, new feature capabilities, and flexibility afforded by cloud-based communications-as-a-service providers.
Make sure you conduct due diligence based on the provider’s breadth of peering points, service options, APIs, cost, and ability to deliver new and innovative services that meet your identified needs.
Want to learn more about how SIP trunking is evolving?
Take a deep dive with Nemertes’ new guide on cloud communications and digital transformation.
About Nemertes: Nemertes is a global research-based advisory and consulting firm that analyzes the business value of emerging technologies. Since 2002, we have provided strategic recommendations based on data-driven operational and business metrics to help organizations deliver successful technology transformation to employees and customers. Simply put: Nemertes’ better data helps clients make better decisions.
