Support

Frequenty Asked Questions

Q.

What does VOIP stand for?
 

Voice Over Internet Protocol – VOIP uses the same packet based technology as the Internet. In fact your voice is actually turned into data, such that it is simply information that gets transferred via the Internet – the same as web page information is transferred to your computer.

Webopedia defines it as a category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls. For users who have free, or fixed-price Internet access, Internet telephony software essentially provides free telephone calls anywhere in the world.
   

Q.

Why would I consider VOIP?
  When you are using Public Switched Telephone (PSTN) line, you typically pay for the time you use: The more time you stay on the phone the more you'll pay. And you generally don't have the option of talking with more than one person at a time (or you can, but at increased cost).

With VOIP, you can talk all the time with any person you want (the requirement is that the other person has an internet connection), with no regard to distance, and you can talk with many people at the same time.

Still not convinced – read the rest of the FAQ to cover other questions or concerns you may have.

   

Q.

How can the calls be free?
  Other than our base infrastructure costs, calls transferred via the Internet are free. We pass these savings onto you. It is best to illustrate the differences between traditional carriers and VOIP.

Traditional
You pick up your phone and dial a telephone phone number, the call goes through your local telephone company who charges you a connection fee and per minute charge (for long distance calls), billed monthly in your long distance phone bill.

How it works with VoIP
You pick up your phone and dial a VOIP phone number, the call goes through your internet connection to Simtex, where we pass it onto the phone number you have called. You have just circumvented your traditional carrier and eliminated your phone bill!

If you call a traditional telephone or mobile, we need to pass the call into the traditional carrier network. This is at an additional cost.

   

Q.

Why do you charge for some calls?
  We only charge for calls that need to be passed into the traditional carrier network (calls to normal telephones, mobiles etc). We have to pay for these calls, so we feel it is only fair to ask you to cover the cost here.
   

Q.

How much is it going to cost?
  Anywhere from nothing upwards, depending mostly on how you are going to use the system and convenience. If you have the basic requirements, you can start today without spending any money.
   

Q.

What are the basic requirements?
  - An Internet Connection
- Computer with a full duplex sound card (most computers will have this)
- Speakers and a microphone
- Softphone (free software)
- You FREE Simtex account
   

Q.

What else might I need?
 

There are many options with IP telephony to make things easier for you. Whilst the possibilities are virtually endless, the core options are laid out below for you.

  • Softphone
    This is a piece of software that is loaded onto your computer (or other computing device). It enables you to connect to your Simtex service in order for you to make free calls. There are many types of softphones that are available that may provide additional functionality such as:

    - Conferencing multiple phone calls together
    - Integration of your existing contacts in MS Outlook and other contact management programs
    - Encrypted calls
    - Access for other devices such as Pocked PCs

    Simtex provides you the opportunity to download a great FREE softphone.

  • Headset
    A headset is for use with the softphone on your computer. It will contain either one or two speaker to cover your ears along with a built in microphone. Your hands are completely free when using a headset as there is no need to hold it to your ear (As you do with a USB or ordinary phone)

    You may purchase a Headset from the Simtex online Shop .

  • USB Phone
    USB phones are an extension of the softphone concept. They plug into your computer and provide you with a physical phone handset.

  • IP Phone
    IP phones resemble an ordinary telephone however they have many advantages including:

    - You can see your received, missed and placed calls online.
    - Conferencing facilities with out additional expense of extra phone lines
    - Call forward and call hold functionality
    - You don’t need to have your computer turned on in order to make/ receive calls

    There are a choice of IP phones from the Simtex online shop .

  • ATA – Analogue Telephone Adapter
    The ATA will turn your existing phone into an IP phone. Thus you may use your cordless telephone or any other telephone you are currently using to take advantage of free calls through Simtex.

    There are a choice of ATAs from the Simtex online shop .

   

Q.

How do I Sign Up
  You simply need to go to www.simtex.com.au and enter your details as requested. An account will be automatically created for you such that you can begin making free phone calls straight away.
   

Q.

How many concurrent calls can I make?
  The Simtex network allows you to make as many simultaneous outbound calls as you like!  The amount of concurrent inbound calls depends on how many DID or inbound lines you have.  Each DID gives you 1 inbound line.  If you would like more, please contact us and we can open up as many as you require.
   

Q.

Questions not covered
  If you have a question that has not been answered by the FAQ (or you would like further details), email enquiries@simtex.com.au and we would be happy to cover this for you. We will add to this FAQ list based on the questions we get from you.