A softphone is the term used to describe software which is used to create a phone connection on a computer or mobile device. The computer/mobile acts as the telephone handset on the VoIP service. We would recommend using a headset is, ideally one with both a microphone and head speakers, if you are using a softphone on a PC/Laptop to reduce background noise on your calls.
Hightrees are able to port most UK geographic numbers from many telecommunication providers as well some international numbers from certain destinations, however, some restrictions may apply. For more information, visit our number porting page.
Ideally for VoIP to operate, you will need an internet connection with a speed of at least 128 kbps (like ADSL) to make sure that you get good call quality and successfully use of VoIP. The reasons for this are :
- You need at least 64 kbps download plus 64 kbps upload bandwidth to make an uncompressed VoIP call. Otherwise you will need to compress your VoIP traffic using compression codecs such as G.729 which can decrease the bandwidh to approximately 30 kbps. These ethods of compression are normally used in situations when multiple calls are going over the same connection, NOT when bandwidth is restricted to less than 128 kbps. If you have dial-up you will be very fortunate and incredible lucky to achieve decent call quality even if you are using VoIP compression. You can test your internet speed here using Speedtest.net
- A broadband connection is ‘always on’, thereby ensuring that you can receive and make calls with minimum interruption to your VoIP Service.
- You want to make sure that you have enough bandwidth left over for typical Internet traffic (e.g. emails, cloud services, web browsing, file downloads, video streaming etc). However some routers will allow you to prioritise your VoIP traffic to ensure that you always have sufficient bandwidth available for using VoIP.
In short, yes !
We support both SIP and IAX via our VoIP Accounts, so if you run an Asterisk (or asterisk based) telephone system already we can help provide you with a VoIP acount, telephone numbers, VoIP Call packages.
We can even setup a Pay as You Go tariff and account, so if you already have a VoIP Provider you have a backup VoIP Trunk in case of unforeseen technical difficulties.
When your VoIP account was setup, you would have been emailed a quick reference guide which includes your VoIP ID, your password, the email address that your voicemails will go to as well as your voicemail PIN code.
If you have not recieved, or misplaced this information please contact us