We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions, the answers to which can be found by clicking on each link below.
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How do I use Cloud Net Connect?
Do you provide handsets?
Is the system easy to install?
How do I make changes to the system?
How quickly can I add extensions?
Is the quality of calls lower with VoIP than traditional calls?
Why can't I simply use Skype to make cheap calls?
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Can I use my computer while I'm on the phone?
What equipment do I need?
So, what plugs into what and where?
Does my computer need to be on?
Will I need to change my broadband provider?
Do the people that call me have to have broadband?
What if my broadband is down?
What about 999 calls?
What about dialling codes?
Can I take my Cloud Net Connect system with me if I move?
Can I call other companies who use other VoIP services?
What about calls to mobile or premium numbers?
What calls are free?
What about voice mail, call waiting, etc?
What about technical help and other customer service?
Can I try Cloud Net before I decide?
Are there any cancellation fees?
Can I divert calls to a mobile and what will it cost?
Can I divert mobile calls to Cloud Net?
Can I block calls from anonymous/blocked callers?
I rent out office space. Can I sell telephone services to my tenants?
Can I connect my existing switchboard in to your service?
The Deal Seems Too Good - How Do you guys make money?
Where Are All The Hidden Charges?
What About Unified Communications?
Does Cloud Net Connect work with soft phones?
How do IP phones connect to Cloud Net Connect?
Will IP phones slow my computer network down?
If I use an IP phone, does that mean I'm using VoIP?
How does Cloud Net Connect work with VoIP?
Does Cloud Net Connect work in overseas locations?
Does Cloud Net Connect work with third-party VoIP services?
How do I use Cloud Net Connect?
In a nutshell, simply plug your phone into your broadband router or switch and begin making calls! Our service utilises Voice Over IP (VOIP) which means that your calls are sent as digitised packets over the internet. Our system will automatically configure your compatible handset(s) with all the settings it needs to connect to your switchboard in the sky - no need to manually enter the settings for each phone.
Do you provide handsets?
Yes.
Is the system easy to install?
Yes - your unique system is pre-configured based on the information you provide. Simply plug your phones into your broadband router or switch and we will do the rest.
How do I make changes to the system?
Our easy to use online control panel allows each extension to be managed from any computer with an internet connection - anywhere in the world. All of the advanced features can be managed via the control panel using the simple, intuitive interface. Plus, each system allows multiple levels of access, so you can restrict who can manage which aspect of your system.
How quickly can I add extensions?
Extensions can be added or removed instantly and can be ready to use straight away. If we are supplying your handsets then we will need to send you another one, which will normally be with you the next working day.
Is the quality of calls lower with VoIP than traditional calls?
Not at all - in fact in most cases the call quality using VOIP is better than a normal analogue line. If you want to hear the quality for yourself, feel free to call us on 01922 21 33 33 as we use it ourselves.
Why can't I simply use Skype to make cheap calls?
It really depends on how often you use the service and if you want any features (e.g caller ID) on your telephone. They are both easy to install, provide low cost of calling but after that differences appear.
Whereas Skype's voice quality is okay these days, ours is excellent. This is important for businesses because poor quality means frustrated clients which won't enhance your reputation.
Skype also relies on pre-paid billing which isn't exactly the preferred method for businesses to operate to. Furthermore, it is simply not suitable for companies with more than just a handful of staff and particularly for multi-site operations requiring advanced switchboard functionality.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Absolutely. Plus, once your numbers have been transferred to our system, you are no longer restricted to a particular location. If you move, your numbers move with you.
Can I use my computer while I'm on the phone?
Yes, you can talk on the phone and surf the Internet at any time.
What equipment do I need?
It depends on your existing broadband and network setup. However most people just need our phones, the switchboard is in the Internet.
So, what plugs into what and where?
Instead of plugging your phone into a telephone socket on the wall you connect it into your network or computer's router.
Does my computer need to be on?
No.
Will I need to change my broadband provider?
No, although we do recommend you switch to our broadband service to guarantee the very best voice experience.
Do the people that call me have to have broadband?
No.
What if my broadband is down?
If your broadband service goes down you will not be able to make or receive calls, including 999 emergency calls. We recommend that you have an alternative way of making phone calls such as a mobile. In the event that this happens you can either take your phones to a different location such as your home and carry on working or you can request a call divert to mobile phones operative immediately.
What about 999 calls?
You can call all emergency public services for free using your Cloud Net systems. If your broadband connection goes down you will not be to make any out going calls including calls to emergency services. We recommend that you have an alternative method of calling such as a mobile.
What about dialling codes?
Because Cloud Net connect isn't connected to the physical phone line, you can choose a dialling code from any area, regardless of your location.
Can I take my Cloud Net Connect system with me if I move?
Absolutely.
Can I call other companies who use other VoIP services?
Absolutely.
What about calls to mobile or premium numbers?
Just like any telephone service, you will have to pay the cost of these calls. Our rates are very competitive.
What calls are free?
In addition to the usual freephone numbers, all calls within our network are totally free of charge.
What about voice mail, call waiting, etc?
These along with many other cool features are all included in the Cloud Net offering at no extra cost.
What about technical help and other customer service?
We offer full technical support within office hours. For emergencies, we provide an out-of-hours support service with personnel available to take your call 24/7.
Can I try Cloud Net before I decide?
Yes, you can try Cloud Net for 30 days in the knowledge that if you cancel before 30 days up we will refund you all charges except call charges.
Are there any cancellation fees?
No.
Can I divert calls to a mobile and what will it cost?
Yes you can divert calls to a mobile, the cost will be the same as if you had originated the mobile call.
Can I divert mobile calls to Cloud Net?
Yes - you will need to program this using your mobile network supplier.
Can I block calls from anonymous/blocked callers?
Yes - you do this from the web portal or by calling Cloud Net. If you call Cloud Net there is a charge for this service. If you do it through the web portal it is free.
I rent out office space. Can I sell telephone services to my tenants?
Yes and you can agree the call charge rates with your tenants - or we can bill the tenants directly if you wish.
Can I connect my existing switchboard in to your service?
If the switchboard has a SIP trunk facility then you can. You will need to contact your existing supplier to ascertain this.
The Deal Seems Too Good - How Do you guys make money?
We are delivering a genuinely better system at an amazing price point made possible by internet based technology and a lean infrastructure which drives down our costs. We also own and operate our own network.
Where Are All The Hidden Charges?
There simply aren't any. We don't charge for added features. We don't have exotic call charge plans. Check out our price list here.
What About Unified Communications?
Unified communications is the integration of telephony and data systems. Cloud Net Connect is a unified communications system!
Does Cloud Net Connect work with soft phones?
Yes.
How do IP phones connect to Cloud Net Connect?
Via your LAN, the same way a computer does. IP phones use your computer network to carry your telephone calls. In many cases the phone at a workstation can be plugged into the computer, which is then plugged into the LAN.
In larger offices, you (or your IT manager) might choose to keep your IP phones and your computers on separate IP networks, in which case you'll plug them in to a dedicated network socket, which is connected to the Cloud Net Connect Ethernet port.
Will IP phones slow my computer network down?
No. IP phones use minimal bandwidth on the internal network and generally run at speeds of 80 to 100 kbps. If you are running a gigabit network you should not connect a PC to the LAN through an IP phone, because Cloud Net Connect IP phones support 10/100 base-T not 10/1000 base-T. However, having IP phones on your network will not cause slowdowns.
If I use an IP phone, does that mean I'm using VoIP?
No. VoIP is the service by which you make and receive phone calls over the Internet. An IP phone will function with as well as with Voice over IP phone lines. However with traditional phone lines you then need a traditional old fashioned, inflexible, expensive switchboard
How does Cloud Net Connect work with VoIP?
VoIP-enabled Cloud Net Connect systems use the Internet in addition to the traditional telephone network for calls, which can improve your integration over multiple locations and save you money. Cloud Net Connect can use VoIP to seamlessly, cost-effectively connect locations or to connect to a VoIP service As with any IP PBX, VoIP-enabled Cloud Net Connect systems require broadband connections.
Does Cloud Net Connect work in overseas locations?
Cloud Net Connect is currently in use in many countries outside of North America, but because different countries have different voltage requirements, dial tones and telecommunication regulations, we recommend you contact us for specific details about operability in your location.
Does Cloud Net Connect work with third-party VoIP services?
Yes. Any VoIP-enabled Cloud Net Connect system can be connected to VoIP services from any of our approved service providers.