VoIP – Commonly Asked Questions
Many people will be new to using online telephone systems and so will have a lot of questions about how this technology works, and how it can benefit them. If you have any questions about your individual VoIP package you should go back to the provider, and most have excellent websites that can offer a wealth of information and advice about the services and products provided, and also provide telephone helpdesks if you have any further queries. Here are just a few of the commonly asked questions on VoIP services.
Do I need to change my number to sign up to VoIP services?
No. You do not have to change your existing standard phone number if you want to swap to a VoIP service and all you need to do is contact the provider you want to sign up to an account to, and tell them you wish to ‘port’ (transfer) your original number over to your new account. This can take a couple of weeks in most cases, so when you first start using your new account you will be given a temporary VoIP number to use until your original number has been established on your new service.
Can I use the Internet whilst I am on the VoIP phone?
Yes – one of the benefits of online telephone systems is that they can be streamed alongside other data input/output being transferred through your high speed Internet connection, and this means you can talk on the phone, surf online and use computer applications all at the same time.
Will I need to change my Internet provider?
This depends. You will need a high speed Internet connection (cable or DSL) in order to use VoIP services, so if you already have broadband in place then you will not need to change your provider. However if you are still using an analogue, dial up style service then you will need to upgrade to broadband before you can take advantage of VoIP’s many benefits.
Do I need any special equipment to use VoIP?
Yes, you will need some additional equipment in order to use VoIP services, and this will depend on the broadband set up you already have in place. If your broadband modem has a spare Ethernet port, then all you will need to use VoIP is an adaptor (this will be sent to you by your provider usually free of charge), which will allow you to connect your standard telephone equipment to your modem, so that you can start making calls online. If however you do not have a spare Ethernet port on your modem, you will need a new router and adapter combined into one to replace this, and this can also be sent to you by your VoIP provider, although this will most likely be at an additional charge as this is a more expensive piece of kit than just the adaptor on its own.