You can make a profit with a long-distance telephone company by charging as little as 2 cents per minute.
With the evolution of cell phones and their services, the telecom industry is constantly undergoing drastic changes. Advanced options such as GPS, online access, cameras, videos and music applications are bringing in new consumers and the number is constantly growing. This is a good time to start a telephone business. It is easy to start your own long distance telephone company in the world of open source software, low cost technology and the internet.
Instructions
1. Create a business plan, including your mission and vision statements, startup and operating expenses, projected revenue, funding sources, and ways to make profits. Identify your competitors and assess. You may need a maximum of $5,000 to start your own long distance phone company. You will need a minimal amount for office expenses for printing some business cards, building a website, a mail drop and other advertising costs. Your only monthly recurring cost will be only the telecommunication infrastructure costs, two elements of which are co-location and local access or T1/PRI circuits.
2. Purchase a good Intel P4 server, Linux software and a backup drive. You can do this for about $2,000 as of September 2010.
3. Obtain some software for an open source TDM/VOIP PBX. Check the internet for the software--there are free downloads available.
4. Locate your Telephone Carrier PBX in a managed host environment. They provide the power, environmental and access to various carrier circuits all in a single place.
5. Install network interface cards for the software that you have chosen to purchase. You may need some 2 PRI cards--each will cost about $800. Try negotiating with the sales representatives for the PRI circuits. Obtain a quad card, if possible.
6. Hire a telecom technician who is knowledgeable in voice, data and Linux. Start assembling the platform and make your interconnections.
7. Apply for a business license with your city or county business department. The fee may vary based on your state.
8. Set competitive pricing for your long distance calls. It is possible to make profits by charging just 2 cents per minute.
9. Plan an advertising campaign that includes distribution of fliers, placing ads in phone directories, billboards, yellow pages and local radio and TV stations.
