What is VoIP, and How does it work?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you access phone service over the internet. Calls are no longer dependent on old traditional phone lines. VoIP achieves greater functionality at a lower cost for businesses. This innovation means that communication expenses are much cheaper than traditional phone service. Many business owners report cost savings up to 70% after switching to phone service to VoIP. These modern phone systems include many business features that boost productivity and revenue.
This also means that you can connect your phone anywhere in the world wherever you have internet connectivity and your line will act as if you were connected locally in the US, being able to make and receive calls locally as well.
With over 20 years in the market, FONAX is one of the leading companies in the industry with thousands of satisfied customers and a top rated quality ofservice.
How can FONAX help improve my business?
FONAX helps thousands of businesses across nearly every industry
communicate with their customers. Not only will its VoIP phone system lower costs, but it offers an array of very important features, including:
- Voice, chat, and SMS
- Productivity tools and reports
- Voicemail-to-email/SMS
- Call recordings for all calls
- On-hold music and messages
- Conference calls
- CRM Integrations and third party systems integrations
- Automated Voice Menus (IVR) with time/date sensitive behaviors
- Remote work for you or your staff in order to save costs and improve efficiency.
How is the call quality of a VoIP phone?
The call quality of cloud communications systems depends on the speed and reliability of your internet. You will hear a vast improvement in call quality compared to traditional landlines. Landlines don't have as much audio bandwidth, which can result in muffled or fuzzy calls. VoIP calls achieve this through HD Voice technology. The number of HD Voice calls you can handle will depend on how fast your internet download and upload speed is.
What should I look for in a cloud communications system (VoIP)?
Your requirements depend on how many employees you have and the features you need. FONAX has been able to satisfy the needs of tried-and-true businesses for more than 20 years. Some aspects you want to look for, include:
- Cost: Calling plans with unlimited features and no extra hidden costs
- Service: Will you need to be able to contact support during your business hours?
- Coverage Area: Does the VoIP provider offer calling capabilities where you operate?, do they offer local numbers and national lines?
- Users: Does your VoIP provider give you the ability to manage service for multiple users?
- Functionality: What requirements does your business have that VoIP can fulfill?, like SMS with customers, voicemail to email or to SMS, multi Voice Menu features, integration with your current CRM, etc.
How much does VoIP phone service typically cost?
FONAX provides the best options in regards to pricing and flexibility with a typical office starting at $19.95 a month per extension in an office of 4 people or more.
We also provide additional local numbers for $5 a month and also Toll Free (National) numbers starting at $24.95 a month.
How many calls can I make at a time?
FONAX does not limit the amount of simultaneous calls you can make or receive, It's up to your devices and your users. A typical VoIP phone supports SIX (6) simultaneous calls, but that can vary based on the equipment. In contrast, a traditional phone system would require you to roll over lines to manage multiple concurrent calls. Handling numerous calls at once is one of the strengths of VoIP phone service. Callers will never get a busy signal, even if you only have one phone and one phone number.
Is internet service included with your VoIP phone service?
No, we do not provide internet service as a part of our plans. If you currently have an ISP (Internet Service Provider), you would have no problems with speed or reliability. A business will require at least 100kbps per phone line (or 0.1 Mbps).
Are there any limitations to using a VoIP phone system?
No, there are no practical limitations on our business voice service. You can make as many calls, users, and phone numbers as needed. However, to prevent misuse and abuse, only one phone call can be placed per line per second. (This helps avoid those infamous robocalls.) Additionally, it won't cost you a fortune to upgrade your current plan. The major strength of our virtual phone system is that it's easy to upgrade as your business grows. The only thing you need to make sure of is that your internet connection is fast and stable. Your call quality and reliability will be dependent on this. For emergency calls, FONAX provides the Enhanced 911 (E911) feature. This feature allows public safety staff to know the address of your phone call.
If I lose power or the internet, will I still be able to make phone calls with VoIP?
This actually depends on the situation, but in short, YES!, FONAX provides you with the possibility of using a smartphone APP which in case of power outages or business internet outages will still allow you to make calls from your smart phones (iPhone/Android) and since the system's design is Cloud Based the system will still answer the calls for you and redirect calls into any cell phone or group of cell phones you define, including the mobile APP, so in essence although the power outage or internet issues affect the PC Phones or Desktop phones, we offer you more ways to connect that overcome such limitations.
How is Skype or Google Voice different from FONAX?
At a consumer level, Skype uses the same technology as FONAX. Skype and Google Voice are simple VoIP solutions that allow free messages and calls over the internet meant for personal use. In contrast, FONAX is a complete business communications solution. It covers phone calls, SMS, call recording, analytics, CRM integrations, Corporate Voice Menus, and more. FONAX also has a dedicated support team and business features to improve productivity and lower costs.
Does my computer need to be online for me to make a call?
If you make calls with a VoIP app on your computer, then yes. Otherwise, your computer does not need to be connected. You can complete calls as long as you have internet access and a VoIP-enabled phone or smartphone. Alternatively, you can forward calls to any other phone you have, and callers will never notice it.
If my business is growing, can i adjust my VoIP phone system?
Yes, scalability is one of the advantages of using a VoIP phone system. Because a VoIP phone system is hosted in the cloud, upgrading is easy. There's no need for pricey infrastructure upgrades. In essence, you can scale your company's phone system to an almost unlimited number of users or locations. In fact most our customers stay with Us for many years and grow their businesses as needed in the process.
What is Voicemail-to-Email?
Whenever you get a voicemail recording, this will be converted digitally into a .WAV file and sent to your email address automatically. Getting voicemails delivered in your inbox serves as a reminder and a convenient digital format that you can save for later. You can directly listen to voicemail messages from your computer instead of dialing with your phone.
What is a cloud PBX?
A cloud PBX allows you to use all of your company's phone service that is hosted using a service over the internet. All the features of a PBX can be delivered seamlessly through the internet instead of hardware located on-site. A cloud PBX can save your company thousands in expenses. Your IT team would instead focus on more significant challenges than messing with an outdated phone system. Even if you move offices or are overseas, you'll be able to access your communications systems as well as make and receive calls.
What is meant by free number porting?
FONAX's voice service includes free number porting. This benefit means you can bring your existing business phone numbers with you when you switch to Us. The experts at FONAX walk you through all the ins and outs of porting. Porting might take up to two weeks to complete but we provide you with temporary numbers so you can continue operating without any interruptions. Callers won't even need to know the temporary numbers since you can forward phone calls transparently. Porting can be complex, and some phone providers may assess an activation fee per line, but not Us!
What is the Listen-In feature?
The Listen-In feature allows supervisors to listen in as a call is happening. Supervisors can also choose to interject into the conversation or take over the call. The Listen-In feature is one of the favorites of many business owners as it can provide live training for new employees.
Can I record calls?
FONAX includes call recording on the Enterprise tier of service of the Business Communication Suite. Select plans may also include it for a nominal fee since the recordings are stored offsite securely. Recorded calls exist in a digital format for both inbound and outbound calls. These are handy to have on record for both training and legal purposes.
Does FONAX suppert conference calls?
Yes, FONAX provides conference calling capabilities for up to Twenty (20) participants.
What is the "Music on Hold" feature?
Music on Hold is a VoIP feature that allows you to play music when your call is on hold or sitting in the call queue. This feature also allows you to play recorded marketing messages. Instead of playing background music, you can broadcast special discounts or promotions. You can also record information that would be of value to your customers and hold while they're waiting on the line (and discourage them from hanging up).
What is an Voice Menu or Auto Attendant?
You can view Voice Menu or Auto Attendant as a virtual receptionist that directs callers to the correct people or departments. You have probably experienced it before. When a customer calls, they will be greeted by a recorded greeting, which then directs the caller to press a key, depending on what they need. For example, your auto attendant could tell callers to "Press 1 for sales, press 2 for Customer Service, or press 3 for technical help." It saves time by directing users to the right department without unwanted transfers throughout the day. FONAX's multi-level Voice Menu works 24/7 and can adjust the options depending on the time of day, too.
Can you help me record my Voice Menu/Auto Attendant greetings?
Yes, we provide professionally recorded greetings for your callers when you join FONAX.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes, FONAX offers free number porting, which allows you to transfer all of your current business numbers over. It's a good idea to maintain your existing service until porting has been completed.
Do I need an existing phone number?
No, you do not need an existing phone number to use VoIP. We have thousands of local numbers that you can choose for your business. You can select any VoIP phone number you want, including ones in a different area code.
