An Overview of Voice PRI Service
Primary Rate Interface (PRI) is the standard connection in telecommunications and is based on a T1 line in the US and E1 line in Europe. An ISDN PRI T1 line consists of 24 channels whereas the E1 line consists of 32. Furthermore, ISDN PRI T1 lines typical have 23 B channels and 1 D channel. A PRI T1 line provides 23.64 Kbps digital channels and a 1.64 Kbps signaling/control channel. 9-10 phone lines is the break even point.
In the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), there are two primary levels of service which include Basic Rate Interface (BRI) which is intended for home offices and small businesses as well as Primary Rate Interface (PRI) which is intended for larger users. BRI and PRI include both B channels and a D channel. The B channels carry voice, video and data traffic. Larger PRI connections are possible using PRI paring which provides 46 B channels and 2 D channels. Typically, no more than 2 D channels are provisioned as additional PRI lines are added to the group. PRI channels are most often used by mid-sized and large enterprises with digital PBXs which provide digital access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Voice PRI offers a large number of service benefits including added reliability, digital clarity, flexibility and increased cost savings. With voice PRI service, you gain access to high-speed, high capacity digital connectivity, intelligent call handling and caller ID functionality. You also have the flexibility with PRI to assign specific B channels to services such as toll free, direct inward/outward dialing for better flow of voice, video or data traffic. Furthermore, multiple lines can be placed on the same trunk to increase efficiencies and reduce the number of necessary channels. You can also benefit from assigning PRI channels to voice traffic during the day and data traffic during the night. Efficient use of T1 bandwidth by integrating voice, video and switched data can reduce the need for additional circuits.
Voice PRI services also offer increased reliability with most providers offering SLA with 99.9% up time, 100% digital clarity and 24 hour network monitoring. ISDN PRI technologies are proven and have a reputation for increased reliability and sound quality. PRI offers faster set-up times and flexible configuration options to meet your mix of inbound and outbound traffic.
Find out more about whether or not voice PRI service is the right solution for your business and receive instant voice PRI pricing from leading PRI providers worldwide. Contact GlobalQuotes™ today by calling toll free (877) 708-8900.
