FAQ

What is VOIP?

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a way to make telephone calls over the internet, as opposed to over the traditional landline.

Using VOIP you can make and receive calls from mobile phone users, other VOIP telephone users, and landline users. The integration between any ordinary line is undetectable to callers.

How do I save money by using VOIP?

When you connect your IP PBX system to the internet and make a call, your call is connected through an Internet Telephone Service Provider who connects your internet call to any other internet phone, any landline phone, or mobile phone. As an example of the savings you can make, there are ITSP plans where your first 500 calls to landlines anywhere in Australia are free, then 10c untimed, calls to mobiles are 15c min, and international calls can be as low as 1.9c min. Compare that to your current landline call rates?

Additionally, if you connect two or more IP PBX systems together, or remotely connect IP phones to your IP PBX, calls placed between the two systems are free when the calls are routed over the internet.

Is VOIP truly viable?

PSTN and ISDN telephone systems are still the norm, but this is quickly changing. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ VOIP enabled PBX systems will become the norm for how phone calls are made. It has recently been estimated by Info-Tech Research that 50% of SMBs in the USA will be using VOIP by 2008. Australia is not far behind. The rapid change in the broadband service provider environment over the last few years has provided a solid platform for VOIP systems to become a truly viable alternative to the traditional PSTN/ISDN PBX systems.

Can I only use these IP PBX systems for internet calls?

No. We have customers who like the features and cost of our IP PBX systems, but choose not to connect the PBX to their internet. The IP PBX system is connected only to their PSTN/ISDN landlines, and they communicate out over these only. Our systems are flexible, they can be connected to your landlines, to your internet, or both, it’s up to you.

Do I need to replace my current phone system entirely?

Legacy system integration allows Datatech’s IP PBXs to be deployed in a mixed environment. This facilitates a smooth migration to IP and leverages your existing investment in legacy hardware. Datatech’s IP PBXs have been successfully integrated into existing proprietary telephony environments.

How good is the call quality for VOIP calls?

Excellent. With the rapid changes in quality of service we have seen in the last few years from ISP’s telecommunications infrastructure, call quality using VOIP is excellent, better in fact than over traditional landline calls in many cases. We have had hearing impaired clients note that they find it easier to hear their VOIP conversations than they do when using their landline.

Generally speaking, the better your broadband connection, and network infrastructure, the better your call quality will be. It is not in our interest to install systems we think will not give you quality of service. We work closely with our clients to advise them on the best options to use in order to get good quality voice calls.

This includes getting the best quality internet connection you can get and afford (possibly even a dedicated internet connection for VOIP only), as well as looking at your internal networking infrastructure.

We strongly believe in the VOIP revolution, and will do everything we can to get your business up and running as smoothly as possible, with as little disruption as possible.