Frequently Asked Questions (MachMedia Broadband Phone Service)
VoIP and High-Speed Internet
What is broadband or a high-speed Internet connection?
What is bandwidth?
What is VoIP?
What is a router and do I need one?
MachMedia Phone Service
How does MachMedia broadband telephone differ from my normal telephone service?
Who can use MachMedia phone service?
How do I make a phone call using MachMedia?
How do I make an International call?
Will my regular home phone work with MachMedia’s service or do I need a special one?
What happens if I move?
Will MachMedia phone service work with an office PBX?
Can I take my number with me if I move?
Can I have more than one phone line?
What kind of phone number can I get with MachMedia’s service?
Where can I use MachMedia’s service?
Can I use my MachMedia phone service outside the U.S.?
Do the people I call need to have a MachMedia service account also?
Can I use my Internet connection and MachMedia phone at the same time?
Are there any monthly taxes or fees levied on MachMedia phone service?
May I transfer my old telephone number to MachMedia service?
May I keep my MachMedia phone number if I decide to cancel my service?
Will my MachMedia phone work during a power outage?
Do you provide 411 or directory services?
Do you provide 911 services?
Will I receive a paper bill?
Rate Plans and Pricing
How much does MachMedia’s phone service cost?
How much is charged to my credit card when I sign up?
What are your International rates?
What are the rates for incoming calls?
Are calls to other MachMedia subscribers free?
What forms of payment does MachMedia accept?
What enhanced calling features are offered?
How do I use my calling features, such as voicemail and call forwarding?
I have specific questions that aren’t answered here, how do I contact MachMedia for answers?
What effect does MachMedia phone service have on my bandwidth usage when not in use?
What phone number do I list as contact number during my initial Sign Up?
Do you offer Toll Free numbers, such as 1-800?
I have signed up and am awaiting my install package, when do I get my new phone number?
What is the Pre-Paid Account Deposit?
Existing MachMedia Phone Customers
How do I log in to my online account?
How do I view my bill?
How do I manage my voicemail, call-forwarding, and other features?
VoIP and High-Speed Internet
What is broadband or a high-speed Internet connection?
Broadband and High-Speed Internet are connections that provide very fast Internet access capable of carrying voice, video, and data transmission at the same time. Several types of broadband or high-speed connections exist. Examples include cable modem, DSL, and T-1. MachMedia broadband phone service can be supported by most broadband Internet connections.
Click http://www.dslreports.com/stest and follow the steps to determine your current Internet connection speed. We recommend a connection speed of about 256kbps or higher.
MachMedia does not recommend using our service via dial-up access.
Bandwidth is a term used to describe the capacity of an Internet connection. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the connection. In other words, it is a measure of the flow of data/information between your PC and the Internet, for example. Broadband has high bandwidth and two of its most popular forms, DSL and Cable modem, have plenty of bandwidth to support MachMedia service.
VoIP is Revolutionary. MachMedia utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol, the revolutionary new way of making calls using your standard touch-tone telephone. VoIP avoids the toll charges of ordinary telephone companies by using your broadband Internet connection to send and receive calls over the Internet, without interfering with your computer. Telecommunications experts predict a nearly total transition from the 100-year-old circuit-switched phone network to complete VoIP in the near future. In the U.S. alone, 5 million people will change over to VoIP in the next 5 years; will you be one of them?
VoIP is Inexpensive. Instead of using the old-fashioned telephone network that was invented over 100 years ago, VoIP uses the high-speed benefits of the Internet to send and receive voice audio the same as data traffic, so you avoid getting charged the typical long-distance and international rates from ordinary phone companies. As long as you have a broadband Internet connection such as DSL or cable, you can use MachMedia’s phone service to make all your local, long-distance, and international calls. And you can do it for an incredibly low price since your Internet connection is ‘always on’ and you’re already paying a flat monthly Internet service fee, regardless of how much you use it.
VoIP is Extras.
MachMedia isn’t your typical phone company. Because VoIP bypasses traditional long-distance charges, we can offer you Free Enhanced Calling Features that ordinary phone companies charge extra for, including voicemail, call-forwarding and 3-way calling, among others. All these bonuses are FREE with any MachMedia service plan.
VoIP is Crisp and Clear. Although early forms of VoIP had some delay and voice quality issues, today’s technology has eliminated these early problems. Today’s VoIP has the same reliability and voice quality as other digital phone calls.
VoIP is MachMedia Broadband Phone. MachMedia provides comprehensive VoIP services at incredibly affordable rates. People are talking about MachMedia’s phone service, and they like what they hear. Sign Up today.
What is a router and do I need one?
A router is a piece of network equipment that manages how data is distributed among several devices on a network. You might already have a router that is connected between a DSL/Cable modem and your PC (Personal Computer), or you may need to purchase and install a DSL/Cable router in your network if you run more than one PC over your Internet connection. Most likely, you will want to access your computers and use your MachMedia phone service without having to disconnect cables. A router will allow you to use both your phone service and multiple PCs to surf the web and retrieve email at the same time.
To ensure best quality of voice service, and you use a router, make sure your Internet feed follows the path: (1) Modem, then (2) MTA Callbox, then (3) Router, then (4) your PCs.
MachMedia Phone Service
How does MachMedia phone service differ from my normal telephone service?
It’s Inexpensive! MachMedia utilizes the broadband Internet connection you’re already paying for to deliver an alternative to the traditional phone company that is incredibly cost-effective and full of FREE enhanced calling features. By using your broadband connection for both your data and telephony needs, you’re able to reduce your monthly communication costs by taking full advantage of the bandwidth you’ve already paid for.
Who can use MachMedia phone service?
Anybody in the U.S. with a broadband connection! And, once you’ve subscribed from within the U.S., you can use it overseas!
How do I make a phone call using MachMedia?
Make calls exactly the same as with ordinary telephone companies. Dial ‘1’ before the area code.
How do I make an International call?
The same as any other US-based telephone: dial 011, country code number, then the number. Click to view our International rates.
Will my regular home phone work with MachMedia’s service or do I need a special one?
Any standard analog telephone can connect with your MachMedia MTA Callbox. The phone must support tone dialing (touch-tone) as opposed to Pulse/Rotary dialing. Digital/SIP/IP phones (like those used exclusively with PBX systems) are not currently supported by MachMedia.
Take it with you! Your service can move with you to homes, offices, cafe’s, hotels, lounges, and more – anywhere with a high-speed Internet connection.
Will MachMedia phone service work with an office PBX?
Yes. You can use your MTA Callbox just like a traditional phone line, although you cannot plug your PBX directly into the Callbox. Just plug the Callbox into the same port of the analog PBX that you normally connect your analog (‘POTS’) phone lines. Contact your office network administrator for more information.
Can I take my number with me if I move?
YES! You can take your phone number with you without reconfiguring anything on the Callbox. Simply plug the Callbox into your new location’s high-speed Internet connection. You can take your Callbox with you when you travel, even overseas! Click to read how Virtual Numbers help avoid long-distance and international rates.
Can I have more than one phone line?
Yes! Each MTA Callbox supports up to two (2) lines. One line is included with each MachMedia Rate Plan, though you may purchase additional lines from your online account. If you need more than two (2) lines, you may also purchase additional MTA Callboxes.
What kind of phone number can I get with MachMedia’s service?
Any U.S. phone number, regardless of where you live! Use a Virtual Number area code to avoid long-distance charges to those who call you. Additional area codes are being acquired on a regular basis and MachMedia expects to have every U.S. area code available very shortly.
Where can I use MachMedia’s service?
Are you on planet Earth? Do you have a high-speed Internet connection? Yes? Use it, it works.
Can I use my MachMedia phone service outside the U.S.?
Absolutely!! Your phone number is a number based in the United States. If, for example, you have a Seattle-based MachMedia number and you take your Callbox with you to Spain, anybody who lives in Seattle can call you with a local call, regardless of what country you’re in! Also, your MachMedia plan minutes (unlimited or otherwise) still allow you to make calls to the US and Canada, although calls to numbers in other countries are charged according to our posted International Rates.
Do the people I call need to have a MachMedia service account also?
No! You can call any regular phone number from your MachMedia phone, because our service uses the traditional telephone network to terminate your call at the right number. Also, calls to any other MachMedia subscriber are absolutely free, no matter where they are on planet Earth!
Can I use my Internet connection and MachMedia phone at the same time?
Absolutely! Use your MachMedia phone service while you surf the web, read your email, etc. Even though your phone service uses a small portion of your Internet bandwidth while you talk, it should not interfere with your normal Internet use.
Are there any monthly taxes or fees levied on MachMedia phone service?
No. MachMedia service is not taxed at this time and we will not add any additional charges unless changes in federal or state regulations require us to do so.
May I transfer my old telephone number to MachMedia?
Currently, porting your old number to MachMedia is unavailable, although we will have this capability in the future.
May I keep my MachMedia phone number if I decide to cancel my service?
Currently, porting your number to another company is unavailable.
Will my MachMedia phone work during a power outage?
Your service will not work during a power outage unless you use our service with a battery backup available in most electronics stores. You must provide that battery backup to all devices between your MTA and internet connection.
Do you provide 411 or directory services?
We do not provide 411 services at this time. We recommend you use your PC internet connection to find directory assistance; www.switchboard.com or the online Yellow Pages are two of many websites that give comprehensive directory assistance.
No, although we will have a unique solution to emergency 911 calls very soon.
No. To keep our customers’ costs low, billing is viewable on-line in your web account only. There, you can view your service usage, charges and all account activities for any billing period on-line, anytime. Payments for your service are currently via credit card only.
Rate Plans and Pricing
How much does MachMedia phone service cost?
All of our Rate Plan packages are extremely affordable, especially when compared to ordinary phone service fees. See our Rate Plans to find the package that suits you the best.
How much is charged to my credit card when I sign up?
Most plans are generally charged a one-time $39.99 activation fee, your first month’s service fee, any taxes that apply, as well as shipping and handling. You will also be charged whatever amount you selected for your pre-paid balance at signup. Your first month’s charge may appear as a separate charge on your credit card statement from the activation, shipping and any other applicable fees.
What are your International rates?
Click to view International Rates outside your calling plan.
What are the rates for incoming calls?
FREE! All incoming calls are included in your MachMedia service.
Are calls to other MachMedia phone subscribers free?
Yes! All calls between MachMedia phone service customers are included FREE and are not subtracted from your allotted monthly minutes.
What forms of payment does MachMedia accept?
We currently accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards.
What calling features are offered?
MachMedia offers a selection of FREE Enhanced Calling Features including:
| • | Voice Mail |
| • | Caller ID |
| • | Call Waiting |
| • | Call Forwarding |
| • | Great Rates |
| • | 3-Way Calling |
| • | Free In-Network Calling |
| • | Free Incoming Calls |
| • | Online Account Management |
| • | Call Holding |
How do I use my calling features, such as voicemail and call forwarding?
Go to the FREE Enhanced Calling Features page for instructions.
I have specific questions that aren’t answered here, how do I contact MachMedia for answers?
Simply click to Contact Us.
What effect does MachMedia service have on my bandwidth usage when not in use?
Our service uses only a few packets per minute when not in use – this is not noticeable with your broadband connection.
What phone number do I list as contact number during my initial Sign Up?
So we may verify your credit card, please enter the phone number associated with your credit card account.
Do you offer Toll Free numbers, such as 1-800?
Yes.
I have signed up and am awaiting my install package, when do I get my new phone number?
After you sign up, we will automatically send you a confirmation email that includes your new telephone number, online login and password for online account management. Click to Log In.
What is the Pre-Paid Account Deposit?
To make call outside or your calling plan (including International Calls), we require a pre-paid balance on your account (similar to a pre-paid calling card). This prevents fraud and allows us to keep your costs low. When you sign up for service, you are able to choose what money amount you want to add to your pre-paid balance. You can also setup your account through your online management program to automatically recharge your pre-paid balance with your credit card when your funds begin to run low. There is no time limit for when you have to use your pre-paid balance and many subscribers never even tap into that amount if they stay within their allotted minutes and don’t make calls outside of the US and Canada.
Existing MachMedia Phone Customers.
How do I log in to my online account?
Upon Sign Up, you are sent a confirmation email that includes your new login and password. You can also change your access settings once logged in. Log In from the MachMedia phone homepage and enter your log in and password in the appropriate fields.
Log In to your online account management program to view your account transaction and make payments.
How do I manage my voicemail, call-forwarding, and other features?
Log In to your online account management program to enable and disable features and tailor your ‘Follow Me’ preference for call-forwarding.
