Under real-time construction

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a service that allows you to use your broadband internet connection to place or receive phone calls.  You can use your normal phone just like you are used to and your computer does not need to be turned on. VoIP service costs much less than a standard copper phone line from a traditional phone company. 

Your phone connects to a Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) and the ATA connects to your internet connection, usually your router. Digital phones are available that connect directly to the internet connection, eliminating the need for an ATA.  You do need a broadband connection, and if that connection is very busy or out of service, your VoIP may not work properly. This is very important to consider if you need to call 911.

VoIP services are required to provide a special service called e911 that sets up your account so that if you do call 911, the call is routed automatically to your local 911 dispatcher and your address is provided on their screen. This service works well, but is dependent on your internet connection working.

Many older devices with built in modems (faxes, satellite receivers) do not work well with VoIP. Many of these devices can be adjusted to work with VoIP, but some cannot. Luckily, most devices now can use an internet connection directly in place of the old phone lines.

VoIP offers many features that are  either not available in  normal phones, or are available at significant extra cost.  Ring groups, follow me, voicemail integrated with email and web pages, Voice menus, advanced caller ID features, day/night time limits and more.  We'll be adding info on these features as we go. Most are available now on our system by calling us to set it up and we're working on the software to allow the user to control use these features directly.

more to come....