Getting Started with VoIP
Can I keep my existing phone number(s)?
Yes! Thanks to Local Number Portability, you can keep your existing phone numbers or range of numbers. When you purchase Clearwave’s Business VoIP, please indicate that you wish to keep your numbers. It can take 2 to 6 weeks for your numbers to be released by your current phone company.
Do you have rollover numbers or ring groups?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of inbound calls your account can support. Calls can be forwarded to a group of users. After ringing those users, calls can either stay on hold until someone is available or be routed to voicemail. Clearwave can incorporate both desktops and mobile phones into ring groups to provide maximum flexibility for managing inbound calls.
How do I get started with Clearwave’s Business VoIP?
It’s easy to get started! Just contact an Clearwave VoIP Specialist for a Business Needs Consultation. They will help you:
- evaluate cost savings and productivity-increasing features
- review your network configuration and current needs
- recommend any needed system changes or enhancements
How many phone lines do I get?
There is no limit on the number of inbound or outbound calls your system can receive. Your inbound callers will never get a busy signal. However, the number of calls a single user can be on at any one time depends on the phone. If the call can’t be answered, it is forwarded to voicemail.
How much Internet bandwidth do I need?
The answer depends on how many users you have, how many simultaneous calls are made per location, and your level of Internet usage. A company with ten users who are always on the phone will need more bandwidth than a company with ten users who are only sporadically on the phone. An Clearwave VoIP specialist can help you determine what type of Internet connection you will need to best support your Clearwave service.
How much technical skill is required?
None. Anyone with basic PC skills can set up Clearwave service. And a quick tutorial lets your staff easily manage their communications. We designed our service so that customers don’t need consultants or technical staff in order to use it.
What charges will be made to my credit card each month?
Each month, you will be billed a monthly service fee, any applicable toll charges, and applicable taxes and fees (Regulatory Recovery Fee, E911 Service Fee, State 911 Service Fee and Universal Service Fund).
What do I need to use Clearwave’s hosted VoIP service?
You need just two things:
- Broadband Connection—A broadband (high speed internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, a high speed service such as DSL or a local area network. You manage your account settings through your web browser.
- IP Phone—IP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate like a traditional phone. Clearwave sells a range of business-grade handsets that are certified and pre-configured—so you can take advantage of our “plug and play” solution.
What software do I need to install?
None! Clearwave’s VoIP is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application. We “host” the application on our computer system—all you need is internet access. Log into your Clearwave account and you can easily set up and access your company information and personal messages.
What support services are available?
Many of our customers choose Clearwave because they don’t have the resources in-house to manage a sophisticated phone system. That’s why we designed our web-based application to be self-service. You can manage your account online without having to call or request technical assistance. If you do need help, our technical support staff is available to review your local area network and provide consulting or advisory services. In addition, we offer a knowledge base with answers to common questions.
What type of payment options will I have?
We offer automatic payment options through credit card or checking/savings account. We also except check with NET30 payment terms on contract based customers.
Will my existing phone service be interrupted during Clearwave installation?
No. Clearwave uses your existing broadband service, so installation does not affect your current phone service. If you are ordering a completely new number, there will be no impact on your current service. If you are keeping your old number, we will work with you to minimize any impact.