Answers:
1. What is Voice over IP (VoIP)?
Answer:
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice traffic over a data network, such as the public internet. Using VoIP usually in conjunction with broadband internet connection (cable modem or DSL) it's possible to use a wide range of equipment to make a telephone call the internet.
2. How does VoIP/Internet Voice Work?
Answer:
VoIp services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal (analog) before it reaches the destination. VoIP allows you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or your traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition it's possible to use you wireless phone in locations such as airports, cafes, and parks to connect to the internet and may enable you to use VoIP services wirelessly.
3. What are the advantages of using VoIP Services?
Answer:
Some VoIP services offer features and services that aren't available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. you may also be able to avoid paying for both broadband connection and traditional telephone line. The biggest advantage VoIP has over traditional telephone systems is cost especially when making international calls using VoIP is considerable lower than making calls using the traditional telephone systems. Depending upon where you're calling you can save up to 90-95% which isn't uncommon or in case such as when calling international to someone that users the same VoIP system or provider it is free of charge to both parties, which allows you to talk as often as you like.
4. What would be the internet speed I need in order to use VoIP?
Answer:
That would depend on the VoIP service provider you're using. Some companies allow calls to be made though 56 kbs, modems in which the digital packets that carry the voice streams in each directions are compressed. Other VoIP providers would recommend that you have a minimum of 90 kbs, in both uploading and downloading speeds because their software do not use compression when transmitting voice packets. Broadband connections will give you better results with higher quality voice transmission. Over-all your connection speed should be 90 kbs, or higher if you plan on using more advanced features such as conferencing and three-way-calling.
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5. Who can I call if I have VoIp or internet phone service?
Answer:
Depending upon your service provider, you may be limited to only other subscribers of the same service, or your may be able to call anyone who gas a telephone number including local, long distance , mobile and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person doesn't need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.
6. What would I need to be able to use "PC-to-Phone" VoIP service in my home?
Answer:
A broadband (high speed Internet) Connection is required. This can be though a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adapter, or specialized phone is required. Some voIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adaptor. If you're using your computer, you will need some software and a inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate like a traditional telephone. If using your telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.
7. What is an analog telephone adapter and how does it work?
Answer:
An analog telephony adapter, or analog telephone adapter, (ATA) is a device used to connect one or more standard analog telephones to a digital and/or non-standard telephone system such as a Voice over IP based network. ATAs are used by many VoIP companies selling VoIP services, where the device is used to replace a user's connection to a traditional telephone company. When sold in connection with a VoIP service, the ATA is often locked so it cannot be used with a competing service, and the user can only partly change its configuration. Some providers do sell devices that are not locked and can be used with any compatible provider. Depending on whether the device is provided with a service provider (pre-configured) or purchased from somewhere else, that web configuration may or may not be accessible or portions of the configuration may be restricted. Many US based VoIP service providers supply the ATA free of charge if you sign up for a monthly contract. Please note: A deactivation fee is charged if your service is terminated if you use the VoIP providers service for less than 12 months. Most contracts are on a 30 day termination notice. Others may charge you a fee of (US$80 – US$150) for the ATA.
8. Can I keeping my current phone number (Local number portability).
Answer:
Yes all VoIP providers must comply with federal local portability regulations that mandate they "port" over your current telephone number to your new service plan within four business days. Some providers will provide this service free of charge, while other charge a fee, sometimes a large fee, but the average fee is about $9.95 per line. This is a one-time only fee.
9. What is Soft Phone and how is it used?
Answer:
Softphone is a software program for making telephone calls over the Internet using a general purpose computer, rather than using dedicated hardware. Often a softphone is designed to behave like a traditional telephone, sometimes appearing as an image of a phone, with a display panel and buttons with which the user can interact. A softphone is usually used with a headset connected to the sound card of the PC, or with a USB phone. A typical application of a softphone is to make calls via an Internet telephony service provider to other softphones or to telephones. Service providers may offer PC-to-PC calls for free; PC-to-phone and phone-to-PC calls are usually not free.
10. Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance VoIP Call?
Answer:
Some VoIP providers do not charge for calls to other subscribers to the service. Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional analog telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code for your VoIP service that is different from the area code in which you live. Calls within your VoIP area code may not be billed as long distance calls. People calling your VoIP area code from another area code, however, may incur long distance charges.
11. Can I take my phone adapter with me when I travel?
Answer:
Some VoIP Service Providers offer services that can be used wherever a high speed internet connection is available. Although using VoIP from new location may impact your ability to connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.
12. Do I have to have my computer turned on to make calls?
Answer:
Only if your service requires you to make calls using your computer. All VoIP services require your broadband internet connection to be turned on.
13. How would I know If I have a VoIP phone call?
Answer:
13. If you have a special VoIP phone or regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional phone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.
14. What is meant by trial periods and cancellation?
Answer:
Trial periods and cancellation. Always read the fine print. If you sign up and cancel service, you will be refunded your money if you cancel within a specified minute usage and time frame, but the clock usually starts ticking on the 30 days from when your sign up, not when you get your hardware installed and start using the service. This can mean a 30 day trial is actually 15 days. Additionally, you will still be charged for calls not included in your plan, international cellular calls, directory assistance calls, and don't forget the cost to ship back the hardware . To make matters worse, if you cancel after the free trial date most providers have deactivation fees.
