SurfCity Networks

What is Digital Phone Service?
Digital phone service (also know as Voice-over-IP or just "VoIP") allows you to make telephone calls using a Broadband Internet connection. VoIP 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 or other VoIP service. 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 will also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a "soft phone" along with your computer's speakers and microphone.

How can I place a VoIP call?
Regardless if you are using a standard Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) or digital (VoIP) phone, simply pick up your phone and dial the number. The phone call goes over the Internet to the called party's local telephone company for the completion of the call. Another option is to utilize a microphone headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard.

What kind of equipment do I need?
You will need a Broadband connection from SurfCity Networks, or the equivalent. The type of VoIP service (personal or multi-line business) will determine the amount of bandwidth required for your Broadband connection. SurfCity Networks will be happy to advise you as to what level of VoIP service your Broadband connection will support.

Is there a difference between making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?
Local or long distance calls are made the same way as with traditional phone service. As we permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live, you may need to adjust your dialing patterns if you call outside your "home" area code. For example, if you have an area code that is different from your normal local area code, you would need to dial the area code to reach a phone number in your "home" area code. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

If I have VoIP service, who can I call?
With SurfCity Networks' VoIP phone service, you may place a call to any phone number, anywhere in the world, including phones from other VoIP providers. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You can even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone.

What are some advantages of VoIP?
Because Internet Voice is digital, it offers features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. As VoIP service is provided over a Broadband Internet connection, you may not need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls.

What are some disadvantages of VoIP?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP service, there are some possible differences:

VoIP services don't work during power outages unless you provide emergency backup power for all devices that originate, terminate or route the voice data packets.
Currently, the 911 dispatch center cannot identify the location of Voice over Internet Protocol 911 callers.
We do not offer white page listings at this time.

Can I use my computer while I talk on the phone?
Yes. You should consider that using a VoIP phone reduces the amount of available bandwidth you would normally have with your Broadband connection.

Can I take my phone adapter or IP phone with me when I travel?
You will be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Broadband Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business.

Does my computer have to be turned on?
Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP phone, but your Broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

How do I know if I have a VoIP phone call?
Incoming calls will ring like any other call. As VoIP service can be configured to recognize callers of your choosing, depending upon your hardware, you may be able to assign a different ring tone depending upon the caller.

Does the FCC regulate VoIP?
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.