Conferencing by telephone is a useful tool that has caught the attention of the public. People from all walks of life and of all ages, make use of this facility. It is used by businessmen, doctors, social groups who intend to network, universities and other teaching places, religious institutions and a host of others. Conference call telephones are within the reach of everyone. It is easy to handle and since telephones have been around for so long, most people feel comfortable using it.

It is too simplistic to state that all one really requires for conferencing by telephone is an instrument. It would be wise to find out how one could optimize the facility. The user of conference call telephones will have to subscribe to a service provider. The user will be given a unique number called a PIN or Personal Identification Number which must be first dialed before any other number.

The conference call telephones can be linked to many more people through special equipment called the Conference Bridge. Most service providers supply the conference bridge as it is worth their while to invest in purchase of it. Depending on the configuration opted for; an 8 channel conference bridge can be expanded into a 16 channel one. There is also the Multi Server Conference Bridge or CSO which is equipped with the provision to record every call. These files may be saved in handy compact flash cards.

There is possible process to establish a 3 way calling on an office or home phone line. The caller first dials the number of the first person to be called and then presses the flash button. The number of the next person is then dialed. While the phone is ringing, the flash button is again pressed. Now all 3 lines are connected and the conferencing can begin.

There is yet another feature that has its own unique uses especially when instruction is to be issued. This is the Audio Tele Conference or ATC. This curtails dialogue but allows the called party to listen in to the audio portion of the conference. Conference call telephones offer several more sophisticated features like voice over IP, auto attendants, phone to phone paging, caller IP, call screening etc. It is left to the customer to choose whether he requires these features or not but the fact still remains that all one really needs to make a conference call is only a telephone.

As security is of the essence while using conference call telephones, various devices are available to protect the system one is using. It is possible to fit an automatic speaker recognition device that uses voice biometric technology onto a conference cell telephone. This verifies the identity of a caller. It is easy to buy cards for conference call telephones. An order could be placed online and the card received immediately. Similarly international cards could be purchased or recharged in seconds over the internet.