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Voice over Internet > Frequently Asked Questions What is VoIP/Internet Voice? VoIP allows you to make telephone calls over a data network like the Internet. It converts the voice signal from your telephone 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 number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone. Using an adaptor that connects to your high-speed Internet connection, a VoIP call can be made by picking up your phone and dialing the number. The call goes through your local telephone company to a VoIP provider like Aeneas, which sends the phone call over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company to complete the call. Another way to place a call is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using your computer keyboard and is routed through your cable modem.
It is possible to make Internet Voice calls with a T1, or other lower speed connections, but the voice quality won’t be as high as a traditional phone. To get the highest clarity of voice, a broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. Aeneas is using the Jackson Energy Authority’s Fiber to the Home broadband network to carry calls. In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called a SIP phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant. Click here for compatible phones and adaptors
Aeneas offers several Voice over IP packages with flat long distance rates. Your regular long distance rate will depend on which package you buy. But VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug your phone into, it doesn't matter what Internet provider, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance.
Your calls can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling doesn't need any special equipment, just a phone.
If you have a broadband internet connection, you don’t need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls. With Internet Voice you’re able to talk to many people at the same time. Aeneas can set up conference calls for up to 40 people at a time. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. And you don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. Aeneas also allows you to manage your features through the Internet. You’re able to log-in and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change. Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees by assigning a local West Tenn. number to your VoIP phone. Take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college. Churches can contact missionaries all over the world. Businesses can connect branch offices in different cities. Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. The FCC has ruled that all Interconnect VoIP providers must provide 911 service to their customers, but not all providers are compliant at this point. Aeneas is fully compliant with the FCC's 911 service requirements. 911 service is included with any Aeneas telephone service.
Yes.
You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. With any high-speed Internet connection, it should work the same way it does in your home or business.
Your broadband Internet connection does need to be active. But your computer does not have to be turned on if you’re making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone (like a SIP phone). If you’re using a headset or microphone, you’ll need your computer interface. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.
It will ring like any other call. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. Call Aeneas at (731) 554 9200.
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