FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you access phone service over the internet. Calls are no longer dependent on old traditional phone lines. VoIP achieves greater functionality at a lower cost for businesses.
No, there are no practical limitations on our business voice service. You can make as many calls, users, and phone numbers as needed.
In most cases, you will not be able to connect calls if there’s a power outage. Our VoIP phone system works over the internet. During a power outage, your router will not be able to function, which means there will be no internet access.
If you make calls with a VoIP app on your computer, then yes. Otherwise, your computer does not need to be connected. You can complete calls as long as you have internet access and a VoIP-enabled phone or smartphone.
Yes, scalability is one of the advantages of using a VoIP phone system.
Because a VoIP phone system is hosted in the cloud, upgrading is easy. There’s no need for pricey infrastructure upgrades. In essence, you can scale your company’s phone system to an almost unlimited number of users or locations.
Whenever you get a voicemail recording, this will be converted digitally into a .WAV file and sent to your email address automatically.
Getting voicemails delivered to your inbox serves as a reminder and a convenient digital format that you can save for later. You can directly listen to voicemail messages from your computer instead of dialing with your phone.
A cloud PBX allows you to use all of your company’s phone service that is hosted using a service over the internet.
All the features of a PBX can be delivered seamlessly through the internet instead of hardware located on-site. A cloud PBX can save your company thousands in expenses. Your IT team would instead focus on more significant challenges than messing with an outdated phone system.
Even if you move offices or are overseas, you’ll be able to access your communications systems as well as make and receive calls.
Music on Hold is a VoIP feature that allows you to play music when your call is on hold or sitting in the call queue.
This feature also allows you to play recorded marketing messages. Instead of playing background music, you can broadcast special discounts or promotions.
You can also record information that would be of value to your customers and hold it while they’re waiting in the line (and discourage them from hanging up).
You can view an auto attendant as a virtual receptionist that directs callers to the correct people or departments.
You have probably experienced it before. When a customer calls, they will be greeted by a recorded greeting, which then directs the caller to press a key, depending on what they need.
For example, your auto attendant could tell callers to “Press 1 for accounts, press 2 for Customer Service, or press 3 for technical help.”
It saves time by directing users to the right department without unwanted transfers throughout the day. Nextiva’s multi-level auto-attendant functions 24/7 and can adjust the options depending on the time of day, too.
Regular quality calls (landline quality), require 90 Kbps download and upload — with more importance on the upload speed.
For HD call quality, it requires 200 Kbps download and upload.
Yes, we need to install a VoIP gateway in your office.
No, you do not need an existing phone number to use VoIP. We have thousands of local numbers that you can choose for your business. You can select any VoIP phone number you want, including ones in a different area code.
Yes, of course. If you have access to the internet, your VoIP phone system can follow you.
Two of the top advantages of having a hosted VoIP service are portability and cost. You can continue to take calls via smartphone, laptop, or even an analog phone if you have the right adapter/router.
Some countries may restrict SIP-based internet traffic, so check before you fly.
Yes, we make sure that our systems are always secure on our end. In general, your VoIP phone system offers more security features than traditional landlines.
It’s good practice to secure your data networks on your end. Choose a secure password that you don’t use elsewhere, memorize your security PIN, and you will enjoy a strong phone system.
Yes, if you have fast and reliable internet at your new location, your VoIP phones will work.
Since your new phone system operates in the cloud, it’s not tethered to a physical location.
With a strong wireless 4G LTE connection, your smartphone can handle calls with HD call quality.
In most cases, a 3G signal is sufficient for a satisfactory VoIP call. In cases of weak cellular signal, you may opt for a stable Wi-Fi connection instead.
Yes, your VoIP service can work well over wireless internet connections. However, you will need to ensure that you are getting a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi itself tends to be susceptible to interference resulting in a momentary drop of a signal. You can use Wi-Fi successfully, but you need a strong signal.
The first step to improving call quality is to use an Ethernet connection (CAT5e or CAT6).
A softphone refers to software that can make calls through your VoIP service. It’s a phone app that can place and accept phone calls over the internet.
In contrast, a desk phone refers to the physical phone that sits at your desk. Either method can be used to make calls through your cloud-based system.
You don’t need much VoIP hardware to get started with your cloud communication system. Although, you need to have fast and reliable internet (typically more than 10Mbps).
Speed and latency are topics to discuss with your broadband provider if it’s slow.
A physical phone, smartphone, laptop, or computer is something you may need. Your phone service can be set up with a physical phone by using an adapter or with a smartphone/computer.
An IP Phone is a phone that can make calls through the internet because it converts audio into packets of data. An IP phone is also known as a VoIP phone.
This data gets sent over the internet and then converted back when it reaches the call receiver.
Yes, there are SIP-based cordless phones that can be rented or purchased. In most cases, you would connect the base station to an Ethernet line. The handset operates on a secure 6 GHz band to keep conversations private.
Otherwise, if you already have an analog cordless phone, you can enable it to use your cloud communication system by using a special adapter.