FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About VoIP

1. Do I need a broadband Internet connection?
   Yes, you need high speed 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 1Mbps speeds or higher on T1, DS3, or Fiber. Other connection types such as DSL, wireless, and cable will also work but do not provide the same quality assurance.


2. 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. FRII can provide assistance and guidance throughout this process.


3. Can I use my existing phones?
   If you get a device called an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), you can convert your analog phone lines to VoIP lines and use your analog phones. In most cases, it is more cost effective to go with IP or software phones. FRII offers a variety of ATA devices and IP phones and can recommend a software phone that will best meet your needs.


4. Will there be any downtime during the transition to VoIP?
   No. FRII will work with you to transition seamlessly into VoIP. If you are keeping your existing phone number(s), it can take 3-5 weeks for the numbers to transfer over to FRII. In the meantime, your current phone service provider will forward your calls to temporary phone numbers issued by FRII.


5. Can I fax over VoIP lines?
   Currently, FRII does not offer fax service with VoIP. FRII recommends keeping one analog phone line for fax purposes. 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.


6. Can I talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time?
   Absolutely! As long as your connection is fast enough and of good quality, you should not see a lapse in either your phone service or your Internet service when you are using both simultaneously. A FRII Voice and Data Consultant can help you determine what type of connection will best meet your needs.
7. Will my Blackberry work with VoIP?
   Yes. In fact, with FRII's option of voicemail to email, you can receive your voicemails in a variety of ways on your Blackberry. You can also utilize the call forwarding options to send all your office calls directly to your Blackberry.


8. Do I need to make any changes to my internal network in order for VoIP to work?
   Depending on whether you go with IP phones, software 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. FRII offers consulting services should the need arise for assistance.


9. Does VoIP have the same taxes as traditional phone services?
   VoIP has some of the same taxes that you are used to seeing on your phone bill but not all of them. However, there are some VoIP taxes that you do not pay when you have traditional phone service.


10. 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.


11. What happens if I have a power outage and lose my Internet connection? Will my service still work?
    911 Dialing and SureRing 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.

Testimonials

For more information or to schedule a live demo of VoIP services, call 800.935.6527. With our suite of VoIP solutions, you'll never miss an important call again!