What is Digital Phone and how does it work? Digital Phone is a more common term for Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. With VoIP, analog audio signals are digitized, encoded, packetized and transmitted over the Internet, where the process is then reversed. Stated simply, VoIP allows phone calls to travel over the Internet, rather than through the old circuit-switched telephone network.
What benefits would I gain from switching to Digital Phone?
Because it generally costs less to maintain existing data networks than it does to maintain the traditional telecommunications infrastructure, Digital Phone service is usually significantly cheaper than traditional phone service.
Plus, VoIP providers can offer advanced call features like Audio Conferencing at a much lower price. And since Digital Phone is transmitted over the Internet, you'll find that it's easily integrated with other Internet services like video chat and calendar management.
Will my computer need to be on if I want to talk on the phone?
No. Your computer doesn't operate the connection, the modem does, and that's always on.
Does the person I call also need to have Digital Phone service?
No. Your phone will look and act just like it always has. All that will be different is how your calls get where they are going. You can call anyone with your Digital Phone.
What types of telephones work with Digital Phone service?
Virtually any touch-tone phone will work with Haefele TV's Digital Phone service. Corded and cordless varieties both work well.
Can I use my Haefele TV Digital Phone service for fax?
Yes. Your fax machine will work with Digital Phone service.
Can I use the Internet while making calls with Digital Phone?
Yes. Though they share the same connection, neither service will impede the other.
Will a Digital Phone work with a home alarm system?
You may connect any telephone communication device to your Haefele adaptor. However, Haefele TV recommends that you keep a simple phone line for a home or personal emergency response device. Remember, the Haefele TV Digital Telephone service depends upon your High Speed Internet connection, and electric power. If the connection goes down, or if power is not available, you will not be able to make or receive calls, nor will your alarm system. Please consult with a qualified alarm system technician before connecting your alarm system to a Haefele TV Digital Telephone line.
Can I use Haefele's Digital Phone service to call 911?
Haefele routes your call to your local emergency response center over the traditional 911 network determined by the physical address you supplied when you activated 911. If we do not have the correct address, your call cannot be routed to the corresponding emergency response center for your area. You will also need to state the nature of your emergency promptly and clearly, which may include providing your location and telephone number, as the local emergency response center personnel may not be able to see the information Haefele sends along with your call. In the event traditional 911 methods are unavailable or fail, Haefele sends your 911 call to a national response center. Trained emergency response agents will then route the call to local authorities.
