What is a conference call and how does it work?
A conference call is a telephone call involving more than two participants simultaneously. In the environment of a business PBX, voice interconnection is provided by a conference bridge: a component that mixes audio streams from all callers and plays the voices of the others to each participant.
Conference calls can be scheduled, participants join at a set time using an assigned access code, or ad hoc, initiated directly from the phone by pressing the button to add another participant. Modern IP PBXs handle dozens of simultaneous participants in a single conference.
When will you use a conference call in your company?
A conference call replaces a physical meeting when participants are in different locations or do not have time to travel. Typical use cases include:
- Operational meetings - fast team synchronisation without needing to be in the same location
- Business negotiations - colleagues from various departments or branches can join the call simultaneously
- Technical support - technician, customer and specialist on one line simultaneously
- Training and briefing - one speaker addresses multiple listeners simultaneously
Unlike video conferencing, participants only need a telephone or mobile number: no app installation required.
Conference call and cloud-based PBX
Cloud PBXs (virtual telephone exchanges) include a conference bridge as part of the basic function without the need to purchase extra hardware. Configuration, number of participants, access code, conference recording, is managed via a web interface.
When sharing access via a code, remember that anyone who knows the code can join the conference. For sensitive meetings, set up one-time codes or invite participants directly from the central hub. On virtualni-ustredna.cz you can configure conference calls without contacting technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many participants can join a conference call?
It depends on the PBX and the selected tariff. Cloud-based central units typically support dozens of participants in a single conference. For large events with hundreds of attendees, specialised platforms for mass calls are used.
Can conference calls be recorded?
Yes, provided the central station supports call recording. The same rules apply as for standard recording, all participants must be informed before the recording begins.