Telephonic FAQ:
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about our service. If you have a question for us that is not answered here, please contact us using the method that suits you best.
What does "Internet Telephone" mean? What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol". It basically means that the sound of a voice is digitized and broken into numerous small parcels of data. Then, instead of using the traditional analog phone network, that data is sent through the public Internet network - and may never have to be touched by a large phone company along the way. This is how we save you money, and why long distance has suddenly become a lot cheaper than it used to be. Our service is a telephone service, using the public Internet as its network. So, it is often called "Internet Telephone Service".
So that means I use my computer to make calls?
No, you don't have to use your computer. Using your computer is an inexpensive way to use our service, but not the most popular way. Most people either buy a new VoIP phone, or continue to use the phone they already have through an adapter.
What are the requirements, then?
Most importantly: you must have a high-speed Internet connection. We don't recommend trying our service with a dial-up connection. The faster your connection, the better - but it all depends on what you need.
The equipment you need will depend on your desired setup: it's your choice. You may need a router, an adapter, or a VoIP telephone. Please contact us so we can help you figure it out, as there are several ways you can implement our service. If you have a telephone and a high-speed connection, you already have most of the equipment you require.
Can I use that old telephone I have sitting around? How about the cordless phone that I use now?
Yes, you can use any telephone with our service. To use an analog telephone (corded or cordless), you will have to connect it to an adapter. The adapter changes the analog signal to digital VoIP data.
I'm with (insert name of big phone company here), and I have had the same phone number for years. Can I keep that number and switch to your service?
You can, if you live within our geographic service area: Vancouver and some of Burnaby. Please check with us to see if we can accept your number.
Anyone in the world can use our service, and acquire a new 604 / 778 number from us. We can only transfer old numbers in a certain area over, however.
What should I do if I want to transfer my number from another phone company?
First, don't cancel your service! Let us take care of the transfer. That way, you will not lose your phone service for any period of time. Note, however, that phone companies require you to pay off your bill before you can transfer a number.
If you want to do this, you just have to sign a release form and bring us a copy of a recent bill from them.
Do 911 and/or 411 work with your service?
Yes, they do! There is a small per-use charge associated with 411. Our 911 service is tested regularly, but keep in mind that VoIP 911 is a little different from 'traditional' 911 service. Please refer to either our Terms Of Service Agreement or the "911 Info" page of our site for more information on our 911 service.
Will I be listed in the phone book?
Yes you will, unless you'd rather not be. You will also be listed, as usual, in the online 411 directories. The address associated with your name and number will be the one you have registered with us. This address is also used for 911 purposes. Note that there is a small setup fee and monthly charge if you wish to be unlisted.
What is "FuguMail"?
FuguMail is what we call our voicemail-to-email feature. With this feature (included with every account), the Telephonic system sends you an email each time someone leaves a voicemail message for you - as soon as they are recorded. The voicemail message is sent as an audio file, attached to an email that includes the time, date, name and number of the person who called in its text. With this feature, you can check your voicemail from any computer in the world connected to the Internet.
Can I check my voicemail from another phone?
Yes, you can. You simply dial your own number, as you can currently do with a cellular phone. From your own phone, you can check your voicemail in an even easier manner.
How do I get started?
It's pretty simple! Either contact us, or click on the 'signup now' link above.
1) Register for an account
2) Choose which services you'd like to try
3) Choose the hardware you may need
4) Checkout - we'll contact you right away.
5) If you don't know what to do, drop us an email and we'll help you out!
Have another question that's not answered here?
Please contact us using our online contact form.