PC to Phone FAQ's

Video Telephone Calling
A video telephone allows you to see and be seen with live interactive video over any broadband connection from your home cable or DSL Modem. Videophones deliver true, full motion video at up to 30 frames per second and crystal clear audio.

8x8 Packet8 Broadband VoIP Service with DTA-310 Phone Adapter

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Q: What is VoIP / internet phone / pc to phone?
A: VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer connected to the Internet, or a regular telephone using a broadband adapter connected to the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone or computer headset and microphone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone, or computer. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with a broadband adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just like a regular phone.

Q: How long has VoIP technology been around?
A: The technology has been used to transmit long-distance calls by the telephone companies for several years. VoIP technology over the last 2 - 3 years in dramatic improved. There are are 16 million customer already using VoIP services in the US , and many more worldwide. It is a proven and superior technology compared to a regular phone service!

Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
A: Whether you are using a computer or an internet phone, a broadband high speed Internet connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL connection. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone broadband adaptor.

Q: What are the advantages of pc-to-phone service?
A: Because pc-to-phone is digital, it offer many more features than what is offered by your regular phone company. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a phone line just to make telephone calls. You can also talk with many people at the same time without any additional cost.

Q: Is the quality of VoIP calls the same as with my traditional telephone?
A: VoIP is digital and therefore superior to analog. However, you may not get the same quality of telephone service as traditional telephone service unless you go with a major reputable VOIP service provider.

Q: Can I keep my current telephone number if I switch to VoIP service?
A: Yes - unlike traditional telephone companies you can continue to maintain your regular telephone service and number.

Q: Can I continue to use my computer while I make a internet phone call?
A: Yes - all the time you are connected to the Internet you can make VOIP calls.

Q: Does my computer have to be turned on to make an Internet phone call?
A: Not if you using an Internet Phone connected to a broadband internet connection, the broadband Internet connection needs to be active to make calls. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

Q: Who can I call with an Internet Voice service?
A: Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a cell phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You can also speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, such as a computer or internet connection, just a regular phone.

Q: How do I make a VoIP call?
A: Depending on the service you subscribe to, you can place a VoIP call on a phone using an adaptor that connects to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another way is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.

Q: Is there a difference between making a local call and a long distance call?
A: Some VoIP providers offer their services for free to other subscribers using the same service. Most service providers charge for long distance calls, however this is a lot less expensive to make an internet call than what your long distance telephone company charges. There are many different service providers and service plans. Some are by monthly subscription and other sell blocks of time. Long distance rate vary according to country, but national long distance is normally a fixed rate. It always pay to shop around and check out the deals and compare rates offered by different service providers.