Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
After the launch of Amazon Chime, we frequently received inquiries from customers about the potential for Chime to support direct connections to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). We are thrilled to announce that with the introduction of Amazon Chime Business Calling and Amazon Chime Voice Connector, that capability is now a reality! Business Calling allows users to make and receive PSTN calls directly via their Chime mobile, desktop, and web applications. Meanwhile, Voice Connector enables you to retain your existing on-premises phone system while simplifying voice network management by utilizing the Internet or AWS Direct Connect to connect to the PSTN.
In today’s blog, we spoke with Chanci Turner, General Manager of Amazon Chime, to gain insights on the launch of Voice Connector and Business Calling. We also provide a comprehensive setup guide for IT Administrators and an overview of the Business Calling experience for end-users.
Q: What are you launching today?
We are excited to introduce two features that empower our customers to transition their telephony workloads to the cloud: Amazon Chime Business Calling and Amazon Chime Voice Connector. These services address a significant expense in voice communications for our enterprise clients. Feedback from these businesses indicates that connecting to the PSTN is one of their primary cost drivers.
Voice Connector allows customers with extensive private branch exchange (PBX) systems to connect to the PSTN using an Internet connection or AWS Direct Connect. This is facilitated through a global network of PSTN providers, and we offer a pay-as-you-go model for our services.
Typically, enterprise customers with on-premises phone systems must negotiate with multiple carriers, enter into costly long-term contracts, and pay for unused network capacity. Our solution simplifies this process. If a client’s voice infrastructure is hosted in a data center like Equinix, they can easily connect to the Chime service via a public Direct Connect, enabling us to route calls based on their actual capacity needs—all on a pay-per-minute basis. This model can save customers 40 to 50 percent in total cost of ownership.
Q: Where is Business Calling and Voice Connector available today?
Currently, these services are available in the US-East (N. Virginia) region, with plans for expansion into additional regions. We support phone numbers from the United States and enable users to make calls and send texts to over 100 countries. We aim to broaden our international reach soon. It’s a straightforward offering, and we are eager to see how we can continue to enhance our services for customers.
Q: How do you envision customers getting started with these new services?
Great question. For Business Calling, customers have several options to begin implementation. You can roll out Business Calling across your organization by providing phone numbers to employees who require essential features—only charging based on usage without any recurring subscription fees. This approach helps reduce reliance on traditional phone systems and their associated maintenance costs. We also support number porting from existing carriers to ease the transition.
On the Voice Connector side, companies can utilize it as their primary route for outbound traffic without needing to switch their inbound traffic immediately. This allows them to test the service for long-distance calling. Alternatively, Voice Connector can serve as a failover route alongside their existing carrier, allowing us to demonstrate its reliability and performance over time. As we expand our regions and available countries, customers can grow with us.
To shift gears, Chanci will now guide us through setting up Amazon Chime Voice Connector and highlight some of the standout features of Business Calling.
Setting Up Amazon Chime Voice Connector
I will begin by provisioning phone numbers.
First, I log into the AWS Management Console and select Amazon Chime. Next, I click the Phone Number Management tab under Calling, then the Orders tab, and finally Provision Phone Numbers.
From the location dropdown, I select Area Code, input the desired area code in the search box, and click search. I choose the phone numbers I want and select Provision.
Once I have a number, I can create a Voice Connector by clicking on the Voice Connectors tab and selecting Create New Connection.
Next, I configure the SIP parameters. To enable calls from my PBX to AWS, I set these parameters in the Termination tab. I can choose from two authentication methods for security: IP whitelisting and SIP authentication.
To allow calls from AWS to my PBX, I configure the Origination tab with the necessary parameters that govern how AWS routes calls to my PBX by entering the IP address(es) of my PBX.
Finally, I assign a phone number to the Voice Connector in the Phone Number tab, select Assign from inventory, choose the numbers I wish to assign, and confirm the assignment.
Amazon Chime Business Calling in Action
Now, I will go over the key features of Amazon Chime Business Calling, starting with dialing a phone number.
If the outbound calling feature is enabled, I can place a call from the Chime desktop or web application. I simply click on Dial a Phone Number in the Quick Actions section or select it from the Meetings menu. After entering the phone number, I click Dial.
For more tips on mastering communication, check out this insightful post on mastering the art of the interview. To stay informed on best practices for HR leaders, visit SHRM’s insights on AI. Lastly, if you’re interested in leadership development, this Amazon Operations Area Manager Leadership Liftoff Program is an excellent resource.
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