VoIP FAQ

• What is VoIP?
VoIP is a means of transmitting voice signals over a digital network. Business are turning to voice over IP (VoIP) solutions as an alternative to traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTNs). Instead of your voice being transmitted over analog phone lines, your calls will be routed through networking equipment and travel by way of Internet Protocol. Since phone calls are placed through a data connection, phone companies and long-distance charges for peer-to-peer calls are bypassed. Commercial users of VoIP technologies can save money and cut costs by useing a NextLevel Voice Solution.

• Do I need VoIP?
Many businesses can save money by switching to NextLevel’s hosted Voice Solution for their communication needs. Additionally, the option of running voice and data communications over the same circuits can save you money and make your company more efficient.

• Can VoIP make my business more competitive?
Definitely. Depending on your communications needs, NextLevel’s hosted Voice Solution has the potential to deliver significant savings on communication, letting you allocate valuable resources where they should be allocated: growing your business.

• What kind of equipment do I need for VoIP?
NextLevel Internet offers a hosted Voice Solution, allowing you to avoid the hassle of maintaining your own equipment. To see more how NextLevel Internet's hosted Voice Solution can streamline your operations.

• What is SIP?
SIP is a process that allows for creating, modifying, and terminating multimedia sessions with one or more participants. These sessions include Internet telephone calls and multimedia conferences. SIP is widely used as a protocol for Voice over Internet Protocol.

• What is SIP trunking?
SIP trunking is a means of leveraging the powerful SIP technology to provide dedicated multimedia support to a physical location. A SIP trunk is a connection between your IP network and the SIP network of your telephony provider - in essence, a SIP trunk is a phone line. NextLevel Internet is a leader in SIP trunking technology, with an active and experienced research and development team and exceptional customer support.

• Why should I go with SIP?
SIP is easy to use, is scalable, and saves companies money. With SIP, you can buy exactly the number of lines you need. You can route calls to any domestic physical location, and you can leverage your existing infrastructure to maximize your investment potential.

• What is hosted PBX or hosted Voice Solution?
NextLevel Internet offers business the option of avoiding the purchase and maintenance of expensive telecommunications equipment. Hosted PBX or hosted Voice Solutions are best for businesses that want to “get out of the business of telecommunications management.”

• How does NextLevel Internet's Voice service work?
We offer inbound, outbound, and two-way calling with a variety of available features. Contact your Account Executive for specific details on how NextLevel Internet's Voice service can give your business an edge over the competition.

• What features does NextLevel Internet's service have?
NextLevel Internet offers a variety of Voice service packages with myriad of features, priced and configured according to the specific needs of your business. We are a complete business communication solution provider. Contact your Account Executive for specific details on how NextLevel Internet's Voice service can give your business an edge over the competition.

• What is E911?
E911 is an improvement to the traditional 911 Emergency phone system. E911 provides emergency operators with a physical address for each incoming call. This offers obvious public safety advantages. Some VoIP providers (like Vonage) direct 911 calls to a central operator, who will gather the necessary address information and forward it to the authorities. E911-compliant systems connect you - and your address - directly to the local public safety officials. Our Enhanced Lines are fully E911-compliant, offering you and your employees complete peace of mind.

• Why are NextLevel Internet's SIP trunks better than the competition’s?
NextLevel Internet provides superior SIP trunks and call-routing technology. Our routing networks are structured to provide the most direct route for your calls. NextLevel Internet employs multiple call gateways, assuring faster and better connections for your calls. This means reduced latency and coverage of over 30% of the domestic service area. All of this translates into superior business performance. Contact one of our Account Executives to learn the benefits of NextLevel Internet’s Voice solution.

• Does NextLevel Internet offer international phone numbers?
NextLevel Internet provides local numbers in more than 5,300 domestic service areas. At this time, we do not provide international numbers.

• Can I get a custom toll-free or local number?
NextLevel Internet has access to a stock of more than 2 million voice-capable SIP trunks, offering full Local Number Portability (LNP) compliance. We support local call origination from 5,300+ rate centers, covering 300+ markets. Our service footprint covers 93% of the U.S. population, with 1,000 to 10,000 phone numbers available in each unique rate center. We can request specific numbers, but cannot guarantee them. Our number porting service allows you to move the custom numbers you currently have to a NextLevel Internet Voice system.

• Can I keep my phone number?
Probably. Along with many other features, NextLevel Internet supports number porting from almost all service providers. We can configure your system with your current numbers, offering your customers and employees a seamless transition.

• How long does it take to get a new Hosted Voice system?
If you have already have an internet connection with us, we can get your new hosted voice solution up and running in 5-7 business days. We maintain a large stock of local numbers in more than 300 markets, so we probably have the numbers you need in stock. If we need to secure additional numbers, the process will take 7-14 business days.

• Does NextLevel Internet offer an unlimited long distance plan?
NextLevel Internet's SIP trunking and hosted IP-PBX services offer rates as low as $0.025 / minute for long distance. Our Enhanced Lines include 500 minutes per line and is at a service rate as low as $0.02 / minute for long distance.

• How many rate centers are there?
NextLevel Internet offers local numbers in more than 5,300 rate centers in the U.S., covering 300+ markets and serving more than 93% of the U.S. population.

• What type of equipment will I need to move to a NextLevel Internet system?
We can help you acquire the equipment necessary to convert your analogue voice equipment to VoIP technology.

• How much bandwidth does each phone call take?
The amount of bandwidth for a call depends on the codec that is being used. The g.711 requires about 80-90k per call, while the g.729a requires about 30k.

• What codecs do you support?
NextLevel Internet supports both the g.711 codec and the g.729a codec. The g.711 requires about 80-90k per call, while the g.729a requires about 30k.

• Does NextLevel Internet support IAX trunking?
NextLevel Internet is a complete SIP trunking communications system provider. At this time, we do not support IAX trunking.

• Will your SIP trunks work over our existing data connection?
NextLevel Internet recommends a T1 data connection from NextLevel Internet for the best call quality. T1 lines offer the best combination of uptime, stability, and reduced latency.

• How long are the service contracts?
NextLevel Internet offers one, two, or three-year Voice and data Agreements. By signing a longer contract, you can lock in lower rates and reduce some installation charges. Additionally, NextLevel Internet offers the ability to renegotiate pricing options at the end of a contract term.

• What sorts of service guarantees does NextLevel Internet offer?
NextLevel Internet offers some of the most comprehensive SLAs in the industry. Our U.S.-based customer support team is available 24x7 to solve all of your communications issues.

• What guarantees on latency does NextLevel Internet offer?
NextLevel Internet offers each of our customers an industry-leading service level agreement. Our overriding concern is customer satisfaction, and this is reflected in our commitment to service excellence, as reflected in our SLAs, which provide specific performance and service guarantees. The end result is that our customers can enjoy complete comfort and confidence.

• What guarantees does NextLevel Internet offer for its Voice service?
NextLevel Internet has industry leading SLA’s. Our Voice service is guaranteed to have maximum uptime and minimal latency and jitter issues.

• How many DIDs are included?
NextLevel Internet's Voice service includes one DID per Enhanced line ordered. There are three options geared for maximum flexibility for your business.

• What are international rates?
NextLevel Internet offers very competitive international rates. Contact one of our Account Executives for specific pricing details.

• How long does porting numbers take?
NextLevel Internet can transfer your existing phone numbers to your new hosted Voice system. Line forwarding typically takes less than an hour, however, it typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete the porting process, depending on how many numbers you have to transfer.

• Can I get new numbers as I need them?
Absolutely. Flexibility is a hallmark of NextLevel Internet's small and medium-sized business Voice service. We can add additional DIDs at any time.

• What is E.164 Numbering?
E.164 Numbering is the international standard for assigning telephone numbers. Almost all of NextLevel Internet DIDs are E.164-compliant, which means that phone systems anywhere in the world can reach them.