{"id":32870,"date":"2022-07-04T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T00:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rcblogau.wpengine.com\/au\/en\/blog\/?p=32870"},"modified":"2022-08-16T17:50:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-16T07:50:32","slug":"free-conference-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/au\/en\/blog\/free-conference-call\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Conference Call"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conference calling is an essential collaboration tool for your arsenal. It connects remote workers, reaches out to global clients, and bridges the gap between remote offices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By providing <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/business-communication\/\">effective communication<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and collaboration, employees are empowered to reach business goals. But with varying business requirements and multiple conferencing options, how do you choose one?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll go through :<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#free_vs_paid_conference_call\">What free conference calling is?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#factors-to-consider\">Factors to consider in choosing free conference call provider<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#industries-who-uses\">Industries who use conference call<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#types-of-conference-calls\">Types of conference calls<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#best-free-conference-call\">Best free conference call services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-start\">How to start a free conference call<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"free_vs_paid_conference_call\"><strong>Free vs Paid Conference Calls<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conference call services come in two flavours: free and paid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free solutions are tempting for businesses or nonprofits that lack the resources to pay for communication tools. While they have limitations, like having basic features, quality issues, and hidden costs, they\u2019re cost-effective for small meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paid solutions are refined and feature-packed, offering high-quality audio and video, unlimited users, increased customer support, and an array of collaborative features. However, it can be expensive, so it\u2019s best for larger businesses or organisations that need advanced features.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"factors-to-consider\"><strong>Factors to Consider In Choosing a Free Conference Call Provider<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the following factors to ensure your conferencing solution meets your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, while many conferencing services claim they\u2019re free, some have hidden costs, such as added charges to your phone or internet bills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, participants use toll numbers to dial into a conference via a cell phone or landline. It charges callers for using the service and is a major downside reducing the uptake of a conferencing solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for toll-free phone numbers and read the small print to avoid surprise expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-quality audio and video are essential conferencing elements, especially for presentations and screen sharing via video calls. It&#8217;s often dependent on your internet connection and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/video-conferencing-equipment\/\">hardware<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, free solutions sometimes limit quality to drive paid subscriptions, and unstable mobile apps can affect video or sound quality. Consider the quality of software and conferencing that service providers offer before making your choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>3. Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your conferencing needs to be secure, whether you\u2019re providing customer support or holding an office meeting. While most conferencing solutions, like Webex, offer basic security options, such as end-to-end encryption, these can vastly differ.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider security carefully. Your business, customers, and employees shouldn\u2019t worry about leaked information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>4. Accessibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessibility is providing an experience that\u2019s available to all users. Your conferencing solution must cater to customers\u2019 and employees\u2019 needs, such as keyboard shortcuts for people with physical impairments. Other accessibility considerations include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chatbox or messaging<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High contrast settings<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compatibility with screen readers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automatic transcriptions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subtitles or captions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, consider the platforms on which your conferencing solutions are available, such as Android, iOS, or web browser. With several potential devices, your conferencing should be accessible on as many as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"industries-who-uses\"><strong>Industries Who Use Conference Call<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conference calling connects long-distance teams and offers global reach, letting organisations deliver better quality standards regardless of location.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Architectural Firms<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Architectural firms design and construct structures worldwide. This involves holding meetings, providing quotes and advice, and meeting key personnel in far-flung locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free conferencing solutions reduce travel costs and provide small businesses with greater global reach, fast-tracking their expansion.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Educational Institutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaboration allows researchers and lecturers to share findings and teaching methods and discuss partnership opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, interactive whiteboards let teachers share technical drawings with remote students. This widens the reach of higher education for people living remotely, studying alongside working, or during a pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32872\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32872\" class=\"wp-image-32872 size-full\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/video-conference-and-teamworks-statistic.jpg\" alt=\"Video Conference &amp; Teamwork Statistics in RingCentral AU Blog\" width=\"768\" height=\"469\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32872\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/financesonline.com\/video-web-conferencing-software-statistics\/\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Finance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial services, including giving advice, discussing loans, and holding bank account meetings, can be done via conference calls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free audio or video conference calls can be used to let this occur virtually from anywhere, increasing the reach of financial advisors, allowing flexible meeting times for customers, and boosting staff efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Brokerage Houses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video conferencing lets brokerage houses contact current and prospective clients globally, without the need for expensive travel. They can provide regular updates and put a face to their name, building relationships and trust while reducing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Law Firms<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Law firms provide clients with a range of services, from legal advice to representation. Clients often have to come into the office, or lawyers have to go to meet them. Conference calling reduces the need for this, increasing productivity and potential revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Hotels<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotels often hold conferences and seminars. With a solid conference calling solution, they can provide real-time video links to experts or speakers worldwide and stream the event live. Hosting webinars drives interest in hotel services, boosting profits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"types-of-conference-calls\"><strong>Types of Conference Calls<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Audio<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Audio conferencing is purely audio and works via mobile phones, computers, and desktop phones with VoIP and landlines. It uses dial-in numbers to connect multiple people from several devices and has lower bandwidth, leading to more stable sound quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, managing participants in large meetings is tricky as they\u2019re not visible, and toll numbers can charge participants when they dial in. Additionally, the lack of visual aids can hinder team collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/office\/features\/rc-conferencing\/overview.html\">phone conferencing<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> providers, like RingCentral, have toll-free numbers globally, SMS and email invites, hold music, and call-recording features. Additionally, meeting controls let you block or mute participants, overcoming some limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32873\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32873\" class=\"wp-image-32873 size-large\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/video-conferencing-struggles-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Video Conferencing Struggles - 2020 Report\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32873\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustradius.com\/vendor-blog\/web-conferencing-statistics-trends\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Video<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video meetings add a visual element to your conference calling, enabling features such as <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/screen-share\/\">screen sharing<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and interactive whiteboards for improved collaboration. Additionally, participants are visible, enabling increased interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As video calls require a camera, a laptop or smartphone is necessary and brings added benefits. For instance, providers like RingCentral offer messaging functionality, host controls, and the ability to switch between devices with a simple click.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quality of video conference calls depends on your internet connection and bandwidth, which can be an issue for large meetings or unstable internet connectivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-free-conference-call\"><strong>Best Free Conference Call Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. RingCentral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/new-ringcentral-video-meetings-solution-makes-it-faster-to-join-easier-to-collaborate\/\">RingCentral<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers robust cloud-based conference calls that work across multiple devices and platforms. Its free video conference calls are capped at 40 minutes and 100 people. The audio conferencing is unlimited and uses VoIP, so all you need is an internet connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s great for small businesses and startups, as there&#8217;s nothing to install, maintain, or upgrade. Additionally, it boasts several collaborative and accessible features, such as live transcription, waiting rooms, and virtual backgrounds. Other features include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call recording<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Host meetings in Microsoft Teams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Host controls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HD audio and voice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Device flip<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Host two online meetings simultaneously<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ten hours of meeting storage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supports local and international dial-in numbers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the free version misses out on a few features, which are available in the affordable paid options:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No post-meeting analytics or notes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No 24\/7 customer support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recording options are limited to local storage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_32875\" style=\"width: 899px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32875\" class=\"wp-image-32875 size-full\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/remote-meeting-vs-irl.jpg\" alt=\"Remote Meeting vs. IRL (In Real Life) | RingCentral AU Blog\" width=\"889\" height=\"738\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32875\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.owllabs.com\/hubfs\/SORW\/SORW_2021\/owl-labs_state-of-remote-work-2021_report-final.pdf?_hsmi=180908804&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_QqLl-7bQetJbJYOdCoskUzSr2pErrPvrTL353dUDu9e3aetTHyMlktMDf-N_opd0g0eg2lZzzzMM4MFaCkoOPa9Edt73hZO7QXJGYUaOVMIId_nk\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Zoom<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoom is a household name for video conferencing, boasting <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/1253972\/zoom-daily-meeting-participants-global\/\">300 million<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> daily meeting participants. It has high-quality video and promises secure communications with end-to-end encryption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the free plan offers unlimited one-to-one video meetings, group meetings have a 40-minute time limit and a 100 participant cap, making it best for small businesses and startups.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, audio conferencing is only available as part of a paid plan, but Zoom\u2019s video conferencing app is available on several devices and platforms. Other benefits include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 50 breakout sessions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local recording<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen sharing\/annotation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal meeting ID<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private and group chats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waiting room<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filters<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The free version has some limitations, namely:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of dial-in numbers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-help customer support only<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No polling features<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No streaming, analytics reporting, or live transcription<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But these are available in the paid option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>3. FreeConferenceCall<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available from freeconferencecall.com, FreeConferenceCall\u2019s (FCC) solution supports up to 1000 participants for high-quality audio and video calls without time limits. Its range of collaborative and business features include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local and international dial-in numbers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free local conference recording and transcripts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Audio call control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen sharing\/annotations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private\/group chat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote desktop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personalised meeting rooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call analytics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrations with third-party apps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, FCC supports just four breakout rooms, has 1GB of cloud storage, and only displays six video feeds during a session. However, its feature set benefits small and medium businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>4. Google Meet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a Google account, Google Meet is a compelling option. It\u2019s easy to start unlimited meetings in your browser or via its apps, making it a good choice for small businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One-to-one meetings are 24 hours long. Group meetings are capped at 100 participants and one hour. Some key features include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two-step verification and encryption<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s easy to invite external participants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen sharing\/presentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live closed captions (multiple languages)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15GB cloud storage for meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google calendar integration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-meeting chat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-hijacking controls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a slimmed-down offering of the paid versions, lacking breakout rooms and advanced interactive features. Furthermore, customer support is only available via self-help methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32876\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32876\" class=\"wp-image-32876 size-full\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/video-conferencing-missing-features.jpg\" alt=\"The missing features to video conferencing | RingCentral AU Blog?\" width=\"850\" height=\"595\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32876\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dialpad.com\/blog\/video-conferencing-report\/\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>5. GoToMeeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GoToMeeting\u2019s free conferencing solutions provide the basic functionalities you need to hold your meeting. With up to three participants and 40-minute time limits, the browser and mobile app offer rudimentary functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it uses 50% less bandwidth than other apps, leading to fast, high-quality, clear VoIP audio. It makes this perfect for startups and small teams. Additionally, it comes with screen sharing, toll-free options, and in-meeting chat. Extra features require the paid version.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>6. Nextiva<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nextiva is a VoIP business phone system provider with carrier-grade data centres and infrastructure. If you have a Nextiva phone plan, you get its Cospace app free.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available via desktop and mobile, Cospace is an HD video and audio conferencing platform that lets you build and manage collaboration spaces. It holds meetings with 250 internal and external participants, tracks team tasks, shares files, and creates company directories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a full-featured and free collaboration tool, ideal for small to medium businesses. Other features include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen sharing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private and group chat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meeting scheduling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Host controls and administration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlimited team members, guests, and user permissions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calendar integration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instant setup<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24\/7 customer service<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, this free conferencing service is only for current Nextiva customers, limiting its availability.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-start\"><strong>How to Start a Free Conference Call Using RingCentral<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RingCentral provides easy, secure, and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/video.html\">free conferencing<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your business. When starting your first call, there are three defined stages to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Inviting Attendees<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Create a conference call account<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t already have one, create a conference call account. Log in to your dashboard and head to the conference call feature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Select appropriate dial-in numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get the dial-in number and participant codes for your meeting from your dashboard. It lets your participants join. RingCentral provides one dial-in number for your company to make things easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_32878\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32878\" class=\"wp-image-32878 size-full\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/state-of-video-conferencing-report-by-dialpad.jpg\" alt=\"State of video conferencing report by Dialpad in RingCentral AU Blog\" width=\"850\" height=\"595\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32878\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dialpad.com\/blog\/video-conferencing-report\/\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>3. Pick a date and time<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, pick a suitable date and time to ensure everyone is free for your call. With RingCentral\u2019s array of integrations, you can easily add the details to an app like Google Calendar, ensuring you stay abreast of your meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>4. Send out invites<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve scheduled the meeting, you have to tell everyone about it. Share the meeting link via SMS, email, or chat. Alternatively, send the dial-in number and the participant codes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Joining the Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Enter meeting link\/personal link<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the host, try to be the first to join the meeting. It lets you stay on top of things, especially with phone conferencing. Use your dial-in number or meeting link to start the call, and enter your host access code to give you meeting control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Attendees join via the app<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your attendees can join via the RingCentral mobile app or on a desktop. By heading to the conference call area on the dashboard, they can select the appropriate dial-in number and enter their unique participant code to join the call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>3. Attendees dial-in<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another option to join the meeting is by dialling in. RingCentral offers toll-free numbers for audio conference calls, and by simply clicking the link in the SMS or email invite, they can join the meeting with one click from their Android device or iPhone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Running the Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the meeting is underway, you can manage the call through host controls by yourself or by providing another participant with host access codes. Some meeting management controls RingCentral provides includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call locking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocking, removing, or muting participants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dial-out to attendees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call recording<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_32877\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32877\" class=\"wp-image-32877 size-full\" src=\"\/au\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/video-conferencing-download-stats-2020.jpg\" alt=\"The video conferencing download stats 2020 in RingCentral AU Blog\" width=\"768\" height=\"469\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-32877\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/financesonline.com\/video-web-conferencing-software-statistics\/\">Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Takeaway\/Call to Action<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s tempting to choose the best free conferencing available, it\u2019s essential to consider your needs. Otherwise, you may end up bottlenecking your success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free conferencing provides smaller businesses and nonprofits with necessary <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/how-to-make-remote-working-seamless\/\">remote working<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tools without eating into limited resources. But larger organisations may need advanced interactive features and tools provided by paid options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must find the right free or paid conferencing solution and provider. Consider testing flexible, reliable, and cost-effective options, like ones from RingCentral, to determine\u00a0 your best option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By choosing correctly, you can ensure your team\u2019s efficiency, streamline your communication workflow, and boost productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conference calling is an essential collaboration tool for your arsenal. It connects remote workers, reaches out to global clients, and bridges the gap between remote offices. By providing effective communication and collaboration, employees are empowered to reach business goals. But with varying business requirements and multiple conferencing options, how do you choose one? We\u2019ll go &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":32879,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-best-practices"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Free Conference Call: Etiquette and Best Practices | RingCentral AU Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Free Conference Calls allow you to connect, participate, and engage with your team virtually. Learn the basic etiquette during calls--RingCentral tells you all about it here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/au\/en\/blog\/free-conference-call\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Free Conference Call: Etiquette and Best Practices | RingCentral AU Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Free Conference Calls allow you to connect, participate, and engage with your team virtually. 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