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Prime Buyers Guide Telecommunication Companies

How to Find the Best San Mateo County Telecommunications Contractor

An integrated phone system in your business can save time and money. San Mateo County business phone companies provide phone technology, networked office telephone systems and high-tech office communications, integrating landlines, cell phones, faxes and computer systems. Read the following articles from The Prime Buyer's Report to learn more about phones, office phone systems and business communication systems in Redwood City, South San Francisco and Burlingame. more »

Updated November 28, 2007

Top 10 Telecommunication Companies in San Mateo County

Strawflower Electronics
(650) 726-8181
160 San Mateo Rd
Princeton by the Sea, CA 94019

Areas Served: San Mateo, Redwood City, Burlingame, Atherton, Hillsborough, Foster City, Belmont CA

Serena Software, Inc.
(650) 522-6600
2755 Campus Dr
San Mateo, CA 94403

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno, Atherton

Ultra-Flex, Inc.
(650) 712-9382
429 Wave Ave
Princeton by the Sea, CA 94019

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Brisbane, San Bruno, Atherton

Inktomi Corp
(650) 653-2800
4100 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94404

Areas Served: San Mateo, Burlingame, Redwood City, Woodside, Menlo Park, Atherton, Belmont CA

Stars & Stripes Telecom, Inc
(650) 494-2000
7343 Mission St
Daly City, CA 94014

Areas Served: San Mateo, Menlo Park, Burlingame, Redwood City, Brisbane, Atherton, San Carlos

Escalate Retail
(650) 356-4000
2600 Campus Dr
San Mateo, CA 94403

Areas Served: San Mateo, Hillsborough, Foster City, Atherton, Belmont CA, Redwood City, Menlo Park

Smartech Communications
(650) 758-2100
480 Collins Ave
Daly City, CA 94014

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Brisbane, San Bruno, Atherton

SSA Global
(650) 356-3800
475 Concar Dr
San Mateo, CA 94402

Areas Served: Redwood City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Menlo Park, San Carlos, Woodside, San Bruno

Comcast Cable
(650) 758-3082
699 Serramonte Blvd
Daly City, CA 94015

Areas Served: San Mateo County, incl. Redwood City, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Atherton

West Coast Telecommunications, Inc.
(619) 471-0858
350 Palomar Dr
Daly City, CA 94015

Areas Served: San Mateo, Millbrae, Burlingame, Foster City, Redwood City, Hillsborough, San Bruno

How to Find the Best San Mateo County Telecommunications Contractor 

Outdated telecommunication technology can strangle your efficiency and aggravate your customer base. You could be losing hours managing your calls and information with antiquated equipment. But a telecommunications contractor can give your business the shot in the arm it needs. As EF&I (Engineering, Furnishing and Installation) certified professionals, they can be trusted to upgrade your entire communication and data flow system, ultimately boosting your output and networking capabilities. Read through the following articles to learn how to find these professionals and what to expect if and when you hire them.

San Mateo County Telecommunications Contractors Perform Numerous Services
Local telecommunications contractors can outfit your home or business for all of your voice, data, and television cable needs. Telecommunication professionals are thoroughly trained in the science of various data flow systems. This means they are certified to design data systems from the ground up, install voice and data cabling, perform EF&I and voice work, install inside and outside plant cabling, set up digital phone systems, install network racks, and implement particular system features. Depending on the size of your home or business network, they can install systems of appropriate speed and efficiency. A corporate Web development firm would probably require wide area networks (WAN) with high speed T1 lines connected by CAT 5 or CAT 5e twisted pair, HiCap fiber optic cabling. Such wiring ensures faster delivery for longer distances. If this profile sounds like yours, you will be pleased to find that there are several telecommunications companies in San Mateo County that specialize in larger high speed data networks. Such companies can also integrate several telephone features to expedite your business proceedings, such as ACD (automatic call distribution) to a call center or auto attendant, other remote phone aides, paging features, free internet calling, intercoms, voicemail, VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), or teleconference service. Many companies even offer integrated IVR (interactive voice response) to improve the efficiency (and reduce customer frustration) of your high volume answering system. And if you relocate the business, most telecommunications contractors are happy to move your system with you.

There are local telecommunications providers that service smaller businesses as well. They can install a key system in your office phone network, and even provide international or domestic calling plans. Among the plans they offer there are those with unlimited local calls, unlimited long distance, unlimited local toll or toll free, and low per-minute plans. It might also be more efficient to screen or greet visitors with a door phone. Telecommunications experts can install this system to allow you to speak to visitors remotely by conveniently using your phone. If you simply want to outfit your home with a smaller computer network, there are San Mateo County telecommunications companies that take care of that for you as well. They can set up simple LAN (Local Area Network) services or high speed wireless network connections such as broadband or DSL. They'll even take care of your computer and modem jack wiring. Most telecommunications companies don't just install a jumble of wires and leave you to navigate the mess. Certain companies will be available 24 hours a day for repairs and maintenance on your data network, patch panels, telephone cabling, and data cabling. A few also regularly undertake cable maintenance contracts. And when it comes to total replacement, several local telecom companies offer used, refurbished systems, saving a considerable amount of money. Several telecommunications contractors are RCDD and data & cable certified to competently approach all of your data and IP telephony needs.

There are Many Choices of Great Telecommunications Companies in San Mateo County
The Prime Buyer's Report has investigated the majority of local telecommunications specialists for you. Whatever IP telephony or data management help you may need, one of the outstanding professionals we've listed can help you. The Prime Buyer's Report has listed the top ten telecommunications contractors in San Mateo County as follows: Strawflower Electronics, Serena Software, Inc., Ultra-Flex, Inc., Inktomi Corp, Stars & Stripes Telecom, Inc, Escalate Retail, Smartech Communications, SSA Global, Comcast Cable, West Coast Telecommunications, Inc.. The next ten telecommunications companies include .

Telecommunications Contractors in San Mateo County Have Different Qualifications
Although telecommunications professionals are prohibited from practicing without a state license, there are some installation certifications (for both the service and the product) that are optional. So check out these details where you can find them. Official channels are great ways to source industry information, but media geared toward the general public has its benefits as well. If you use other Web sites and magazines you can get an idea of public reputation. You may even be able to find material about local telecommunications businesses. So conduct a wider search for better industry insight. For a list of useful Web sites and other media, read The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Telecommunications in San Mateo County".

Updated November 28, 2007
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How to Work With a Telephone Installation Company 

Step 1: Describe Work
When you make the initial calls, be ready to describe the services. If you aren't familiar with the technology, simply explain what it is you want from your network or phone system and the scale involved. If all you can articulate is the desired outcome, your telecommunications representative will likely be able to figure out the rest.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes
Particularly if communications technology is new to you, take notes on every detail you and your representatives discuss. As a potential telecommunications contractor runs down your options, pay attention to the various benefits and prices he quotes. Part of the interview process is your own education, and the more features you and your prospect discuss, the more likely you are to come to an informed, financially-sound decision.

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
After a contractor itemizes your options, ask about system limitations, benefits, and of course, cost. If a particular candidate seems like he can reasonably accommodate both your needs and your budget, ask some questions about his professional qualifications. Use the list below to guide you.

  • How long have you been in the telecommunications industry?
  • Do you have any special system certifications?
  • Have you worked with other San Mateo County clients with needs like mine?
  • How long should installation take?
  • Will my existing system be functional while you work?
  • Will you set up any outside services? (carrier services and plans, etc.)
  • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate?
  • How do you price your services?
  • Will my new system be covered by a warranty?
  • Will you provide a written contract?
  • Will you provide regular maintenance? If so, is there an additional cost?


Step 4: Making a Preliminary Decision

Based on what you've learned and your refined specifications, evaluate all of your candidate interviews and notes. The telecommunications contractor who meets your personal and technical qualifications is your best bet.

Step 5: Final Research
Once you've picked out the best candidate, make sure all proper credentials are in place. Verify licensing, insurance and quality endorsements such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 6: Making the Final Decision
Once you've ensured proper industry certifications, it's time to hire your telecommunications contractor. Call and ask any final questions and then ask for your representative to provide a written and signed pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.

Updated November 28, 2007
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Key Resources for Telephone Systems and Telecommunications in San Mateo County 

Associations & Licensing
AFCN Association for Community Networking (www.afcn.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission (www.cpuc.ca.gov)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
CTA California Communications Association (www.calcomwebsite.com)
CTIA Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (www.ctia.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
FCC Federal Communications Commission (www.fcc.gov)
NARTE The National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (www.narte.org)
NATOA National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors (www.natoa.org)
NCTA National Cable & Telecommunications Association (www.ncta.com)
TCA Information Technology & Telecommunications Association (www.tca.org)
TIA Telecommunications Industry Association (www.tiaonline.org)
USTA United States Telecom Association (www.usta.org)

Media & Web Publications
Broadcasting & Cable
Internet Telephony Magazine
Land Mobile Magazine
Mobile Magazine
Mobile Enterprise Magazine
Telecommunications Magazine
The Voice Report
VoIP Magazine
Wireless Telecoms

www.myvoipnews.org
www.questforum.org
www.tech-faq.com
www.tmcnet.com
www.windowsecurity.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top ten telecommunications contractors and telecommunication companies in San Mateo County within the following zip codes.

94027, 94002, 94005, 94015, 94010, 94014, 94062, 94404, 94019, 94020, 94021, 94025, 94028, 94030, 94038, 94044, 94060, 94061, 94063, 94065, 94066, 94096, 94098, 94070, 94128, 94074, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94080, 94083, 94064, 94037, 94026, 94018, 94017, 94016 and 94011

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top ten telecommunications contractors in San Mateo County within the following cities.

San Francisco, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Broadmoor Vlg, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, Emerald Hills, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, La Honda, Loma Mar, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palomar Park, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Princeton by the Sea, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Gregorio, San Mateo, Sharp Park, South San Francisco, West Menlo Park, Woodside, El Granada and Montara
Updated November 29, 2007
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8 Telecommunication and Business Telephone System Tips 

Learn About Telecommunications.
If you don't know what you're getting into, research is imperative. The telecom industry is vast and cryptic and you may be presented with choices that appear to be spoken in a foreign language. This preliminary research will make it easier for a potential contractor to work with you and prevent you from making any financial mistakes. Also, if you don't know the business at hand, you won't be able to discern the more skilled candidates.

Write a Description of the Job.
Once you have a basic idea of what you're talking about, write down everything you can articulate about your particular job. This will prevent confused and incomplete descriptions in your interviews and ensure that every candidate is on the same page.

Get Several Estimates.
Talk to several telecom contractors about the job you need. Get estimates from each to get an idea of price. But when you discuss the project with a candidate, cost is not the only factor to consider. Some telecom contractors have more experience, use better hardware, or offer better maintenance packages, and this information is often included in the initial estimate.

Get it in Writing.
For the sake of financial and legal foresight, document every transaction between you and your telecom professional. From the initial estimate to the final contract, make sure your representative thoroughly records a detailed description of the work, parts and labor pricing, timeframe for completion and maintenance agreement.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement.
Before you hire a telecommunications contractor, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances and any other relevant credentials.

Choose Certified Companies.
There are several local telecom companies that have received approbation for their heightened attention to customer service. In San Mateo County, Diamond Certification or positive mention in a consumer-oriented publication are indications of the outstanding quality you seek.

Have Your Contractor Walk You Through the System.
Don't let your telecom provider leave without a thorough explanation of the new system, whether it's an integrated network or a simple LAN line. Technical support may be available later, but you shouldn't have to wait on the phone or schedule an appointment to learn the basics.

Know Your Rights.
When you're working with a telecommunications professional you are afforded some legal protection. To learn about the specific laws in San Mateo County, go to the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Updated November 29, 2007
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Local Telecommunications Companies Service and Install Many System Brands 

Local telecommunications contractors are familiar with most of the standard system component brands. But be sure a prospective professional can service the particular make of your networking arrangement. Telecommunications experts in San Mateo County are known to service the following: PBX, Comdial, AT&T/Lucent, Panasonic, Avaya, Nortel, NEC, Vodavi, Mitel, Rockwell, PCS, Starplus, Triad, Plantronics, esi, Merlin, Spirit, Strata, Macrotel, Hirsch, Nitsuko, Executone, Partner, WIN, Fluke, Audiovox, Danger, Innostream, Kyocera, LG, Mitsubishi, Motorola, Nextel, Nokia, Pantech, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Starplus, Nitsuko, Cisco, Toshiba, AT&T, Atlas, and Norstar.
Updated November 28, 2007
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Diamond Certified