| ■ What is D-Line? | |
| D-Line allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet (or a private IP network). D-Line services convert the voice signal from your telephone into packets that travel over the Internet. It then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a D-Line call using a phone with an adapter, you'll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. D-Line may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone or a microphone. |
| ■ How Can I Place a D-Line Call? | |
| Depending on the service, you can place a D- Line call by picking up your phone and dialing the number. An adaptor connects the phone to your existing high-speed Internet connection. The call goes over the Internet to PowerTech service provider and then on to a local telephone company. Another way to place a D-Line phone call is using a microphone and headset plugged into your computer. The number is placed using the keyboard and is routed through your computer and on to your cable modem. |
| ■ What Kind of Equipment Do I Need? | |
| A broadband (high-speed Internet) connection is usually required. This can be a cable modem or a high-speed service such as DSL or a Local Area Network (LAN). Once you join our D-Line service we will send you an adapter that you can plug into your Internet connection and then plug your regular analog phone into the adaptor. Or you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through your computer and its high-speed Internet connection. |
| ■ If I have D-Line Service, Who Can I Call? | |
| You will be able to call any phone number anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long-distance number or an international number. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone. |
| ■ What Are Some Advantages of D-Line? | |
| Because D-Line is digital we may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband Internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls. |
| ■ What Are Some Disadvantages of D-Line? | |
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If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with D-Line, there are some possible differences: D-Line services don't work during power outages. It may be difficult for some D-Line services to seamlessly connect with the 999 or 911 dispatch center or identify the location of D-Line 999 or 911 callers. |
| ■ Can I Use My Computer While I Talk on the Phone? What is the sound quality of these calls? | |
| Yes, depending on your service provider a router may be required. Sound quality may vary due to your connection to the Internet, i.e. dial up versus broad band, and the congestion level of your Internet access resulting from the bandwidth available from your Internet service provider at the time of your call. |
| ■ Can I Take My Phone Adapter With Me When I Travel? | |
| You may be able to use your D-Line service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business. |
| ■ Does My Computer Have To Be Turned On? | |
| Not if you are making calls with a phone and adaptor or special D-Line phone, but your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone. |
| ■ How Do I Know If I have a D-Line Phone Call? | |
| It will ring like any traditional telephone call. |
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