Can 3CX Make International Calls?

In an increasingly global economy, the ability to make international calls is vital for businesses. Fortunately, there’s 3CX; a versatile VoIP phone system offering this feature.

This article aims to shed light on how 3CX enables businesses to make international calls seamlessly and cost-effectively, transforming how they communicate across borders.

Can 3CX Make international calls?

Yes, 3CX is an excellent choice for making international calls, providing both ease and affordability. This globally-renowned telecommunications system stands out due to its ability to facilitate international communication at significantly reduced rates.

Users can effortlessly connect with individuals and businesses worldwide using the 3CX app. This feature is not just convenient but also economical, allowing businesses to expand their reach without incurring high communication costs.

The flexibility and functionalities of 3CX make it an indispensable tool for regular international communication, distinguishing it from traditional telecommunications systems.

How to make international calls using 3CX

Using the 3CX system to make international calls is as hard as you may think. To start with, you need to understand how to dial international numbers on 3CX as well as how it is structured.

1. If you don’t have it yet, you need to install the 3CX app on your device which may be your computer or mobile.
2. Set up your account.
3. Open the 3CX app and log in.
4. Dial the number by entering the exit code which is followed by the country code of the destination you wish to reach. For instance, if you intend to call the United Kingdom from the United States, you would start by dialling the exit code 011 (for the U.S.), followed by the country code 44 (for the U.K.). After this, you input the specific international number you desire to connect with and dial it.
5. 3CX routes the call to your VOIP provider, and they make the call. Ensure you confirm the codes from your provider before you name any calls outside the country.

Common issues encountered in 3CX international calling

Below are some of the common problems 3CX system users have frequently complained about as well as how to troubleshoot them.

1. Outbound Rule Issue

When using 3CX for international calls, users often encounter the “outbound rule issue.” This problem occurs when your 3CX system doesn’t correctly route international calls based on the rules set up in the system. It might result in failed calls, incorrect routing, or unexpected charges.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Check Outbound Rules: Ensure your 3CX system has specific outbound rules for international calls. These rules should be distinct from local or national calls.
2. Correct Dial Patterns: International dialling often requires specific prefixes or number formats. Verify that your outbound rules match these patterns. For example, many international calls start with “00” or a “+” followed by the country code.
3. Prioritize Rules: Place your international call rules appropriately in the order of execution. Rules are processed top-down, so make sure international rules are not overshadowed by more general rules.

2. Call dropping

Another problem users face is frequent call-dropping. This often points to a disruption in connectivity somewhere along the transmission route. The common causes of dropped calls in this system could be linked to issues with the network, bandwidth limitations, software bugs, or configuration errors.

Troubleshooting Call Dropping

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Test your bandwidth.
3. Update hardware and software.
4. Review 3CX configuration.

3. Poor voice quality

Experiencing poor voice quality during international calls on 3CX can be frustrating, but it’s a common challenge that can be effectively addressed.

Improving your call quality

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Optimize your network setup and prioritize VoIP traffic.
3. Update your 3CX software.
4. Choose the right codec.

4. Call not connecting

In addition to the above-mentioned, some users may also struggle with their calls not connecting at all. This could be an offshoot of various factors, including but not limited to, firewall misconfigurations, incorrect setup of VoIP providers, or simply technical hiccups from the provider’s end.

Troubleshooting tips

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Verify your account status and balance.
3. Check the dialled number format.
4. Restart the 3CX application.
5. Check for network restrictions.

5. Echo issues

Echo can drastically reduce the quality of the calls and make communication inconvenient and strenuous. Echoing usually occurs due to problems with acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) that can be software or hardware-based.

Ways to tackle this issue

1. Use high-quality headsets and avoid speakerphones
2. Adjust the audio settings
3. Ensure a strong & stable internet connection

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 3CX effectively supports international calling, users may encounter specific issues that can impact the overall experience. The top five challenges include outbound call issues, call dropping, poor voice quality, calls not connecting, and echo issues.

1. Outbound Call Issues: To resolve difficulties in making outbound calls, check for proper configuration settings, ensure that the SIP trunk and outbound rules are correctly set up, and verify that you have sufficient credits or an appropriate calling plan.
2. Call Dropping: Frequent call dropping might be due to network instability or bandwidth limitations. Ensuring a stable and high-speed internet connection, and prioritizing VoIP traffic through Quality of Service (QoS) settings can help mitigate this issue.
3. Poor Voice Quality: This is often a result of inadequate bandwidth or network congestion. Optimize your network for VoIP calls by managing bandwidth usage and using VoIP-optimized hardware. Additionally, regularly updating 3CX software can also contribute to better call quality.
4. Call Not Connecting: This could be due to incorrect dialling patterns, issues with the SIP provider, or network restrictions. Double-check the dialling rules, verify SIP trunk settings, and ensure that firewalls or other network security measures are not blocking VoIP traffic.
5. Echo Issues: Echoes during calls can be caused by feedback from speakers or microphones. Using headsets or echo cancellation features and adjusting the audio settings in 3CX can help reduce or eliminate this problem.