Integrated Voice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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- What is Integrated Voice?
Integrated Voice is a cost-effective way to provide voice and data services for businesses with an existing PBX, IP PBX or key system. Integrated Voice combines voice and data over the same DSL, T1 or Business Ethernet circuit. Voice and data services share a single dynamic connection for optimal bandwidth efficiency - when calls are not in use, the remaining bandwidth is available for data.
Speakeasy Integrated Voice service not only includes standard features such as e911 emergency calling, DID service and toll free numbers, but also enables advanced hosted voice / IP-Centrex functionality, such as hunt groups, auto attendants, and audio conferencing.
Key benefits of Integrated Voice include substantial cost savings over traditional PRIs, low long distance rates, more efficient bandwidth utilization, and optional advanced IP features.
- How does Speakeasy's Integrated Voice work?
Speakeasy Integrated Voice service transmits voice traffic to and from the customer location via SIP Trunks. SIP Trunking is a dial tone service that is delivered by utilizing VoIP technology. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a signaling method for establishing multimedia sessions over an IP Network. SIP Trunks are a popular replacement for traditional TDM (ISDN-PRI/T1-CAS) and analog circuits because they are significantly less expensive.
Voice Channels can be delivered to your existing equipment via analog lines, digital T1-CAS, ISDN-PRI or direct SIP Trunks depending on your needs.
With analog lines or digital trunks delivery, an Internet Access Device (IAD) is installed in the customer's location. This serves as the T1 or Business Ethernet router and LAN gateway, and performs voice traffic conversion between the Speakeasy network to the customer's PBX. Speakeasy's SIP Trunks can also be delivered directly to IP PBXs capable of receiving direct SIP handoffs. With a direct SIP connection, an IAD is not required.
- What are the benefits of Speakeasy's Integrated Voice solutions over a different provider?
The primary benefits of Speakeasy Integrated Voice are the cost savings compared to traditional phone company services and the overall improved utilization of bandwidth. Integrated Voice also reduces long distance costs and includes optional advanced features that can dramatically improve productivity.
- By combining voice and data over a single, dynamic broadband connection, customers purchase only one circuit vs. one for voice and one for data.
- Speakeasy offers low domestic and international long distance minute plans.
- Companies can share long distance minutes company-wide and can carry forward unused minutes monthly.
- Speakeasy offers the use of a compressed codec that allows for a significant reduction in bandwidth usage per call compared to channelized PRIs, or G.711, which is common with other integrated access providers. This delivers more available bandwidth for data usage and allows your business to support your voice and data needs with fewer bandwidth circuits and, therefore, lower costs.
- Speakeasy uses a VoIP network and provides optional hosted IP features to Integrated Voice customers, such as Auto Attendants and Hunt Groups. For individual users, Simultaneous Ring, Remote Office, and other features can be configured through a web portal to extend phone service out of the office.
- What types of hosted services can I add on to Integrated Voice?
In additional to the standard dialing features you expect, Speakeasy can offer productivity-boosting features for both companies and individual users. Some of these are listed below; our Optional Add-On Features includes a more complete list.
- Auto Attendant: an automated receptionist that answers the phone and provides callers with options for connecting to the operator, dialing by name or extension.
- Hunt Groups: allow for advanced call routing and distribution of incoming calls to two or more DIDs.
- Enhanced PBX Users: define specific PBX users and let them individually configure call routing, click to dial, Remote Office, Simultaneous Ring and more through a personal Voice Communication portal. (Only available on Business Trunks service.)
- Is faxing available with Speakeasy Integrated Voice?
Yes, faxing capabilities are available with Speakeasy Integrated Voice. Customers can choose from two calling plans for faxing including unlimited local or unlimited domestic long distance calling. An additional fee is charged per month.
- Is faxing quality compromised when faxing over VoIP?
On Speakeasy's optimized voice network, most customers experience the same quality as when faxing over the PSTN. Faxing is supported via either G.711 or the T.38 fax relay standard.
- Is the faxing service compatible with my fax machine?
Yes, Speakeasy's faxing capabilities work with all analog fax machines.
- What are the different ways I can purchase Integrated Voice?
Speakeasy Integrated Voice is not a prepackaged solution. We create solutions to fit individual customers' business needs. Integrated Voice is compatible with most Key Systems, PBXs and select IP PBX equipment.
Customers will work with a Speakeasy Business Consultant and select:- Number of voice lines: Speakeasy can support up to 2 PRIs, delivered as full PRIs or individual voice channels, or 24 analog lines depending on the solution. The size of your company and your voice and data usage will determine the number of lines needed, as well as bandwidth.
- Bandwidth options: ADSL or ADSL2, 1.5 Mbps T1, Bonded T1 with speeds up to 6 Mbps, Business Ethernet at 3 Mbps, 5 Mbps, 10 Mbps, 15 Mbps or 20 Mbps.
- Long distance plans: Select low-cost National or International Calling Plans
- Choose optional features:
Toll Free Numbers, DIDs, Hosted Add-Ons
Business Consultants today.