FAQs

Q. What is VoIP?
A. VOIP stand for Voice over Internet Protocol and it is quite simply a way of utilizing the Internet (or even in some cases intranets) for telephone conversations. The primary motivations for doing so are cost and convenience as VoIP is significantly less expensive than typical telephone long distance packages, plus one high speed Internet connection can serve for multiple phone lines.

Q. What do I need to be able to use VoIP?
A. Basically just an internet connection, a VoIP user account and a VoIP phone.
     There are several ways of using your VoIP account. You can:

• Connect via your PC or laptop using a softphone and a USB handset or a headset/microphone.
• Connect using a VoIP phone plugged directly into your local network
• Connect using a SIP enabled mobile phone using a wireless access point in to your local network.

Q. Do I need a broadband internet connection?
A. Technically no but you will experience very poor quality calls over a dial-up connection and will certainly be limited to one call at a time(only relavent to business customers). VoIP will work best on cable or xDSL(ADSL. SDSL) broadband connections.

Q. Do I need a computer?
A. No. You can connect to our service using a VoIP phone which plugs in to your broadband router or local network switch.

Q. Do I get a new telephone number?
A. Yes. For every account you set up on our service you will get a free inbound telephone number*. You will be able to choose from almost any STD code in the country.

Q. Can I use my existing BT number?
A. Technically yes. Although this is only really recommended for business users. We are able to CPS and even Port your BT numbers for business use, please contact us for more information.

Q. What is the quality like?
A. This really depends on your broadband connection and it’s usage. A standard ADSL broadband connections will carry 3 or 4 simultaneous VoIP calls which will be of a good quality. If this connection is also being used for data then you may notice a slight depreciation of quality depending on the amount of data being passed. For business users we recommend a dedicated broadband connection for VoIP.

Q. Can I make free calls?
A. Yes. If you know someone else with an Orbis Telecom account then you can make unlimited calls between yourselves for free. We also offer special monthly packages which include free minutes to selected destinations. Please see our Tariff/Package pages for more information.