Questions about VoIP
Questions about VoxTerra
- How does VoxTerra VoIP service work?
- What do I need to use VoxTerra service?
- Can I talk on the phone and be online at the same time?
- How do I make phone calls with VoxTerra?
- Can I call anyone I want?
- What advanced features are offered?
- Why should I use VoxTerra?
- Does VoxTerra offer wholesale pricing?
- How do I sign up?
- What is my startup cost?
- Can I transfer my home number to VoxTerra's VoIP services?
- How do I add a Virtual Number to my plan?
- Can I add a second line?
- Is there an annual commitment?
- What are the taxes charged on my monthly bill?
- I don't hear a dial tone. What should I do?
- How do I access my personal VoxTerra VoIP control panel?
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that enables you to make and receive phone calls through the Internet. Voice is converted into packets of data, sent out over the Internet through a broadband connection, and reassembled at the other end of the line. VoxTerra provides an adapter box that enables its customers to make VoIP calls using a standard telephone.
Why should I use VoIP?
VoIP phone services offer familiar capabilities and features, such as local and nationwide calling, call forwarding, call waiting, three-way calling, and caller ID. These features, which typically cost extra with traditional wireline telephone services, are free with most VoIP offerings.
VoIP also enables a new breed of features that provide unprecedented control and convenience. For example, you can listen set your preferences for features such as call forwarding and listen to voicemail online. You also have the flexibility to choose one or more virtual numbers that point to your primary number. These numbers are a great way to provide friends, family, or customers with a local number to call you.
Of course one of the driving reasons that VoIP is being adopted so quickly is that it significantly lowers the cost of traditional phone service with affordable, flat rate calling plans that feature unlimited local and domestic long distance, as well as competitive International rates.
What is broadband?
Broadband is a high-speed Internet connection that operates through a cable or DSL modem. To use VoxTerra VoIP services you must have broadband. This helps ensure high-quality audio on all of your calls. Because your call is converted into data packets that travel the Internet, the faster the Internet connection, the more quickly and efficiently your call will arrive at its destination.
It is important to note that not all high-speed Internet services use broadband. As a rule of thumb, you probably have a broadband connection if you're getting speeds of 256Kb/s or better.
How does VoxTerra VoIP service work?
VoxTerra uses a technology called VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, which enables you to make and receive phone calls through the Internet. Your voice is converted into packets of data, sent out over the Internet through a broadband connection, and reassembled at the other end of the line. VoxTerra provides an adapter that you plug in between your computer and cable or DSL modem. A standard telephone is also plugged into the adapter — allowing you to place and receive calls in the same way you do today. Just pick up the phone and dial the ten digit number (or International number) of the person you wish to call. They don’t need anything on their end to talk to you.
The VoxTerra adapter comes with an installation guide to help you through the set up process, which will take between five and ten minutes.
What do I need to use VoxTerra service?
You need a computer with a broadband internet connection at a speed of 256Kb/s or better. One broadband internet connection is sufficient for our two-line plans as well. You’ll also need a standard telephone. When you sign up for VoxTerra service, we’ll send you an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) with instructions to guide you through the quick installation process.
If you have signed up for VoxTerra WiFi service, you’ll need access to a home or public wireless hot spot. You’ll also need to purchase a UTStarcom Wi-Fi phone.
Can I talk on the phone and be online at the same time?
Absolutely. VoxTerra’s proprietary nationwide network is designed to be ultra efficient. As long as you have a broadband internet connection, you can work on the computer and talk on the phone without experiencing any degradation of service.
How do I make phone calls with VoxTerra?
Once your adapter is installed, you simply pick up your telephone and dial. For domestic calls, you must dial the full ten digit number — with the exception of numbers you have programmed in your speed dial. It’s important to understand the VoxTerra relies on your broadband internet connection. If there is a power outage or your broadband service is interrupted for any reason, your VoxTerra service will not work.
There are also some important differences when dialing 911 on your VoxTerra service. 911 services must be activated. Users are required to register the address of their service so that they can be located in the event of an emergency. If the physical location of your adapter is not accurate or not on record, emergency services will not be able to locate you if you are unable to speak your address or are disconnected. If you move your adapter to another location, you must call customer service at 1.800.924.5320 or use the online account management portal to update the physical location on record. As noted above, 911 service may be disrupted by power outages or outages of your broadband internet service. We urge you to review the "Emergency Services - 911 Dialing" section in the VoxTerra Terms of Service agreement for more information about 911 Dialing.
Can I call anyone I want?
Yes. You can dial any ten digit or International telephone number. VoxTerra’s Unlimited calling plans include unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada. VoxTerra Worldwide Minutes bundles include calls to 34 countries. Competitive International rates apply to all other locations.
What advanced features are offered?
VoxTerra service plans include advanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding, do not disturb, three way calling, call return, caller ID blocking and much more. In addition to these familiar features, VoxTerra offers features that are only possible with VoIP. With VoxTerra you can:
- Select from a list of nationwide area codes and available phone numbers — regardless of where you live
- Keep your existing phone number
- Access real-time billing information and manage your voicemail and calling features through our easy-to-use, online account management portal
- Take your VoxTerra adapter with you to make and receive calls anywhere you have a broadband Internet connection
- Choose Virtual Numbers that ring to your primary line. Since you select the area code, Virtual Numbers are a great way to provide friends, family, business colleagues or customers with a local number where they can reach you.
Learn more about VoxTerra features.
Why should I use VoxTerra?
VoxTerra offers you many benefits, including:
- High-quality phone service at prices significantly lower than traditional phone services
- Great International rates. VoxTerra Worldwide Minutes, which include calls to 34 countries, are available in blocks of 300 minutes for $4.95 and 1000 minutes for only $14.95. Competitive rates apply to other countries as well.
- Free advanced features such as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and three-way calling. Learn more.
- Free phone adapter that is easy to set up
- Online account management portal allows you to manage preferences, view your bill, and listen to voicemail
- No annual contract
- Keep your existing phone number
- Take your adapter box with you when you travel to make and receive calls from anywhere you have a broadband internet connection
Does VoxTerra offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. VoxTerra VoIP services can be private or co-branded. VoxTerra is an ideal choice for cable operators, carriers, ISPs, CLECs, resellers and other wireless and wireline operators. We offer a proprietary SIP-based architecture that is uniquely designed to be ultra efficient, with no single point of failure. This advanced network architecture is complemented by mature back-office systems with order flow management for efficient provisioning of billing and support services. Contact us for more information.
How do I sign up?
Simply choose one of our plans and sign up online. If you have any questions or would like assistance in selecting a plan, you can talk to one of our customer support representatives at 1.800.924.5320.
What is my startup cost?
There is a one-time activation fee of $49.95. This fee covers administrative costs to set up a new account including shipping and handling for the ATA device. This one-time fee is added to the cost of the service plan and additional products you select at time of ordering.
Can I transfer my home phone number to VoxTerra's VoIP services?
Yes, this is called porting. Most land line phone numbers can be ported to our VoIP services. There is a one-time porting fee of $15 to cover the costs of transferring your home number to our network.
How do I add a Virtual Number to my plan?
You will have the option to add one or more Virtual Numbers during the sign up process.
Can I add a second line?
Yes. VoxTerra offers extra savings on bundled plans that include two lines. Find out more.
Is there an annual commitment?
No, but if you cancel your service before one year of VoxTerra service the ATA device needs to be returned to VoxTerra, or your credit card will be charged a $45 ATA device fee. This device is given to you free of charge for the duration of using VoxTerra services.
What are the taxes charged on my monthly bill?
The FCC has all VoIP service providers collect a 5.31% tax for the Universal Service Fund. This fee is collected by all VoIP service providers.
I don’t hear a dial tone. What should I do?
You will only get dial tone if:
- You have an existing and fully operational broadband (high-speed) internet connection through a DSL or Cable Modem
- Your VoxTerra telephone adapter was properly installed. Each step must be followed carefully and in the proper order.
- The green power light on the VoxTerra telephone adapter is ON.
How do I access my personal VoxTerra Control Panel?
To access your personal VoxTerra Control Panel go to https://control.voxterra.com/ and enter your account number and password. These numbers were emailed to you at sign up. If you require these numbers again please email support@voxterra.com or call 1.800.924.5320.