There are certain clear-cut advantages when using telephone audio conference calls in comparison to Internet conference calls.  For example, most of your conferencing services will offer a toll-free number in which attendees can call in on.  This means that if there's an individual across the country and they wish to use a pay phone- they have that ability.  Although it is assumed that everyone has a computer and an Internet connection that is not always the case.  However, you will seldom find anyone who does not have a landline telephone.  All they will need to do is call in and enter a PIN number that has been provided by the conferencing service that you have selected.  Although it may be considered less formal, it is just as effective in terms of conferencing, brainstorming, or even socializing with friends.

Now to make sure that everybody is on the same page who calls into the conference, obviously everyone’s going to be using the same technology (telephone), or something equivalent.  Again, if it's a telephone call, almost everyone has a telephone.  Sometimes, you'll find services that allow various mediums to interact together.  In other words, a person using a computer, with a headset, and accessing via an Internet connection can join in with others who are simply using a landline telephone.  This way, everyone can call in using the medium of their choice.

Now what makes a good business conference call?  It is up to the moderator/director of the call to ensure that everyone stays on-topic.  Is it also the moderator’s responsibility to ensure that everybody is in the same time zone, so that everyone calls in at the assigned time.  If the conference call is for business purposes, it is even more important that the moderator keeps everyone on-topic so that a resolution may be reached.  It should also be stated to the group and all the callers participating what the desired conclusion should be of that call.  Aside from the moderator doing their job, it is also helpful if everyone has up-to-date technology, whether they're using a telephone or the Internet.  If everyone is using the telephone, then the concern should really be minimal. 

Knowing that a Customer Service Representative may be reached relatively quickly during a telephone conference call, often sets the moderator’s mind at ease. In the event, that the conferencing company supports both computer and telephone conferencing on the same call, it is important to know that the company supports various computer platforms such as the PC and Macintosh, or other operating systems.  Also, is the software on their computers up-to-date?  Since a lot of software is subscription based, this should first be double checked before joining in on the conference.

Generally speaking, it is important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. After you have selected a fee that you're comfortable with, such as flat-rate or up front fees for just a one-time call, it is very important to verify that the company meets certain standards.  First, do they have operators in-house?  If not, are they based in a third world country and English is their second language?  Secondly, What type of guarantees does the company offer?  It is also important to know how long a company has been in business?  And last but not least, does the company offer set up support with the call?  Will their technical support staff or a customer service representative guide you through the initial integration process of using their services, affordably and easily?