VoIP FAQ's
I'd like a Risk Free trial of VoIP to check out the quality, can I do that?
Yes, just request a free trail! - Click here for a FREE trial!
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Can I keep my current phone number?
You don't have to leave your phone number behind when you move to VoIP. To find out if you can port your existing phone number to Nationwide business VoIP service, send us an
email, or give us a call: 1.888.Nationwide (1.888.467.3224)
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Can I dial 911?
You bet. Please visit our E911 solutions web page for more information.
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Does Nationwide have local numbers in my area?
You can check for your area code and 3 digit prefix by going to our coverage web page. If your area is not represented on the web site yet, give us a call and we will check for
service! Click Here if you'd like us to e-mail a notification to you when your area code becomes available.
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Voice quality is a concern for me, how does Nationwide address quality of service?
Quality of service or QoS, is of utmost importance for businesses. We use a two-step process to ensure great sounding conversations. First we evaluate the number of phone
users and type of online activity. This will help us determine what type of internet connection will fit your business. Second, we will provide or recommend a router that will
give your phone calls (a.k.a. voice packets) priority over any data transfer, thus providing QoS (quality of service). A router that can provide QoS is necessary because your
voice and data are converged on to one network. You can read more about our network below.
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How is your VoIP network different than others and what does it mean to my business?
Nationwide uses a proprietary network that optimizes both performance and economics for your VoIP business success. Using a geographically dispersed Super-POP architecture,
Nationwide localizes traffic on the public Internet. VoIP calls are sent to the closest Super-POP and if need be, transported across the our private VoIP backbone to the called
destination. Unlike almost all other VoIP network service providers, Nationwide does not use the Public Internet for inter-continental transport of your VoIP calls. Nationwide
uses various Internet backbone carriers to effectively place our Super-POP's "one hop" away from all major Internet backbone carriers. In this way, Nationwide delivers the
best-case customer experience, minimizing jitter, latency, and packet loss and maximizing call quality. The Super POPs are located in New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, and Las
Vegas.
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Describe the redundancy factors both for the backhaul to the Internet and the IP network itself.
On Nationwide's network, VoIP to PSTN transit occurs on Class 4/5 hybrid telephone switches designed for "Five Nines" reliability in carrier operation environments. All VoIP
applications operate on geographically distributed architecture where paired hardware and software resources can assume all network traffic at any time. Our VoIP backbone is
based on MPLS service operating on transport facilities obtained from two national carriers who operate diverse local and long-haul fiber routes. Finally, each MPLS fabric is
fully meshed between each Super-POP.
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In a prolonged power outage situation, is there a backup system in place to allow seamless and continuous service to all end-users?
Our Super-POP locations are housed in carrier-class "Telecom hotels" or major Telecom "carrier quarters." Each facility provides redundant power, diverse fiber facilities and
redundant environmental control services to ensure our goals of Carrier Class VoIP services are met. The Super POPs are located in New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, and Las Vegas.
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What type of Internet connection do I need?
Business level VoIP uses your DSL or T1 connection. The number of phone users and type of activity online will determine how much internet capacity or bandwidth you will need
to give your phone system the voice quality found in traditional phones. Typically the cost of the internet connection will range from $125~$500 depending on the number of
users on the network.
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Is there any additional equipment I will need to use the service?
Most businesses are uses the PolyCom 501 IP VoIP phone on as their workstation phone, and receptionists and managers use the PolyCom 601 depending on their needs. You can also
use your existing analog telephone and an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter). This device takes your internet connection and turns it into a signal that your standard telephone can
use.
As for a PBX, our business VoIP includes a fully hosted IP PBX so there is no need for PBX at your office.
A router that can provide QoS (quality of service) is required but it is no more expensive than any other business class router.
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Will my fax, alarm and/or credit card machine work with VoIP service?
The truth is that VoIP technology does not allow most faxes, alarms and credit card machines to function properly, so we do not recommend companies attempt to run these devices
over VoIP. We recommend companies continue to use one traditional phone line for these devices.
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Can I dial 411?
Nationwide Internet VoiceReach subscribers can dial 411 for information services. Each 411 call is billed at $0.99 per instance.
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What is the total cost of ownership?
VoIP Service + Internet Connection + Equipment (one time) = Total Cost
VoIP uses the Internet for calling instead of the normal telephone lines, this means that both the VoIP service, and internet connection fee need to be considered when signing up
for VoIP. But don't lose sight of the fact that you can use your Internet connection for both Internet data, and phone service, thus more efficiently using the Internet.
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What are the drawbacks to VoIP?
Any company that tells you VoIP is perfect is not being honest.
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Here are the real drawbacks:
- The phone system is only as reliable as your network, so if your local office network, or backbone network is down, so are your phones. The positive side is that in case
there is an emergency where your network goes down, you can get online using the VoIP portal (mastervoip.us) and forward all calls to another branch office or cell phone.
(The catch is that since your network is down you'll have to call us or find a network that is up to make the changes.)
- If the power is out, then you phones and internet connection are out too, there's no way around it, accept to forward your calls.
- Occasionally the phones have what is called jitter. Jitter is caused by many things, but is short lived and usually doesn't affect the conversation. If jitter does become
a regular occurrence, chances are you have maxed out the available bandwidth of your internet connection. This can happen when you add a few new users, or if an employee
simultaneously is sending/receiving a large file while using the VoIP phone.
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If you need more help with any of our products or services
please contact us at 1.888.Nationwide (628-4669)
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