Frequently Asked Questions          

 

What is NetFone's phone service?
NetFone's phone service works over a high-speed Internet connection. You will receive a VoIP adapter that plugs into your Internet connection. The device has a standard phone jack where you can connect any standard telephone. You get a standard phone number in you desired city and the phone works identical to standard phone service.

Does it differ from regular telephone service?
NetFone's phone service works like a regular telephone service. You will have voice mail and many of the features you are accustomed to with your telephone company. There is a notable exception: your phone will work only if your high-speed Internet connection is up and running.

How do I sign up for NetFone service?
You can sign up for NetFone service on the web by pressing
here.

What do I need to get NetFone service working?
You need to have a high-speed Internet connection. NetFone does not supply high-speed connections at the moment. You are able to get connectivity from companies such as Shaw Cable, Rogers Cable or Uniserve. You also need to sign-up for the service and we will ship you the phone adapter.

What type/speed of Internet connection is required?
You need a high-speed connection, preferably over 1 Mb/s. If you are with a Cable-TV Internet service, make sure it is the high speed or regular variety and not the "lite" or "ultra light" or Videotron "Basic" service.

Do I need to have the computer on to use NetFone's phone service?
Your phone service is independent of your computer. Although most of our subscribers have computers, our service runs on the adapter.

Can I use my computer at the same time as I use NetFone's phone service?
Yes. However if you are downloading or uploading massive amount of files (like transferring a whole movie) you will experience some quality degradation. Similarly, any "file sharing" programs like "Kazza" tend to overload your service.

Does NetFone support 911 and 411?
We currently support basic 911 and will be supporting enhanced 911 soon. Basic 911 requires you the customer to provide your address information to the operator. Enhanced 911 will enable the operator to automatically pull up your registered address. We do not support 411. To check people's phone numbers, we recommend you acquire a copy of the phone directory or use
http://www.superpages.ca/.

How does NetFone's 911 differ from regular 911?
When you dial 911, you will be connected to a 24x7 help desk that will connect you to the appropriate 911 center and will stay on the line long enough to make sure that the 911 have your service location contact information. Please read the terms and conditions for more details on our 911 service.

What happens when I move or travel?
Your phone will work as long as you move to a place that has high-speed Internet connection. However, in order for your 911 to be routed correctly, you must change your service location address. You will be able to do so on your web portal in the near future. There is a charge of $25 per change and it takes two business days for the change to go into effect. Also, if you want to change you number there is a $25 reprogramming fee.

Although in theory our service will work anywhere, we do not guarantee or warranty the service outside of Canada.

Can I make long-distance calls on my NetFone phone line?
Yes, you are able to make long-distance and international calls using your NetFone service. You can either dial the long distance number or opt to use a higher quality call by dialing the prefix 1010 before the desired number. Please note that by adding the 1010 prefix, you will be charged 3.5 cents on every phone call you make to Canada and USA (regardless whether it is local or long distance) and rates are 5-10% higher for international calls.

What are your long distance rates?
For a listing of our international rates, please click
here.

How can I place a NetFone Phone Call?
Just pick up the phone and dial. We support 10 (e.g., 604-676-3411) and 11 (e.g., 1-604-676-3411) digit dialing. We do not support 7-digit dialing (e.g., 676-3411).

Is there a setup or activation fee?
There is no activation fee. The fees are detailed
here. They are separated into: (1) a service fee, (2) a device fee (monthly rental with a deposit or a one time purchase), and (3) chargeable calls outside your service plan free calling area.