Telephone service in rural El Dorado County is relatively limited and expensive. Now there is a dependable low-cost telephone solution available, no matter where you live. Now you can make and receive low-cost telephone calls via the Internet using any broadband Internet connection or the VSAT Satellite Internet System.
VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless "hot spots" in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination.
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.
Some VoIP providers offer their services for free, normally only for calls to other subscribers to the service. Your VoIP provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.
Some VoIP providers charge for a long distance call to a number outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes.
If you have a VoIP Telephone in El Dorado County, you can get a US telephone number, often being to select a number in any area code in the US or Canada. Making calls then is similar to dialing calls from within that area code.
Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.
Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.
Also, and most importantly, you can get a US Phone Number for your VOIP phone in El Dorado County. You then make calls just as if you were dialing a telephone in the US. Callers can reach you in El Dorado County by dialing a US Number and your telephone will ring, just as if you and your phone were in the US.
Yes.
In some cases, yes. Computer-based services such as Skype and MagicJack should work. We can help you set these up. Vonage and Net2Phone may work, but these devices a much more complicated setup using Internet Connection Sharing by a Host computer..
In some cases, yes. HughesNet is not optimized to work well with VoIP, and some VoIP services may not work at all. HughesNet does not officially support using VoIP with their service, and HughesNet technicians will not help yu with questions or problems with using VoIP on their system. Please see our HughesNet System Optimization Tips Page for information on how to improve your connection speed.
If you need dependable, high quality VoIP conncetions for your home or business, we can only recommend Commercial-grade "VSAT" (Very Small Aperture Terminal) Satellite Internet Systems.
Yes. VSAT Satellite Internet Systems are optimized to work with VoIP. The call quality is excellent, although you may notice a slight 1/2 second delay and the voice signals travel up to the satellite and back.
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
In most cases, yes, but note that heavy computer usage or tasks may impair or prevent VoIP calls.
Some VoIP service providers offer services that can be used wherever a high speed Internet connection available.
Only if your particular VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer. These woiuld include services like Skype and MagicJack. Services like Vonage and Net2Phone use an adaptor that connects directly to your cable, DSL, or VSAT Satellite Internet Modem. Your computer does not need ot be on to use these services. In fact, you do note even need a computer to use these services, just an Internet connection. All VoIP services require your broadband Internet connection to be active.
If you have a special VoIP phone or a regular telephone connected to a VoIP adapter, the phone will ring like a traditional telephone. If your VoIP service requires you to make calls using your computer, the software supplied by your service provider will alert you when you have an incoming call.
We can assist you remotely by telephone or by E mail with "Do It Yourself" VOIP and Wireless installations, system troubshooting or repairs. Please call 530 903 4257, or contact us if we can help you in any way.
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