Common Questions About Using VoIP

• Do I need an Internet connection?

Yes, you need high speed Internet such as DSL, cable or wireless Internet. VoIP relies on the Internet to work correctly, so the higher the speed, the better quality of Internet and voice service you will receive. We recommend having at least 1M speeds or higher.

• Can I keep my current phone number?

Yes, you can port your number to VoIP by initiating a Line Number Port (LNP) from your current telephone provider. We can assist you with this process.

• Can I use my existing phones?

If you get a device called and Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), you can convert your analog phone lines to VoIP lines and use your regular phones. You can rent an ATA from us for $8 per month or you can buy it for $99.95.

• Do I still need to have an analog phone line?

No, VoIP will replace it, but you can keep it as backup service if you'd like.

• Can I talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time?

Absolutely! As long as your connection is fast enough, you should not see a lapse in either your phone service or your Internet service when you are using both simultaneously.

• Can I buy a VoIP phone at an electronics store?

Yes, as long as it is a Broadsoft compatible phone. For a list of compatible phones, please click here.

• Do I need to make any changes to my internal network to make VoIP work?

Depending on whether you go with IP phones or an ATA device, your network will be set up differently. Either way, you will need to add at least one more device to your network. We recommend having a consultant help you with this unless you are technically minded.

• Can I use VoIP with any operating system?

VoIP will work with a variety of operating systems. However, we recommend that you have one of our supported operating systems which is Windows 98 and above and Macintosh OS 8.5 and above.

• What happens when I have a power outage or if I lose my Internet connection? Will my service still work?

911 Dialing and VoIP services DO NOT work during an electrical power outage or broadband provider outage. While you cannot control a power outage that actually disrupts your broadband Internet service, one method you can use is to install an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to your Internet router to continue to provide AC power to your DSL/cable/wireless modem, phone adaptor and phone. A UPS can be purchased at an electronics store.

• Can I have a monitored alarm system with VoIP?

There may be options for having a security system with VoIP services. We recommend you talk to your security professional about using a basic service land telephone line or wireless communications to support your alarm system. FRII is not a security company and can not make specific recommendations about security systems.

• Can I fax over VoIP lines?

Our testing has shown that long faxes have difficulty running over VoIP however some customers have been able to make small faxes using a traditional fax machine over VoIP lines. You can choose to have a basic service land telephone line for traditional fax machines. Another option is to utilize a web-based faxing service. You will need a scanner to send faxes and a printer to receive faxes using a service like this.

• Will DIRECTV, Dish Network and Digital Cable Television work with VoIP?

Most digital cable does not require a basic land line telephone service so the easy answer is yes. For standard receivers of DIRECTV and Dish Network without DVR (Tivo or some other recording device) you do not need a basic land line telephone. The only caveat is you will not be able to order Pay Per View with your remote if you do not have a telephone line but most companies will allow you to call or order Pay Per View on-line instead. If you have multiple DIRECTV receivers and have your subscription mirrored on each receiver you may be required to have a basic land line.

• Will DVR products such as Tivo, DIRECTV with DVR and Replay TV work with VoIP?

Our research has found different levels of success when utilizing DVR devices without a traditional land line telephone. Your level of success depends upon the model and software version of the equipment.

DIRECTV with DVR

Most customers have found that if you take your device to a place with a traditional land line telephone you are able to plug the device in and complete the initial setup. Once initial setup and activation is complete over a basic land line, all of the guide information comes from the satellite and the DVR will record and save programs. While the DVR device is functioning properly by recording programs it may give you a warning message that it has not connected. This message does not seem to interfere with the function of the device.

For Series 1 DIRECTV with DVR you can install a TurboNet card and the DVR will phone home over the Internet.

Will a DIRECTV DVR units work if I have installed wireless phone jacks?

Customers have had mixed experiences using wireless phone jacks. Some have reported it works flawlessly. Others have reported that it is difficult to get a high success rate for daily calls, and almost impossible to get the *initial* setup call to complete from a wireless phone jack. However - several people have DVR units hooked up to wireless phone jacks, but did the initial setup and activation from a basic land line.

Tivo standalone

There have been mixed results with a standalone Tivo box depending on software and hardware version. Some seem to require basic land telephone to keep updated on program information and software updates. Other versions will work fine if you complete initial setup and activation over a basic land line. While the DVR device is functioning properly by recording programs it may give you a warning message that it has not connected. This message does not seem to interfere with the function of the device.

ReplayTV

Older versions of ReplayTV need a traditional basic land line to dial out however newer ReplayTV models are networked via Ethernet so will work over your broadband Internet connection.

• Does 911/E911 work with VoIP?

See our 911 services document for information about 911 and VoIP.

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VoIP Essentials