Conference Call: Invite Your Colleagues to Participate in Live Calls

Boiled down to essentials, conference calls are business meetings conducted using a phone. In a conference call, a caller can talk with many participants at the same time.

To join the call, participants need to dial a conference bridge number given to them prior to the meeting. The meeting organiser can also add participants to the call. There are two types of conference calls:

Reservationless conference call service

With a reservationless conference call service, you don’t have to schedule the meeting in advance as the line is always available to you. This type of conference call service can accommodate any number of callers at a time. You also get online host control and can record calls.

Operator-assisted conference call service

This type of conference call service is suitable if you are planning to conduct a formal conference. A host will be assigned to:

• Plan the meeting;
• Send invite;
• Greet callers;
• Gather their contact information;
• Manage Q&A sessions;
• Get your participant list and transcript of the call.

There are a few service providers that offer free conference call services. You can install the below conference call software to enjoy the free service:

• Whereby
• Skype
• FreeConferenceCall
• FaceTime
• WhatsApp
• Zoom
• Cisco Webex

However, with free conference call software, you may be missing out on many advanced features like call recording, data privacy, customer support, unlimited calls, storage, etc.

3-way calling is a type of conference call where only three people are allowed on the call. On a conference call, you can have as many participants as you want. Many times, conference calls are pre-planned while 3-way calls are unplanned.

Compared to conference calls, 3-way calls are easier to initiate and the 3rd participant can be added to the call with the click of a button. You can make a 3-way call from your sim-based number or VoIP app.

You can make a 3-way conference call using your SIM-based phone number or your VoIP phone system. Here is a details guide:

How to make 3-way conference calls from the phone using your carrier

Dial the first person and wait until they pick up. Click on the Add Call button displayed on your screen. Then, dial the second participant and once connected, you will see an option to merge the call. Now, you are on a 3-way conference call.

How to make 3-way conference calls using a VoIP app

Open your VoIP app or web browser, establish the call with the first participant and follow the instruction on the screen to add a second caller. And start your meeting.

To attend a conference call, you will need a dial-in number. The number will be shared with you by the organiser before the call. You need to dial the number to enter the virtual conference room. Follow the below process:

• Step 1: Find the conference call number in your meeting invite;
• Step 2: Dial the number to join the call;
• Step 3: Once connected, either enter the access code provided or the admin will allow you in.

If the organiser is calling from an app-based solution such as Zoom, Google Meet, etc. you can also click on the link in your meeting invite and wait for the admin to let you in.