What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet protocol, is a technology which allows phone calls via the
Internet rather than over a traditional phone line. VoIP provides clear,
digital-quality calls at a lower cost than traditional phone service.
Do I
need an Internet connection for VoIP?
Yes, you need to combine the VoIP service with our internet packages.
How
much does it cost?
The cost of our VoIP service is $19.95 per month when combined with our internet
package. This includes unlimited local and long distance calling in the USA and
Canada. We also offer very reasonable international rates.
VoIP for Business, call for details.
How
do I check my bill?
You can log on to the
http://voice.skybeam.com
website any time to see your bill. You can also view an inbound and outbound
call log.
Do I
still need my home phone service?
Not really, VoIP will replace your home phone service. If you want to keep your
traditional home phone service, our installer will advise you.
Can I
dial the 7 digit phone numbers in our local area?
Yes, you dial 7 or all 10 digits with any VoIP telephone service, the good news
is that you never have to guess if you need a 1 for long distance, you just dial
the 10 numbers. You don’t need to dial the 1 with toll-free calls, e.g. 1-800 or
1-877, because all of your domestic VoIP calls are placed without a separate
charge.
How
do I dial internationally?
You dial 011 and then the country code (e.g., 44 for the UK) and then the
number.
How
many lines can I have at my home?
You can have up to 3 lines set up for VoIP.
Will
my 911 service get to my local service?
Yes. One of the challenges of VoIP (as with cell phones) is that emergency
responders can’t always track the location of the phone, a capability they rely
on to locate someone who has suffered an injury or been the victim of a crime.
Enhanced 911, available from most VoIP providers, solves this problem.
Can I
use my computer while talking on the phone?
Yes, you can use any number of computers on your broadband service while you are
talking on the phone. The system automatically gives priority to your voice to
ensure quality of service.
Will
my internet speeds suffer by using VoIP?
No, you will not notice any difference.
What
happens if my broadband service is not working?
If your broadband service is not working, your phone is automatically rerouted
to the cell phone of your choice. (You can program this at your personal web
site for your phone service at voip.lpbroadband.com ).
How
long does it take to install VoIP?
It takes about 1 hour. Self installation contains documentation for the install
process or the installer will show you your web page and ensure that you know
how to set up the features you want.
Do
you have a self-install kit?
Currently we offer a self-install kit. We also offer VoIP with professional
installation for a nominal fee.
Can I
use all my normal home phones?
Our supported model is for a cordless Base-Station phone and handsets. Most of
your home’s older phones will work on the service. Rotary dial phones will not
work with VoIP.
How
do I port my number?
Skybeam will do the work, all we need from you is a signed authorization to port
your number. If you are a new Internet customer, we will provide the equipment
that includes your existing number at the time of installation of your Internet
service. You will be able to make outgoing calls for long distance international
at Skybeam discounted rates, you will not get any incoming calls until your
number has been ported. This port typically takes several weeks depending upon
your provider.
If you are a current Skybeam Internet customer, we will start the port of your
number upon your request. Once we are notified the date of your port from your
current provider, we will schedule the installation of your VoIP Service.
Typically, this will take several weeks to get the number ported.
If I
do not like the service, can I transfer my number back to my old carrier?
Yes, it is your number and you can take it back to your original carrier or any
other carrier at any time.
How
do I check my bill?
You can log on to the
http://voice.skybeam.com website any time to see your bill. You can also
view an inbound and outbound call log.
Are
there any taxes to be added to my VoIP bill?
There are some local sales and use taxes on the VoIP portion of your bill.
What about international rates?
The service provides you with very low cost international rates. When you have
completed your call internationally, you can log onto the above website and see
exactly how much the call costs.
You can check the above website before you place a call to any country to see
the rate per minute for the country you are going to call.
Can I
make my cell phone ring as well as my home phone?
Yes, you can program the system to ring your cell phone at the same time as it
rings your home number.
If I
use the voice mail system of the VoIP service, where do I go to pick up my
calls?
On a residential line, you can dial your own number from a connected phone and
enter only your password. From another phone, you press * during your greeting.
I
have an alarm system that calls a control center, will that still work?
Alarm systems are not supported as a standard configuration.
I
have satellite TV, will it still be able to function correctly?
Not always, work with your provider to determine if it will work.
I
have a fax machine, will it work with the VoIP service?
Faxing over uncompressed VoIP will work in most cases if your fax machine can be
set to use speeds 9600 baud.
January 2009