FAQs

1- What is the main advantage of using VOIP?

Basically a more than significant cost reduction but there are also other very interesting advantages in using VOIP services such as feature rich services, local presence in remote sites, getting “closer” to clients and family, and integrating applications to the phone.

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

You need a Broadband Connection (Cable / DSL), a VOIP adaptor or a Soft Phone and the free or paid service from a VSP (Voice Service provider) like Engin, FreeCall, FWD, Voise, etc.

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. In terms of saving money it is closely related to your usage patterns but anyone spending over $80 a month should consider adding a VoIP Line.

5- What is the Quality of the calls like?

In general terms is very good; 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.

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 (Analog 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- What is a PBX and what is the difference with a VoIP PBX?

A PBX is commonly known as Commander Systems and allows you to share the telephone lines among the office users by having extensions.

A VoIP PBX does the same but it also takes the advantage of the VoIP technology allowing you to have hundred of advance, efficient and professional features as well as to connect extensions in any place around the globe.

In brief: It lets you have all the benefits of a PBX that only an international corporation could afford at SOHO Budgets, at the same time that reduces your communication costs enormously.

8- 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.

9- What types of phones can I plug to an ATA?

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

10- If I get the service, Am I lock to a contract?

The terms and conditions are different for every provider, but in general terms they are all in a month to month basis and some of them even give you the first month fee for free.

11- How can Foniq VoIP help me?

We can help you in many different ways from providing you with the right advice and hardware, to performing a full installation on-site for a VoIP line, an IP PBX or a network.

We can also show you how VoIP can reduce your phone bills and help you perform your daily tasks.

12- 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.

DID: Direct Inward Dialling (Virtual number). This is standard telephone network (PSTN) phone number associated with a VoIP Line.

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.

FXO: Foreign Exchange office. Is the port that plugs to a PSTN line.

FXS: Foreign Exchange Subscriber. Is the port where you plug the Handset (Telephone).

SIP: Session Initiation Protocol. Is the protocol that allows a user to 'call' another user on their Internet phone.