| General VOIP Information |
| What Is VOIP and How does it work?
Voice Over Internet Protocol (also referred to as Internet Telephony) is the transportation of telephone calls over the Internet, connected either via an Internet Adapter that connects your telephone and/or fax to your high speed Internet modem, or by a telephone handset which you purchase that is especially designed to handle IP calls, or by multimedia PCs using PC-to-PC, or PC-to-phone software. VOIP converts your analogue phone conversation into packets of digital data that are sent across the Internet (just like email or a web page), and then reassembles them into sound at the other end for a crisp, clear telephone experience.
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| Can a computer and an IP phone be in use at the same time?
Yes. In most cases, one can use a computer, surf the web, make and receive phone calls all at the same time. However, ISP's have different requirements. Please check with your ISP regarding your particular broadband service.
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| Does my computer have to be left on to use the think bright Digital Phone service?
No. A computer does not have to be left on to use the Digital Phone service. The VOIP hardware connects directly into a broadband connection.
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| Will a think bright Digital Phone number be listed in the Directory?
Yes, just like traditional phone service, if requested, the number will be listed in the directory.
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| Is 411, directory assistance, available from a think bright Digital Phone?
Yes. You will be able to access national (US) directory assistance from your think bright Digital Phone service.
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Is 911, emergency services, available from think bright?
Yes, 911/E911 service is available in certain areas and upon sign up. Please check our 911/ E911 Map for coverage in your area. However, you should be aware of important differences between traditional 911 offered through a copper, fiber, or wireline phone service, and 911 services currently available through Digital Phone service. For example, fire, police, ambulance and all other emergency response services will be dispatched to the service address provided by you, regardless of whether they are at that location or not. As such, you must confirm that their service address information is always correct (and updated in the event of a move), and is the address to which they want emergency response personnel to be dispatched in the event of an emergency. In addition, 911 calling is always subject to technical limitations of the Digital Phone service itself, such as an interrupted power supply or an interrupted broadband connection, in which cases 911 service will be disabled.
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What area codes do you have available?
We are constantly expanding our coverage areas. Please check our Number Availability Map for coverage in your area.
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| How does one make a phone call? Is it different for Local, Long Distance or International?
Dialing a think bright Digital Phone call is just like any other phone call. For Domestic calls to the US, Canada and most of North America, dial 11 digits, i.e., 1 + area code + number.
TO any number in New Hampshire, you would dial 1-603-xxx-xxxx.
TO San Francisco, you would dial 1-415-xxx-xxxx.
For International calls TO Mexico and destinations outside North America, FROM anywhere in the world, dial 011+Country Code + City Code+ Phone Number.
For example, to make a call FROM Manchester, NH:
TO the United Kingdom, you would dial 011-44-city code-number.
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| How do I contact Customer Service?
To contact Customer Service regarding account information or to sign up, please dial 1-800-THINK-VOIP. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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| Can a 900 number be called from the think bright Digital Phone service?
No. The think bright Digital Phone service, by default, blocks access to most pay-per-call services, such as 900, 976, 550, 540, etc.
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| Are special dialing codes needed to use the think bright Digital Phone service?
No. Special dialing codes (such as '10-10') are not needed to use this service.
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| How can I retrieve my think bright Digital Phone number if I forgot?
To find out the phone number, simply dial 100 on the phone.
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| Does the think bright Digital Phone service support 800 numbers?
Yes. An 800 and other "toll free" numbers can be dialed from the think bright Digital Phone service.
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| Is it possible to change phone numbers after the service is ordered?
Yes. Phone numbers can be changed by contacting Customer Service at 1-800-THINK-VOIP or emailing us at voipsales@thinkbright.net. A non-recurring service charge may apply.
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| If I request new number but would like to port over my old number - is that possible?
Yes. To keep an existing phone number simply contact Customer Service at 1-800-THINK-VOIP. Subsequent to initial activation, a non-recurring service charge may apply.
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| Converting to Digital Phone |
| What is needed to use the think bright Digital Phone service?
A Broadband Internet connection (72 Kbps or higher).
Either a IP phone or a VOIP adapter for use with a traditional phone (IP phone works with PC or Mac). A VoIP adapter is required to hook up a traditional phone to the broadband connection.
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Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Yes. Since we are a phone company we have the ability to allow you to keep numbers from other telephone companies, including wireless providers. You may keep your existing phone numbers as long as the number is within our service area. Please check our Porting Map for coverage in your area.
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| Can I get extra numbers?
Yes. You may order additional numbers within our calling area. There are two ways to order additional numbers. If you would like to make outbound calls on the additional numbers or lines at the same time you must order and pay for additional outbound lines. However, if you want a Remote Number to only receive inbound calls you can order Remote Numbers at an economical price. Remote Numbers will ring to your SIP equipment but cannot make outgoing calls.
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What area codes do you have available?
We have numbers available in many metropolitan areas. Check our Number Availability Map for coverage in your area.
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| Getting Started |
| I am interested in the think bright Digital Phone service, what do I do?
To find out more about the exciting opportunities available with the think bright Digital Phone service contact us at 1-800-THINK-VOIP or voipsales@thinkbright.net
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| How do I get think bright Digital Phone approved hardware?
You can easily get think bright Digital Phone approved equipment. You can buy the equipment from us at a wholesale rate.
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| Virtual Number Availability |
| What is a Virtual Number?
It is a cost-effective way of adding a secondary line in another area code that transports or "forwards" the call to a primary line. It allows you to have a phone number in a city outside their local calling area to meet the needs of their customers.
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| Is there a limit to the number of Virtual Numbers I can have?
Effectively no, but within reason, as numbers are a scarce resource. You can have as many Virtual Numbers as they need within the service area, subject to availability. In addition, as the need arises, you can add additional Virtual Numbers to your account.
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| Can I have a Virtual Number without having a primary Digital Phone (VOIP) number?
No. In order to have a Virtual Number you must have an account powered by think bright Digital Phone, which includes a primary number in your primary area code.
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| Can outgoing calls be made from a Virtual Number?
No. A Virtual Number is only able to receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls will be routed from the primary number.
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| If I have a Virtual Number in a certain calling area, will the calls made to that calling area be local calls?
No. Remember all outgoing calls are routed through the primary number and are subject to the terms of the calling plan, so wherever the number is located is where the call will be rated.
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| Are minutes charged for Virtual Numbers?
No. Virtual Numbers are only for incoming calls and there are no charges for incoming calls.
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In what areas are Virtual Numbers available?
Please check our Number Availability Map for current coverage. However, since new areas are added frequently, please contact a think bright Digital Phone representative for updated service areas.
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