Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a topic:
VoIP Service
- What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication technology that
allows you to make phone calls using the Internet instead of a
traditional telephone line. Instead of plugging a phone into the wall,
you plug it into a special Broadband Telephone Adapter that converts
phone signals into Internet signals. You can also use a personal
computer with a software phone (SoftPhone) to talk as well.
- Are there any special requirements in order to get VoIP in my home?
You must have a high-speed Internet connection in order to get VoIP
service. For optimal quality, we recommend that you have Cable or DSL
service with a minimum 128 Kbps upload/download speed. Satellite
broadband or any service that has significant latency or packet loss is
not recommended as it will likely cause jitter and other quality
problems.
If you are not sure your connection is VoIP-capable,
there are a number of resources on the Internet for testing the quality
of your Internet connection such as http://www.testyourvoip.com and http://www.dslreports.com.
- Do I have to buy special equipment to use VoIP?
In order to use VoIP service you must have a VoIP-enabled device like
Broadband Phone Adapters (many times, provided free of charge by
Proximiti), native VoIP telephones and/or SoftPhones.
- Can I use a regular telephone to make and receive VoIP calls?
Yes, as long as you have a Broadband Telephone Adapter. Many times, a
broadband telephone adapter is provided free of charge* to all
Proximiti customers.
- Can I keep my existing telephone number if I switch to VoIP?
Yes, in most cases. Please keep in mind that it will probably take
longer to transfer your number than to issue you a new number. Also,
you may not be able to move your number if you have DSL.
- How long will it take to transfer my number from another provider?
It may take up to 21 days for your existing phone number to be
transferred. To avoid interruption in service and loss of your existing
phone number, DO NOT CANCEL your existing phone service until your
number is switched to Proximiti.
- Will VoIP work with my home alarm system?
We don't recommend using VoIP to connect a home alarm system. First, it
will require modification of your home telephone wiring. Secondly, if
there is a power outage or interruption in your Internet service, your
home alarm will not work.
- Will VoIP work with my TiVo/DirecTV system?
Yes, your system will be able to dial-up through your VoIP line. If the
system connects through the Internet then the VoIP will not affect it
at all.
- What if I have more than one telephone in my house?
The easiest way to use VoIP service with more than one telephone is to
purchase a cordless telephone system with multiple handsets. You may
also connect multiple telephones to your VoIP service by using a
multiple jack extension connector plugged into the adapter or by using
wireless jacks.
- Can I get 2 (or more) telephone numbers?
Absolutely. Check out our Products section for more information.
- Does VoIP service include calling features?
Yes, all of Proximiti’s telephone lines include Caller ID, Call Waiting, 3-Way Calling and more. See Products for details.
- Can I dial 911 on a VoIP phone?
Yes. We will register your Telephone Adapter so that the 911 calls made
through your adapter are routed to the correct service center for the
service address you provided at signup.
Please note: 911 is only available from
the address for which your phone is registered. If you use your adapter
from a location other than the registered address, we cannot guarantee
the 911 call will be completed or an operator will be able to assist
you.
- What kind of adapter will I get?
By default you will get a Linksys PAP2 Adapter free of charge*. These
adapters provide high quality voice service simultaneous with Internet
use. They also provide two telephone jacks so that if you have more
than one number, you can plug in two phones or your phone and fax
machine.
You can also opt to upgrade to a other advanced devices such as routers with built in Telephone Adapters.
- How do I get my Broadband Telephone Adapter?
Your Broadband Telephone Adapter will be mailed to you. Shipping and handling charges may apply.
- Does Proximiti come with a calling card?
Every Proximiti Center can be accessed from any phone by dialing
1-866-359-1722. From there you can check messages, lookup contacts, or
make phone calls as if it were a calling card.
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Proximiti Center
- What is the Proximiti Center?
Proximiti Center is a complete a suite of enhanced features, such as
Web-accessible voicemail, voicemail message notification, call
forwarding and much more. Click here for more information on Proximiti Center.
- Can I get more than one Proximiti Center on my phone?
Yes, up can add up to nine Proximiti Centers to each line.
- How much do they cost?
Most plans include one or more Proximiti Center for FREE. See the Products page for details.
- How do I get to the Proximiti Center?
You can access your Proximiti Center to make calls, check messages and more, from any phone or Web browser:
- If you're on a Proximiti telephone line, press '0' and following the prompts.
- Away from home, dial 1-866-359-1722 and follow the prompts.
- From any Web connection, log in at www.proximiti.com/center.
- Can I talk to my Proximiti Center?
Yes, Proximiti Center is fully voice-activated, so you can use natural
voice commands to do anything you need to do on the phone. Better yet,
Proximiti Center does not require training like many phone handsets and
PC programs, so you're ready to go the first time you call in.
- What is a "Virtual Receptionist"?
When there is more than one Proximiti Center on a single phone line,
the "Virtual Receptionist" will ask your caller who they are trying to
reach and then send them to the appropriate Proximiti Center. The
caller will be able to leave a message for that specific person or be
directed to another telephone number if their Find Me Call Forwarding
is configured.
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