An ATA is a simple device which lets you connect any standard telephone or fax machine so it can use VoIP through your Internet connection. The ATA converts the analog signal from your telephone into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet. ATAs are suitable for basic use but may not be compatible with all features. If you wish to take full advantage of Jive’s powerful Business VoIP feature set, your best option is a true IP phone.

IP Phones are special telephones which look and work like normal telephone but they connect directly to your Internet connection without the use of an ATA device (to convert analog signals to digital signals). An IP Phone plugs directly into your Internet router and comes in both wireless and corded models. Business VoIP users generally opt for IP Phones because they have special buttons which allow calls to be transferred, put on hold and have multiple lines.

The quality of VoIP has steadily improved since its inception, and it now meets or exceeds the quality of a traditional landline. Voice clarity is determined by the quality of your VoIP provider and your Internet connection. See our VoIP requirements checklist for more details.

Yes, we allow you to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection and either a VoIP phone adapter or a mobile app. Through any of these mediums, calling works just as if you were dialing from your home or business — without incurring additional charges.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP phone service (sometimes referred to as broadband phone service or digital phone service) is a phone service that operates by using your high-speed Internet connection. There are two types of VoIP services: phone-based and computer-based. These services allow you to make phone calls using either your regular phone, an app on mobile devices, or a softphone client on a computer (via a headset with a microphone). As opposed to traditional landlines, VoIP uses your phone or computer to call the number via the Internet. The call is converted to data packets and sent over the Internet instead of through the copper wires that make up a standard PSTN network.

A VoIP or broadband phone service can help you save up to 90% on your monthly phone bill. VoIP providers offer many features which are covered in the monthly fee, such as voicemail , caller ID , conference calling , and call waiting . Many providers offer unlimited long-distance with their plans, which saves customers the trouble of having to purchase long-distance phone cards. Furthermore, most providers offer unlimited calling to other subscribers on the same service, allowing you to talk to those users for as long as you wish at no additional cost.

VoIP service is best suited for you if you can relate with any of the following comments:

“I have a high-speed internet connection and would like to lower my phone bills.”
“I make expensive long-distance or international calls and would like to reduce those costs.”
“I run a small business and phone bills are a significant part of my overhead.”
“I like the convenience of taking my number with me as I travel anywhere in the world.”
“I’d like to utilize attractive features such as conference calling, choice of any area code, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, etc.”
“I’m frustrated with excessive taxes and long-distance company monopolies.”
“I live outside the U.S. but I need a local NYC number for my business.”

We offer “Enhanced 911” (E911 ), it may be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 dispatch center or to identify the location of callers using VoIP. During your enrollment we will ask you if you require this feature so we can set-up the E911 feature. Be sure to link your current and correct physical address when setting this up.

We support number portability , so you can use the same number you had with your traditional phone provider. Certain providers charge for this, we offer this for free. Also, you should be aware that number portability is not instant, and can take up to 10 days. In the mean time you can use a temporary number at no cost.

Yes, you can select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means, if you live in Austin and get a New York number, you will NOT incur long-distance charges while calling a New York number, regardless of where you call from. It does means that your “local” calls, in Austin, will be charged long distance and that your friends in Austin will incur long-distance charges when they call your New York Number.i!