How can I make a VOIP/Clear Networks Call?
Simply pick up the telephone handset that is plugged into your VOIP router or ATA and dial the number in the same way as you always have. You can ring anyone, anytime anywhere.
If you have both your VOIP line and your regular land line connected through your modem/router, always ensure you can hear a continuous dial tone before making your call. This indicates you'll be using VOIP rather than your landline.
Who can call me?
With Clear Networks VOIP & Clear Networks you will receive your very own VOIP telephone number so anyone can call you, even if they don't have an internet connection. Friends/family simply dial your Clear Networks/VOIP number from a standard telephone and your telephone handset connected to your VOIP router or ATA will ring.
(This feature is currently unavailable)
What about the dial tone?
Customers using VOIP/Clear Networks will not hear a traditional dial tone they will hear a continuous tone instead.
Can I use my computer and talk on the phone?
Yes, you can use your computer whilst talking on your VOIP/Clear Networks service. Your computer is not affected in any way.
Can I take my phone adapter when I travel?
No. VOIP/Clear Networks works off your home or business broadband connection.
Does my computer have to be turned on?
No, your computer does not need to be turned on when you make a call, but your internet connection needs to be active (with your modem/router turned on).
How do I know I have a VOIP/Clear Networks phone call?
The telephone handset connected to your VoIP router or ATA will ring.
Can I call normal landline and mobile numbers?
Yes. You can make calls like you do on a fixed line telephone service.
Can people on landlines and mobiles ring me?
Yes.
What features come standard with the service?
| Feature |
Monthly Fee |
Call Charges |
| Call Forwarding Always |
Free |
Call Charges Appl |
| Call Forwarding Busy |
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
Call Forwarding No Answer
|
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
| Call Forwarding Selective |
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
| Call Waiting |
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
| Voice Mail |
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
| Voice Messaging to Email |
Free |
Call Charges Apply |
| Caller Line ID Delivery Blocking |
Free |
N/A |
| Call Return |
Free |
N/A |
| Three Way Calling |
Free |
N/A |
Can I take the service and my number with me if I move?
This works like the standard phone service. You can only keep the same number if you move within the same calling zone.
Can I use the service from overseas?
No, you can only use your service (dial out) from Australia. You can however make calls to local, national, international and mobile numbers.
Can I use a fax machine with the service?
Some faxes will support faxing with VOIP, but as VOIP is a relatively new technology, many do not. If your fax machine can not be upgraded to support VOIP or does not operate properly with your router or ATA, then you may not be able to use VOIP to fax effectively. If you really want to take advantage of using VOIP for faxing we recommend you consult with your local fax provider.
Can I choose my own VOIP/Clear Networks number?
No, our numbers are assigned automatically at the time of sign up.
Can I keep my existing phone number (Local Number Portability)?
Yes, Some special circumstances apply however, please call the customer care team on 1300 855 215 for more information.
Will I be listed in the White Pages?
No, the numbers on the VOIP system will not be listed in the White Pages at this time.
Can I access Directory Assistance?
Yes, Directory Assistance is available: You can call the following numbers:
1223
1225
12455
Can I have multiple numbers?
No, but this functionality will be coming soon!
Will I be charged for uploads and downloads?
Only customers on ClearTalk have traffic counted in their quota (ClearTalk traffic is only around 2-3 KB a second).
Do I have to keep my landline telephone line?
No, however it is recommended that this product is used as a second line service and not as the primary telephone line.
As VOIP utilizes your broadband connection any interruption to your internet connection will affect VOIP. Unfortunately problems with the network pop up from time to time and while we endeavor to fix these problems ASAP, those people that rely on VOIP more than others will ultimately be affected the most. Similarly a power outage that affects your ADSL modem will have a similar effect on your VOIP.
This is why we recommended that you maintain another fixed line service or mobile phone with signal available as your primary line, particularly in the case of an emergency. Emergency service cannot trace a VOIP call to a location like they can with a fixed line or mobile.
Can I call 000 Emergency Services using VOIP?
You can, however it is advised that this service is only used as an add-on to your existing telecommunication requirements and that you have another fixed line service or mobile phone with signal available in case you have to make an emergency call. Clear Networks accepts no responsibility for you being unable to make or receive emergency calls while your service is unavailable.
It is recommended that Emergency calls are made from your primary line. This is because the primary line is more stable than the VOIP service, for example the primary line is not affected if the internet connection to it is unavailable. In addition if the power is out, the handset used for VOIP will not work. It is recommended that you have a non-powered telephone at your residence to make Emergency calls when the power is down.
What happens if the internet connection goes down or the power is out?
If the internet connection to our services is unavailable or the power is out, you will be unable to use the service. Please also note that if the power drops out while you are on a call your connection will be broken and you will be unable to continue the call. In which case it is recommended that you have another fixed line service or mobile phone with signal available in case you need to make an emergency call.
What is the call quality like compared to a traditional phone call?
VOIP is a Premium Grade service. Under normal circumstances the sound quality is the same as a standard (PSTN) telephone service. We can't discount the possibility that there may be problems; however this only generally happens if you are sharing your internet bandwidth with another bandwidth intensive application.
Do I need to have a broadband plan to use VOIP?
Yes, our service is only available to customers that have one of our broadband plans.
Can I use VOIP with a dial-up connection?
To ensure the best possible experience while using VOIP we do not offer it with our dialup services. Our service is specifically designed to utilize the high speeds of our broadband services.
Is VOIP secure?
Yes. Although there have been reports that some VOIP software may be susceptible to hackers enabling eavesdropping on telephone calls, be assured that Clear Network's VOIP service is highly secure, and is not vulnerable in this way. As long as you do not divulge your VOIP password to anyone, your VOIP service is secured.
Do location based 13 numbers work?
Our Geographic number range is not suburb based, it is based on Call Collection Areas (call Collection areas are invariably larger than suburbs). Therefore if you call a location based 13 numbers (for example a pizza vendor or Taxi Company), your call will most likely not be connected to your local store/supplier.
Can I dial 1900 numbers?
At this present time you can not dial 1900 numbers on VOIP. If you want to dial 1900 services you should use your PSTN line.
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