Fairnet Buzz FAQs

1. Q. What is VoIP?
   • A. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that enables you to make and receive phone calls through the Internet. Voice is converted into packets of data, sent out over the Internet through a broadband connection, and reassembled at the other end of the line. Fairnet provides an adapter box that enables its customers to make VoIP calls using a standard telephone.
     
     
2. Q. Why should I use VoIP?
   • A. VoIP phone services offer familiar capabilities and features, such as local and nationwide calling, call forwarding, call waiting, three-way calling, and caller ID. These features, which typically cost extra with traditional wireline telephone services, are free with most VoIP offerings.
     VoIP also enables a new breed of features that provide unprecedented control and convenience. For example, you can set your preferences for features such as call forwarding and listen to voicemail online. You also have the flexibility to choose one or more virtual numbers that point to your primary number. These numbers are a great way to provide friends, family, or customers with a local number to call you.
     Of course one of the driving reasons that VoIP is being adopted so quickly is that it significantly lowers the cost of traditional phone service with affordable, flat rate calling plans that feature unlimited local and domestic long distance, as well as competitive International rates.
     
     
3. Q. What is broadband?
   • A. Broadband is a high-speed Internet connection that operates through a cable or DSL modem. To use Fairnet Buzz VoIP services you must have broadband. This helps ensure high-quality audio on all of your calls. Because your call is converted into data packets that travel the Internet, the faster the Internet connection, the more quickly and efficiently your call will arrive at its destination.
     
     It is important to note that not all high-speed Internet services use broadband. As a rule of thumb, you probably have a broadband connection if you're getting speeds of 256Kb/s or better.
     
     
4. Q. How does Buzz VoIP service work?
   • A. Buzz uses a technology called VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, which enables you to make and receive phone calls through the Internet. Your voice is converted into packets of data, sent out over the Internet through a broadband connection, and reassembled at the other end of the line. Fairnet provides an adapter that you plug in between your computer and cable or DSL modem. A standard telephone is also plugged into the adapter — allowing you to place and receive calls in the same way you do today. Just pick up the phone and dial the ten digit number (or International number) of the person you wish to call. They don’t need anything special on their end to talk to you.
     
     The Buzz adapter comes with an installation guide to help you through the set up process, which will take between five and ten minutes.
     
     
5. Q. Can I talk on the phone and be online at the same time?
   • A. Absolutely. Buzz’s proprietary nationwide network is designed to be ultra efficient. As long as you have a broadband internet connection, you can work on the computer and talk on the phone without experiencing any degradation of service.
     
     
6. Q. How do I make phone calls with Buzz?
   • A. Once your adapter is installed, you simply pick up your telephone and dial. For domestic calls, you must dial the full ten digit number — with the exception of numbers you have programmed in your speed dial. It’s important to understand that Buzz relies on your broadband internet connection. If there is a power outage or your broadband service is interrupted for any reason, your Buzz service will not work.
     
     There are also some important differences when dialing 911 on your Buzz service. 911 services must be activated. Users are required to register the address of their service so that they can be located in the event of an emergency. If the physical location of your adapter is not accurate or not on record, emergency services will not be able to locate you if you are unable to speak your address or are disconnected. If you move your adapter to another location, you must call customer service at 1-888-523-9271 or use the online account management portal to update the physical location on record. As noted above, 911 service may be disrupted by power outages or outages of your broadband internet service. We urge you to review the "Emergency Services - 911 Dialing" section in the Buzz Terms of Service agreement for more information about 911 Dialing.
     
     
7. Q. Can I call anyone I want?
   • A. Yes. You can dial any ten digit or International telephone number. Buzz’s Unlimited calling plans include unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada. We do provide very Competitive International Rates as well.
     
     
8. Q. What advanced features are offered?
   • A. Fairnet service plans include advanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding, do not disturb, three way calling, call return, caller ID blocking and much more. In addition to these familiar features, Fairnet offers features that are only possible with VoIP. With Buzz you can:
     
     
     • Select from a list of nationwide area codes and available phone numbers — regardless of where you live
     • Keep your existing phone number
     • Access real-time billing information and manage your voicemail and calling features through our easy-to-use, online account management portal
     • Take your Buzz adapter with you to make and receive calls anywhere you have a broadband Internet connection
     • Choose Virtual Numbers that ring to your primary line. Since you select the area code, Virtual Numbers are a great way to provide friends, family, business colleagues or customers with a local number where they can reach you.
     
     
     
9. Q. Why should I use Buzz?
   • A. Fairnet service plans include advanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding, do not disturb, three way calling, call return, caller ID blocking and much more. In addition to these familiar features, Fairnet offers features that are only possible with VoIP. With Buzz you can:
     
     Buzz offers you many benefits, including:
     
     
     • High-quality phone service at prices significantly lower than traditional phone services
     • Great International rates.
     • Free advanced features such as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and three-way calling.
     • Free phone adapter that is easy to set up
     • Online account management portal allows you to manage preferences, and listen to voicemail
     • No annual contract
     • Keep your existing phone number
     • Take your adapter box with you when you travel to make and receive calls from anywhere you have a broadband internet connection