- What is VoIP?
- How is VoIP different from regular phone service?
- Who can I call?
- How can my phone service cost less but I get more?
- Can I surf the web during VoIP calls?
- Does CentricVoice service work over DSL/Cable?
- Can I keep my number?
- What about 911 and E-911?
- How is the voice quality?
- How do I get started with my ATA?
- How long will it take for my phone to arrive?
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol is the ability to make and acquire phone calls over your internet connection instead of using a traditional phone line. VoIP transforms your voice into small data packets (think email) over your high-speed Internet connection; you’ll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have.
How is VoIP different from regular phone service?
The technical difference is that your calls are routed over the Internet instead of telephone lines. The smart difference is you get local and long distance, incredible features, and unsurpassed voice quality for a low monthly rate.
Who can I call?
With CentricVoice, you can make the call to a local number, a mobile phone, a long distance number, or an international number. With CentricVoice conference calling, you can even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.
How can my phone service cost less but I get more?
Using your internet connection instead of PSTN’s allows you to bypass the expense of a traditional telecom provider. Since VoIP providers have less money to spend on constantly updating our infrastructure we pass the savings on to you and are able to provide features that cost extra with other carriers, at no charge!
Can I surf the web during VoIP calls?
Can I surf the web during VoIP calls? Absolutely CentricVoice utilizes dynamic bandwidth allocation which optimizes bandwidth utilization. Centric Voice’s infrastructure is on a dedicated broadband service that allows you to surf the web while talking on the phone. Your computer doesn’t have to be on.
Does CentricVoice service work over DSL/Cable?
Yes, but there are several things to remember when running VoIP on this type of network:
1. Bandwidth allocation may affect quality of service
2. ISP blocking IP traffic-phone may not boot up, or upload/download traffic may be affected
3. Recommendation: Business Grade speed
4. Cable Modem network architecture: Nodes with specific amounts of bandwidth, if other users occupy the bandwidth, even though you may not be utilizing much bandwidth, it can affect your network performance
5. QoS guarantee-Off-net to CentricVoice service.
Can I keep my number?
In most cases, yes. CentricVoice uses the government mandated Local Number Portability (LNP) allows consumers in the United States to transfer their existing telephone number (traditional or Internet-based) from service provider to another. At CentricVoice you can request that your number be ported during your order process. Your satisfaction is our number one priority and we make every attempt to work with all other providers to port your number but certain local or regional guidelines may prohibit us from being able to.
What about 911 and E-911?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that CentricVoice provide E911 Service to all End Users who use CentricVoice services. We currently offer the most sophisticated E911. Our e-911 solution has unique capabilities that, for example, address the situation in which a business has multiple locations all served by the hosted service but the business has moved a phone number from one location to another. Since 911 requires the call to be routed to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) associated with the physical location, we have a technique that allows us to ensure the 911 call is routed to the correct PSAP with the correct phone number. Read more under Terms & Conditions .
How is the voice quality?
Your calls will sound the same or better when you use VoIP.
How do I get started with my ATA?
Follow the directions on the router and you should be able to make calls within minutes of installation. If you have any trouble, you can reach us at suppor@centricvoice.com or 1-888-552-5454.
How long will it take for my phone to arrive?
Your phone(s) should arrive between 7 and 10 days. You will receive an email with a tracking number for notification.