Frequently Asked Questions
General Information: About Internet and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

SavyTel Broadband Service:

Cost, Rates

Plans

Billing and Payment

Online access to user's account information

Features

Telephone Service and Internet Service Provider

End-user equipment and connections

Subscription to SavyTel Broadband service
If your question is not found here, please send us an email to support@SavyTel.com and we will be happy to find an answer for you.
   General Information: About Internet and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP):

What is a Broadband Internet connection?

A Broadband Internet connection is an Internet link that provides fast internet access to carry contents such as voice and video in a real-time mode. There are several types of broadband: cable modem, DSL and office LAN. SavyTel Broadband VoIP service can run on most Broadband Internet connections.

top

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice Over IP) technology allows you, the user, to make and receive phone calls through the VoIP connection over the Internet with the same quality as conventional phones. The advantages are: (a) more features and (b) significantly lower prices for long distance or international calls around the world. There are two VoIP standards in use: H323 and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

top

What is a ROUTER?

This is a network device that sends and receives data to and from devices connected to that network. With a router, you can use SavyTel Broadband service and surf the Web using your PC at the same time. A router may be connected to a DSL/Cable modem on one side and to an Analog Telephone Adapter and PC(s) on the other side.

Otherwise, if you don't already have one, you can purchase and install a router to connect your DSL or cable modems to your residential network. SavyTel Broadband service works with most routers available on the market.

top

Which router do you recommend?

We do not recommend any specific brand of router. However, we recommend a router that will provide DHCP for IP address allocation. SavyTel Broadband service will work with most routers commercially available today. If you are having a problem with your SavyTel Broadband service running on an older model router, please download and install the router's latest firmware from the router manufacturer's web site. In addition, you can refer to the router's setup guide for more information.

top

What is an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA)

ATA is a device interfacing between the residential analog telephone terminal and VoIP network protocols. It connects a residential analog telephone terminal on one side and the broadband (DSL or cable) or LAN on the other side and performs the conversion between the residential analog telephone terminal and Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP).

top
   SavyTel Broadband Service:

What phone service is SavyTel providing?

SavyTel provides an enhanced telephone service, based on VoIP technologies, using high-speeed Internet connections to make outgoing calls and receive incoming calls between (a) any fixed or wireless telephone in the world, and (b) another SavyTel subscriber.

top

What VoIP telephone terminals are available?

  • Linksys Phone Adapter, model PAP2, is offered free of charge as part of your subscription. It is pre-configured, ready-to-use, straight out of the box upon reception.
  • Savysoft Dialer, a software-only phone terminal, designed by SavyTel, for installation on a PC. With a microphone and headset, Savysoft works like any phone terminal and can be downloaded from the SavyTel home page (www.savytel.com). Savysoft Dialer is an add-on option.
  • X-Lite, a software-only phone terminal, available free for downloading from X-Ten (www.xten.com).

top

What telephone number will I get?

You will be given a phone number consisting of (Area Code) + (Phone Number)

The phone number is the one used to reach you by callers utilizing the conventional fixed (PSTN) and cellular telephone networks. Your SavyTel phone number differs from the telephone number assigned to you by your local phone service provider. An example of a phone number offered by SavyTel is: 213 333 2222.

top

How do I dial the number I want to call?

To call a local telephone number in the same area code, dial (area code) + (telephone number)

To call a telephone number in a different area code in the US and Canada, dial 1 + (area code) + (telephone number)

To call an international telephone number, dial 011 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number)

top

Does the party called need to be a SavyTel subscriber?

No. You can use SavyTel Broadband service to call anyone with a fixed or wireless (cellular) phone or another SavyTel Broadband subscriber. The call is free if your party called also has SavyTel Broadband service.

top

Is a PC needed to use Broadband service?

No, the Linksys Phone Adapter is connected to a router or a DSL/cable modem on one side and to any residential analog phone on the other side. No PC is needed.

top

What types of analog telephone terminals work with SavyTel Broadband service?

Most residential analog phones can be used with your SavyTel service, including corded or cordless telephones.

top

Can I use SavyTel Broadband service to send a FAX?

Yes, you can send a FAX from your FAX machine to any FAX machine via SavyTel Broadband service. Simply connect your FAX machine to the outlet marked "phone" in your ATA.

top

Are there any geographical restrictions with SavyTel Broadband service?

There are no geographical restrictions with SavyTel Broadband service. It works at any location in the world, provided you have access to a Broadband Internet connection: US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Oceania.

top

Will my SavyTel Broadband service work when I travel?

Yes, definitely, SavyTel Broadband service will work anywhere with your ATA, SavySoft Dialer and X-Lite (from X-Ten) provided that you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.

top

What happens when I move?

As long as you have a high-speed internet connection, your SavyTel Broadband service will move with you anywhere in the world and can be used in homes, offices and hotels.

top

How do you dial to call an international number?

Very simply: just dial (011) + (Country Code) + (Phone number) regardless of where you are.

top

Can I use your service with the home alarm system?

Yes, with ATA devices, by simply connecting your alarm to the ATA. It may be necessary to consult your current alarm service provider for further information.

top

Will my Broadband phone number be different from my current phone number?

Yes, the telephone number offered to you is different from your existing telephone number. Note that you don't need to have a fixed telephone number for Broadband service. For example, a cable connection works just fine.

top
   COST AND RATES

What are the start-up costs involved with using SavyTel Broadband service?

  • Linksys PAP2-NA Phone Adapter is available free of charge and will be shipped to you.
  • The one-time startup cost consists of:
    • Shipping cost: 19.99 US$ or 19.99 CAN$.
    • Connection cost: 39.99 US$ or 39.99 CAN$.
  • For the on-going cost, there are 5 plans to choose from: 3 plans for consumers and 2 plans for businesses. Please click on the link "Plans" on the Broadband home page for details of each plan.
  • Note that costs may change without notice and appropriate taxes are added on.
top

Where can I find your international rates?

SavyTel offers very low international rates. Click here to see our Lowest Rates!

top
   PLANS

What plans do you offer?

For end-users, there are 3 plans: Silver, Gold Unlimited and Platinum Unlimited. For business, there are 2 plans: Business Basic and Business Gold. In addition, there is also a pay-as-you-go plan. More details are available from SavyTel Broadband home page.

top

Can I change my plan?

Yes, you can change your plan anytime. The current plan is valid until the end of the current billing month. The new plan will be effective on the first day of the new billing month.

top
   BILLING AND PAYMENT

How do you bill the service?

SavyTel offers online billing. Your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) is charged automatically. Billing is based on minute usage and destinations called. Your account will be activated upon sign-up. Your billing is online, containing call details of outgoing calls.

If you have a specific question about your billing, please send an email to billing@SavyTel.com

top

What's the payment method?

SavyTel only accepts valid credit cards from the following companies: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

top

Will I receive a monthly bill?

No, we provide you with on-line billing for your convenience. Each account billed is always accessible via your SavyTel web account. You receive complete call details, and a list of charges and activities for any given period.

top
   ONLINE ACCESS TO USER ACCOUNT INFORMATION

How can I find out my latest balance?

You can check your latest balance by logging onto your SavyTel Broadband account with your login username and password. Then click on the button "Billing". You will find your latest balance and a list of outgoing and incoming calls.

top

How can I see details of outgoing calls during a certain period?

Simply go to the SavyTel Broadband home page (click here) and log-in. You will be able to see Call Detail Records for any period of time.

top

Is the account number different from the PIN?

No, they are the same and are used interchangeably.

top

Are my account and password case sensitive?

Yes, they are.

top

What should I do if I forget my password?

Go to the SavyTel Broadband home page and click on the top-right button marked "forget your password?". A new password will be sent to your e-mail address.

top
   FEATURES

Which features are offered free of charge as part of SavyTel Broadband service?

Over 15 popular features are offered free of charge as part of any SavyTel Broadband subscription plan, amongst which are: Caller ID, Voice Mail, Call Transfer, Call Forward, Call Waiting and Conference Call. We are continually adding enhancements and introducing new features. For the complete updated list of offered features, please click on the "Features" link at the main page of SavyTel Broadband service.

top

Where can I find descriptions of features and how they function?

For descriptions of features and their functions, please click on the "Features" link, from the main page of SavyTel Broadband service.

top
   TELEPHONE SERVICE AND INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Will my SavyTel phone number be listed in telephone directories?

No. Your SavyTel phone number is not listed in telephone directories because it is specific to the SavyTel VoIP network.

 

top
 

 


Is Broadband Internet service included with my SavyTel subscription?

No. SavyTel does not provide Broadband Internet service. You must already have a Broadband Internet connection to use SavyTel Broadband VoIP service.

top

Does SavyTel work with any high-speed Internet connection?

Yes, SavyTel Broadband service works with high-speed Internet connections such as cable, DSL and office LAN.

top
   END-USER EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTIONS

Do I need to have two different subscriptions to connect two phones to the same Linksys PAP2 Phone Adapter

One phone connection corresponds to one subscription. If you would like to connect two phones to the same Linksys Phone Adapter, you need two subscriptions.

top

Does my residential router work with SavyTel Broadband service?

Most recent generations of residential routers will work with your SavyTel Broadband service.

Routers of earlier generations may need some minor configuration adjustments or an upgrade of latest firmware. Please refer to the installation manual/instructions or visit the manufacturer's web site.

top

Does my existing residential networking equipment work with SavyTel Broadband service?

Yes, SavyTel Broadband service works with most residential networking equipment. It is recommended that DHCP be supported by your residential networking equipment.

top

Does SavyTel Broadband service work with wireless ISP networks?

Yes. You can connect to SavyTel if your wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) or your home network equipment provides an available connection into which you can plug your ATA. Remember that the bandwidth of the wireless link has to be sufficiently fast to handle real-time voice signals.

top

If my PC is connected to the Internet via the USB port and has no Ethernet card, how can I connect my Phone Adapter?

  • Either install an Ethernet card in the PC or use a USB-to-Ethernet conversion cable.
  • Buy a router.
  • Connect the Ethernet termination from the PC to the router.
  • Connect the Phone Adapter or ATA to the router.

This configuration will allow you to use the Internet and SavyTel Broadband service simultaneously.

top
   SUBSCRIPTION TO SavyTel BROADBAND SERVICE

What steps must be followed to start using SavyTel Broadband service?

First, subscribe to one of the Broadband plans.

  • A valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) is required. After successfully subscribing, confirmation e-mails will be sent to your e-mail address, containing your login username and your Broadband service phone number. A Linksys PAP2 Phone Adapter is offered free of charge as part of your subscription and will be shipped to you within 5 business days.

Secondly, get Broadband Internet access.

  • • For best voice quality, basic Broadband Internet access is recommended (DSL, Cable or office LAN).

Thirdly, connect the Linksys PAP2 Phone Adapter.

  • " The Linksys PAP2 Phone Adapter, when received at your shipping address, is pre-configured and ready to use. Connecting is very simple: just connect the Linksys Phone Adapter to (a) your Broadband Internet connection on one side; (b) to any ordinary residential analog phone on the other side; and (c) to a power outlet with the supplied power cable. You can refer to the connection diagrams available from the SavyTel Broadband home page. Click on Support/Configuration/Linksys PAP2.

You can start making or receiving calls with your VoIP phone device.

top

What subscription-related information will I receive?

When you subscribe to one of our plans, the following information will be sent to your e-mail address:

  • Login username, used to log into your Broadband account to view account-related information such as outgoing and incoming calls, the current balance, and the next payment due date.
  • A phone number where you can be reached. This phone number is used by callers who are trying to reach you, using a conventional fixed phone or a wireless cellular phone.

top

How can I configure my Phone Adapter to use SavyTel Broadband service?

The Linksys PAP2 Phone Adapter is preconfigured by SavyTel when shipped to you and is ready to be used out of the box. No configuration is required by the user.

top

I did not receive any e-mails from SavyTel regarding my subscription after I went through the sign-up procedure. What should I do?

The most likely reason is the email address incorrectly entered. We suggest you re-enter your e-mail address through this link: Re-enter My Email Address.

top