Cost savings

The most obvious advantage of VoIP is cheap and in some cases "free" phone calls. Most VoIP Service Providers (VSPs) offer call charges which are significantly lower than those obtainable from any traditional PSTN telco.

The wide abundance of cheap phone cards are a direct result of VoIP infrastructures which has allowed a number of non-traditional operators to offer drastically reduced telephone costs.

VoIP service charges are also considerably lower than PSTN service charges and in some cases waived altogether.

Integrated infrastructure

The integration of voice and data offers a range of significant benefits. In the first instance, organisations need to administer only one network instead of two separate data and voice networks.

Scalability

VoIP makes it much easier and cheaper to add, change or remove nodes (handsets) on the network.

Global roaming

VoIP allows users to use one number anywhere in the world.

New services

VoIP promises to deliver advanced call features such as computer integration, unified messaging and long distance toll bypass

2. What do I need to have a VoIP Line?
 

You need the following to use VoIP:

• Broadband Internet Connection (Cable / DSL) - At least 64kbps upstream (128kbps recommended for best results). The downstream speed is usually much greater than the upload, so most download speeds are ok.
• a VOIP adaptor or a Soft Phone; and a
• VSP (Voice Service provider).
  
   

3. I have 2 or more offices in different locations; can I link them using VOIP?
 

Yes, you can do more than that.  You can do a simple setup with a point to point Line or you can go further and setup a PBX with Extensions at every end, an IVR forwarding calls according depending on conditional clauses, have extensions at home, voice mail and much more at a minimum cost.  You can even have incoming lines in different cities pointing to your PBX.

 

4. I don’t spend much on the phone; can I still take advantage of this service?
 

Yes, you can add extra lines, have phone number overseas, use the phone more without increasing your bills, enjoy of VoIP service features like Voicemail forwarded to your email.

 

5. What is the Quality of the calls like?
 

In general terms is very good.  It’s about the equivalent of an average-to-good landline call. Since VoIP relies on the Internet connection, sometimes incoming/outgoing traffic on the internet connection can affect the quality of the call.  If you are having problems with the quality of the calls it is a good idea to upgrade the speed on your connection or to set up Quality of Service in your network to prioritise Voice traffic.  Why not test your connection now: Click Here

 

6. What is the difference between a SoftPhone, an ATA, and an IP Phone?
 

A SoftPhone, is a program that runs in your computer that allows you to use a VSP service using your speakers and microphone.
 

An ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor), is a box that connects to your router and therefore to your internet connection where you can plug any standard phone o make the calls
 

An IP Phone, looks like a telephone but instead of plugging to the PSTN (regular phone network) it gets connected to your router.

 

7.  Can I have multiple VoIP phone lines?

The answer is yes - there is actually no limit to how many phone lines you can have. However the more phone lines you have, the faster your internet service needs to be. The following can be used as a guide:

If you are making calls with either a standalone adaptor or IP LAN phone, you do not need to have your computer on, but your broadband internet connection needs to be active.

If you are using the soft-client or a PC based USB handset, you'll need the computer on to make calls.
 

9. How can the VSP’s manage to get such a good prices on the calls?
 

They basically route all the calls thru the internet to the closest place to call-destination, therefore there are not long distance call charges involved.

 

10. What types of phones can I plug to an ATA?
 

Any standard Analogue phone. For example the phone that Telstra provided you or a Cordless phone you purchased to use at home.

 

11. What do all the acronyms mean?

 

VoIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is the name of the technology that transfers voice over data networks.

 

ATA: Analogue Telephone Adaptor. This allows you to use a standard analogue phone to do VoIP calls.

 

PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network. This is the name of the standard telephone network, also known as POTS.

 

POTS: Plain Old Telephone System. Same as the PSTN.

 

12. How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?

It will ring like any other call.
 

You can call anywhere, exactly like a switched phone service.

If you would like more information on a solution that will work for your business, contact us now.  We will be happy to provide an in-office VoIP demonstration so you can  experience VoIP for yourself. Phone for an appointment.