INTRODUCTION

• Can you quickly explain what VoIP is?
  VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP phone service, sometimes referred to as broadband phone service or digital phone service, is a phone service which operates using your high-speed Internet connection. There are mainly two kinds of VoIP services that we offer: phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using either your regular phone or a computer headset with a microphone, respectively. As opposed to a traditional landline, when you use your phone or computer to call a number the call is sent over the Internet instead of over copper wires running out of your office.
   
• How does one place or receive a VoIP phone call?
  With a phone-based service you would use VoIP the same way you use a regular landline, by picking up the phone to answer it or dialing a number to place a call. With a computer-based service, you can call using a headset with a microphone plugged into your computer.
   
• Can I call any phone or just VoIP phones?
  Digital Compass service allows you to call any phone number in the world, whether that number be a local, long-distance, mobile phone, or international number. However, some computer-based providers may limit you to other subscribers to that service (Commonly known as “User to User”). Our service allows our customers to call any regular phone network. Additionally, you may be able to speak with more than one person at a time using a feature typically titled either “Conference Calling” or “Three-way Calling.”
   
• How is the voice clarity?
  The quality of VoIP voice has dramatically improved over the past few years, reaching the quality level of a landline phone and sometimes even exceeding that level. However, voice clarity may differ from provider to provider and will also depend upon the speed and quality of your broadband connection. Before signing up, you may wish to consult other VoIP users who are currently using our service.
   
• Do I need a computer to call?
  No, you do not need a computer for phone-based VoIP services.
   
• What differences are there between making a local call and a long-distance call?
  In terms of technology or how you dial the number, there are no differences. Call charges, however, vary from plan to plan. Rates for long-distance calls are usually quite low. Furthermore, we offer unlimited long-distance in which case the calls are free.
   
• Can you give me a technical overview of VoIP?
  As the name implies, Voice over IP refers to calls that traverse networks using Internet Protocol (IP). The voice stream is broken down into packets, compressed, and sent toward its final destination by various routes (as opposed to establishing a single, 'permanent' connection for the duration of the call as with a traditional phone line), depending on the most efficient paths given network congestion, etc. At the other end, the packets are reassembled, decompressed, and converted back into a voice stream by various hardware and software elements, depending on the nature of the call and its final destination.

BENEFITS

• What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?
  A VoIP or broadband phone service can help you save up to 90% of your monthly phone bill. Digital Compass offers many features which are covered in the monthly fee, such as voicemail, caller ID, three-way calling, and call waiting. We also offer unlimited long-distance with our plans, which saves customers the trouble of having to purchase long-distance phone cards. Furthermore, we offer unlimited calling to other subscribers of the same service, allowing you to talk to those users for as long as you wish at no additional cost. VoIP service is best suited for you if you can relate with any of the following comments:
  - "I have a high speed internet connection and would like to lower my phone bills."
  - "I make expensive long-distance or international calls and would like to reduce those costs."
  - "I run a small business and phone bills make significant part of my overhead."
  - "I like the convenience of taking my number with me as I travel anywhere in the world."
  - "I'd like to utilize attractive features such as conference calling, choice of any area code, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, etc."
  - "I'm frustrated with excessive taxes and long-distance company monopolies."
  - "I live outside the U.S. but I need a local NYC number for my business."
   
• Does it come with 911?
  Digital Compass offers "Enhanced 911" (E911), which seamlessly connects with the 911 dispatch center and identifies the location of callers using VoIP.
   
• Can I keep my number?
  Most providers allow number portability so you can use the same number which is given by your traditional phone provider.
   
• Can I get a number of an area code other than mine?
  Yes, your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means, if you live in Austin and get a New York number, you will NOT incur long-distance charges while calling a New York number regardless of geography. It also means that your "local" calls, in Austin , will be charged long distance and that your friends in Austin will incur long-distance charges calling your New York Number.
  Additionally, we offer virtual numbers (sometimes known as “extra numbers”). With this feature you may obtain a number from a different area code in addition to your current area code. This would enable you to have customers living in another area code dial a local number to reach you, saving them the cost of long-distance charges.
   
• Can I take my number with me when I travel?
  Yes, we allow you to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. In this case, calling would work the same as if you were dialing from your home or business and you would not incur additional charges.
   
• Can I try a service for a limited period?
  Yes, we offer a no conditions 30-day money back guarantee so you can try a service without risk to see if it meets your needs.
   
• What are other useful features?
  Digital Compass' VoIP service offers many features. We have identified about many different features that you can view by clicking here.
   
• How secure are VoIP calls?
  Although the media likes to play up future security threats in VoIP, so far, documented instances of VoIP security breaches have been few and far between. Also, the recently introduced encryption for VoIP subscriber units laid to rest many VoIP security questions.

GETTING STARTED

• How do I get VoIP working for me?
  Choose a suitable plan that works best for your company needs and contact a sales representative to get your service switched on. We will advise you on the equipment that you may require and answer any questions you have on our service plans.
   
• Do I need to be a computer expert?
  For phone-based services you do not need to be computer savvy. Even computer-based services are not too difficult to set-up.
   
• What kind of equipment do I need?
  A broadband (high-speed Internet) connection is required. This can be a cable modem or a high-speed service such as DSL or a Local Area Network (LAN). To place a call into the regular (PSTN) phone network you will need a a service plan with Digital Compass.
   
• Will I have to buy the equipment myself?
  While we provide soft phones (software based VoIP phones that run on your computer) free of charged, you will need to purchase equipment if you plan on having a phone-based solution with physical phones present. If you are interested in a phone-based system, we have a list of recommended equipment that would fit your needs.
   
• Can I use my computer during a call and does it have to be turned on all day?
  You can use the computer, however a router may be required. Your computer need not be turned on if you are making calls with a physical VoIP phone, but your broadband Internet connection must be active. As an added note, you can use your computer and surf the internet while talking on the phone without greatly affecting voice quality.