Coastal Connections

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (also known as Broadband Telephone Service) allows you to place your local and long distance calls over your broadband (high-speed) Internet connection. You can call anyone who has a telephone; the person you are calling does not need to have VoIP, or even an Internet connection. You use a standard telephone to place the VoIP calls.

How does it work?

Simply put, your voice is converted to digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. The digital transmission is converted back to voice tones at the receiving end. There is no delay in transmission. In fact, many service providers are currently routing calls over the internet, so your voice may actually be traveling more directly than when using your current (non-VoIP) provider.

Do I need any special equipment?

You must have a high-speed Internet connection (DSL, Cable or T-1). You will need a router to split your Internet connection so that you can use your computer and phone at the same time. (Adding a router gives you the additional benefit of a firewall to increase the security of your computer.) Finally, your VoIP carrier will provide you with a phone adapter or converter device. This device will connect to any regular telephone. You will receive all of the necessary equipment from VoIP Carrier.

Can I install this myself?

Yes! It’s as simple as Plug-and-Play. With the instructions provided by your VoIP company, you should be fully operational with only a few minutes of set-up time.

What are the advantages of VoIP?

VoIP costs are typically priced dramatically less than traditional programs. Some VoIP plans may include unlimited local & long-distance or at least significantly reduced long distance rates as well as many preferred calling features (such as voicemail, caller ID, 3-way calling, call forwarding) that traditional plans typically offer “a la carte.”

Great international rates* are a major incentive to switching to VoIP - the per-minute rate are often cheaper than most domestic long distance plans! *International rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Please note that calls to mobile phones are generally substantially higher than calls to land-line phones (which are called “proper” in the schedule).

Are there any disadvantages?

The connection depends upon the Internet; if your Internet provider is “down,” or you lose electricity, you lose your telephone connection.

Not all VoIP plans connect to local 911 service. Our provider(s) provide 911 service, but only if the phone converter/adapter is at the registered location.

VoIP is a great system for a small office / home office; the features our providers include give you everything that larger businesses already have at an incredibly low price.

We recommend that you also maintain at least one or two copper phone lines to supplement your VoIP service. This combination should result in a substantial cost savings and may give you many more features than you currently enjoy.

The simplicity of the VoIP solution is amazing! Your current telephone number is fully portable to the VoIP provider, and we offer programs for both Residential and Business customers.

Most VoIP plans offer the following features:

Online Account,
Caller ID,
Caller ID Block,
Conference Calling,
Speed Dialing,
Customizable Contact List,
Do Not Disturb,
Call Waiting, Call Forwarding
Voicemail,
Call Logs,
Call Transfer,
SAME phone number for home, office, and cell,
Have your incoming calls ring into your office and to your cell phone at the same time,
Voicemail-in-your-email and readable voicemail,
Call Recording ,
Call Statistics,
E-Fax,
Video calling and screen sharing with business associates, family or friends,
Anonymous Call Blocking,
‘Whitelist’ certain numbers while routing all other calls to an away message,
An array of other customizable options tailored to your specific use and needs, etc.