subject: Conference Calling From Canada [print this page] Hosting a conference call from Canada isnt overly complicated, especially if you go with a telecommunications provider that specializes in providing Canadians with robust, yet affordable, toll free conference calling services.
Toll free conference calls are generally paid for by the host of the call with the call being free for participants. Expect to pay per minute, per participant. Because minutes quickly add up, its important to find a service provider with low Canadian toll free rates.
Once youve settled on a provider, heres what to expect: Your conference call will be assigned a toll free phone number that your participants will dial. Since all participants are in Canada, the toll free number will be specific for Canadian callers. Once the callers are connected, they will be prompted to enter the access number to your teleconference and the call begins.
Hosting a Conference Call from Canada
As the conference calls host, youll need to do some work in advance. Start by creating a list of all participants and identify their time zones. When you invite your participants, make sure to let each one know what time, in local time, the call is scheduled for. For example, if your call is scheduled for 1:00 PM in Quebec, your callers based in Winnipeg will need to call in at 12:00 PM and your callers in Vancouver will call in at 10:00 AM.
Next, estimate your calls total cost by taking the calls expected length in minutes and multiplying that with the number of participants. Once you have the total number of minutes, multiply that by the cost-per-minute rate of your provider. For example, if you are planning a 40-minute teleconference with ten participants, your call will total 400 minutes. Multiply 400 minutes times the cost-per-minute and youll have a good idea about what to expect.
Even when using a low-cost conference calling service, youll want to pay attention to the teleconferences time. Create an agenda for the call and carefully follow it. Not only does adhering to an agenda ensure that your teleconference stays within budget, it also respects your participants time.
If you expect some of the callers to present specific information, let them know of your expectations before the call so that they can prepare. For example, if you need the regional manager from Toronto to discuss sales figures, let him know so that hell have the latest sales results in front of him.
Participating in a Conference Call from Canada
If youre a participant in a conference call from Canada, your involvement in the call is relatively simple. Depending on how the call is set up, youll either be assigned a toll free or non-toll free Canadian phone number that youll dial as well an access code. Simply dial in a minute or two before the teleconferences scheduled time and participate in the discussion. If the call is toll free, you wont incur any long distance fees.
Make sure to use a phone with good sound quality as a phone that generates static can be disruptive to the entire teleconference. To reduce extraneous noise, use the mute button until you are required to speak. When you do speak, briefly announce your name so that others will know whose speaking.
Whether youre hosting or participating in a conference call from Canada, youll find that teleconferencing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective means of meeting with your Canadian peers.
