Here is the list of the most often VoIP questions and answers to learn what VoIP services and hosted VoIP are all about.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, which by itself means voice over the internet. It’s a technology that delivers voice communication and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. To place calls via VoIP, a user will need a software based sip phone program OR a hardware based VoIP phone. Phone calls can be made to anywhere and to anyone: Both to VoIP numbers as well as PSTN phone numbers.

Do I need broadband/internet connection?

Yes, to use VoIP you need an internet connection. It must be stable and with enough bandwidth to traffic the amount of desired simultaneous calls.

Can I keep my phone number and use VoIP?

Yes, in most cases you can simply port your number to Othos.

All South African Geographic numbers can be ported (021, 011, 010, 022, 031, etc.)

What type of connection is recommended for VoIP?

Recommended Connections Othos insists on a VoIP optimised, voice-only connection that is dedicated solely for voice with enough bandwidth to support the number of simultaneous calls to be had. Some connections recommended by Othos: - Business-class Fibre - Othos LTE - Othos WiMax

What Different Types of CODECS are there?

Audio Codecs: GSM – 13 Kbps (full rate), 20ms frame size. iLBC – 15Kbps,20ms frame size: 13.3 Kbps, 30ms frame size. ITU G.711 – 64 Kbps, sample-based. Also known as A-law/μ-law. ITU G719 – 32/48/64/128 Kbps, 28 ms Frame Size. ITU G.722 – 48/56/64 Kbps. ITU G.723.1 – 5.3/6.3 Kbps, 30ms frame size. ITU G.726 – 16/24/32/40 Kbps. ITU G.728 – 16 Kbps. ITU G.729 – 8 Kbps, 10ms frame size. Speex – 2.15 to 44.2 Kbps. LPC10 – 2.5 Kbps. DoD CELP – 4.8 Kbps. Codecs influence call quality and bandwidth usage. We recommend devices that allow you to use G729 codec.

What is a Hosted PBX (Virtual/Cloud PBX)?

A Hosted PBX is a private branch exchange (PBX) delivered as a hosted service. It's also known as a Virtual PBX and the advantages companies that use it experience are the elimination of installation, operation and maintenance costs of their VoIP PBXas their VoIP service provider hosts their PBX for them. Othos offers a complete Hosted PBX solution. This technology allows small and medium sized businesses to have a sophisticated telephone system without the investment in telephone equipment. A virtual pbx lets employees work from their home, hotels or on their cell phones while still being connected to the same office telephone system. You can transfer callers, put them on hold with music, setup conference calls or have the phone answered by an automated attendant who can direct callers to different departments.

What is an IP Phone?

IP Phones are special telephones which look and work like normal telephone but they connect directly to your Internet connection. 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.

How does the voice clarity of VoIP compare to traditional telephone?

The quality of VoIP has steadily improved since its inception, and it now meets or exceeds the quality of a traditional landline.

Can I take my phone number with me when I travel?

Yes, many business VoIP customers install a soft phone on their laptops and/or smartphones so that they can make and receive calls no matter where they are.

Can I pick a new number?

Yes. You can pick from a variety of different SA area codes, SA non-geographic numbers and international numbers.

Can I pick a new number with a different geographic area code?

Yes. One of the benefits of VoIP is that it is not geographically dependent.

Can I keep my hardware?

Yes, as long as it is SIP compatible it will most likely work with Othos. We work with different dialers, PBXs. Please get in touch and let us know your current setup.

What if I move premises?

Othos is not geographically dependent, you can just pack your phones up and plug them in at your new office.

Can I use a credit card machine over my VoIP connection?

VoIP does not support the technology required for these types of connections as they use a dial up modem.

If I lose power will I still be able to make phone calls with VoIP?

Losing power can cause your Internet connection to go down. If this happens you will not be able to make calls unless you are equipped with a back up UPS, which could power the connection for a limited short duration. If you are using our OCS – Othos Cloud Solution – you can simply divert your calls or configure your extensions on smartphones

What do I need to use VoIP?

You need a high speed internet connection and a VoIP phone. A VoIP phone can be an IP phone, which is a phone designed to work with VoIP. Or you can use a softphone, which is a computer program that allows you to make VoIP calls from your computer or smartphone.

I've heard bad things about call quality with VoIP.

We have too, We're happy to say that call quality with Othos is all that matters. Most call quality issues are caused by network connectivity issues. Was your last call with Othos suffering with bad quality? Let us know! We have a call by call policy that checks what happened with every single call in order to point out network issues and present total transparency.

Can I use VoIP on my smartphone?

Yes. You will need an app