Broadband Phone FAQ

What exactly do I get with my service?

GalaxyVoice VoIP service is similar to VoIP services provided by our competitors like Vonage, AT&T CallVantage, Verizon VoiceWing, Lingo, Packet8, etc. GalaxyVoice provides a standard VoIP telephone service with a real telephone number.

Can I use a FAX, Modem, Credit Card Terminal with your Service?

FAX and MODEM transmissions are very sensitive, and we are NOT recommending heavy fax users. A small "blip" or delay that wouldn't even be noticed in a voice conversation can cause a fax or modem transmission to terminate prematurely. If you have a good quality Internet connection and send/receive an occasional fax you should be OK. Modem and Credit Card Terminals can be sensitive too. We can't guarantee these will work with your VoIP Service. 

What are the requirements for Galaxy Voice?

1. This service is only available with primary numbers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and NY ("Down-State" NY, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, etc.).
2. You must have a high-speed Internet connection (ISDN, DSL, CABLE MODEM, T-1, etc.)
3. A SIP compatible phone, Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), or PC-Based "soft phone"
4. If you choose to use a IP Telephone or ATAU you will need a broadband router or switch with a free Ethernet port (e.g. Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, SMC. etc).

Can GalaxyVoice VoIP Service Run All the Phones in My Home or Business?

Yes, BUT please be aware that GalaxyVoice only delivers phone service to the VoIP device. VoIP adapters can run several phone devices, but it is the customer' responsibility to connect them to the adapter. In many cases existing phone wiring can be used, but multi-handset wireless phones are an inexpensive solution to connecting multiple phones to the adapter. Just connect the base station to the VoIP adapter and use the wireless handsets anywhere. For businesses with phone systems, just connect the adapter to your phone system the way you would any traditional phone line.

Is there an activation charge?

There is a $24.95 activation charge to acquire the telephone number and establish service.

Do I need a new phone?

You can use an existing traditional telephone with an Analog Telephone Adapter. These adapters work with regular phones, cordless phones, phone systems, and PBX's. Of course, there are numerous SIP compatible IP phones on the market with every imaginable feature.

Do I have to buy equipment or software from GalaxyVoice?

No! However, GalaxyVoice offers competitively priced ATA's and IP telephones. The advantage of buying through GalaxyVoice is that your ATA or IP Phone will arrive pre-configured with your account settings. Just plug it in and start using it to make and receive calls. GalaxyVoice also allows you to use PC-based "soft phones". There are a number of freely available phones that work great.

How many numbers can I have?

You may have as many numbers as you like. The GalaxyVoice VoIP service requires a base telephone number in NY, MA, NH, or RI. The 911 dispatch center requires you to have a number in your own location for proper 911 dispatch. You may have up to the first two numbers assigned to you for free. You can purchase additional numbers to ring on the same line for $5 each per month.

Is 411 (information) and 911 on this service?

Yes, but there is a 99 cent per call service charge to use the 411 service. Emergency 911 services are available, and you will be asked to fill out a form with the address to be listed with the E911 directory. Beware that if you travel with the IP phone service, there is no way for E911 operators to determine your location.

How Can I get my Voicemail?

You can get your voicemail in three ways. First, you can have your voicemail messages sent to your e-mail box (very cool!). Second, you can use the Web Interface to click on individual messages and hear them on your computer. Finally, you can call in and get your messages using a local telephone number (the traditional way).

What else can I do with the Web interface?

You can use the web interface to completely manage your account and features. Turn calling features on and off, change call forwards, enter filtered numbers, etc.

Can I use my computer and the phone at the same time?

Of course! Galaxy Voice allows the user to make calls and maintain an Internet connection over the PC at the same time.

Does my computer have to be on to use my GalaxyVoice telephone?

No, the IP telephones and analog adapters are stand-alone devices. If you use a PC-Based soft phone, you will obviously need to use your PC.

Can I still surf the Internet while I'm talking on the phone?

Yes, the voice call only uses a small portion of your total bandwidth.

Which IP telephones and adapters are supported by Galaxy Voice?

Galaxy offers an ATA and an IP Telephone, however, any SIP compatible IP VoIP device should work. Galaxy has tested devices from Cisco, Sipura, Grandstream, Giptel, Zoom, and others.

Can I move my existing telephone or cellular number over to my GalaxyVoice phone?

Yes! We can use Local Number Portability (LNP) to "port" your existing telephone number(s) over to GalaxyVoice. For the best deal in VoIP service, your primary number must be in NY, MA, NH, or RI. We can port many NY numbers over a secondary numbers on the same line(s).

Can I take my telephone, telephone adapter, or soft phone with me when I travel?

Sure! As long as you have high speed Internet, your service should work fine. Take your phone with you on vacation, business trips, home on college break, etc.

Will my Galaxy Voice telephone number be listed in the phone book?

Not at this time.

What are billing increments for Galaxy Voice services?

Any partial billing increment shall be rounded-up to the next interval.