Can I keep my current phone number?

Most VOIP providers can facilitate the process of moving your current phone number; this is known as porting. However, cell phones and toll free numbers cannot be ported.

Note for DSL Subscribers: DSL subscribers are required to maintain one phone line with their old phone company in order to maintain their DSL service. If you currently have only one line with the phone company, then this line must be maintained in order to access the Internet and you should not attempt to port this number. Some DSL providers are proving a "naked" DSL which will allow you to move your phne number and keep your DSL internet connection.

What about 911?

Although VOIP services may look, feel and operate just like a regular telephone, it handles emergency 911 calls very differently. Some VOIP companies offer limited 911 functionality, where 911
calls may be routed to a local police or sheriff station. Many VOIP companies are working to make the 911 functionality similar to standard land lines by providing the 911 destination the caller's location and information.

Can I make/receive calls if my internet connection is down?

No. Your internet connection must be active when you make VOIP calls or faxes.

Can I make/receive calls while I'm browsing the internet?

Yes. You can make VOIP calls or faxes while browsing the internet. However, your web browsing may affect the quality of your telephone call, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Will VOIP work for faxing?

VOIP based phone services are not optimal for fax machines due to variations in line quality to which fax machines are sometimes sensitive; however, many of our customers do in fact use fax machines with BringPhone, and most find that faxing works perfectly. Ultimately, your results will depend on the speed and consistency (jitter) of your unique Internet connection and the sensitivity of your fax machine.

How is the call quality?

Our polls and surveys, as well as that of third-party researchers show that most VOIP users find VOIP quality and reliability to be as good and sometimes better than traditional land lines. In a study by Telephia, 71% of VOIP users found that VOIP was equally as reliable as traditional landline service, with 16% finding VOIP to be more reliable.

In the end, quality and reliability all depends on each user's internet connection. Most voice quality issues that users face are due to a slow or unreliable internet connection. The higher the speed of the connection, the more likely it is that the user will receive high call quality.

If you are experiencing problems or have choppy service for any VOIP provider:
(1) Try powercycling your VOIP adapter by unplugging the power cord and replugging it in.
(2) Check your internet connection. Try rebooting your modem and/or router by unplugging the power cord and replugging it in.
(3) Make sure your phone wires are solid and free from damage.

(1) Make sure your VOIP adapter is well ventilated. It is preferable that you keep it at least 4 feet away from any other electronics.
(2) Use a wired phone instead of a wireless phone.
(3) If you are on a wireless network, secure your network. Someone may be using your bandwidth.