What is VoIP? And how does it work?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In the simplest terms, it means to make telephone calls over an internet connection.
With traditional phone service, you would dial a number and then get connected with whomever you wanted to talk to by wires.
VoIP takes ordinary analog voice signals, turns them into digital data, breaks them down and is then transmitted through the internet to Mornington Communication. The data is then put back together and sent to the intended receiver.
VoIP is perfect for a cost-efficient second line or for out-of-town students and business men/women who make frequent calls back to their home town. The long distance savings will amaze you.
What do I need?
To use Mornington’s VoIP services, you require an internet connection with a minimum download speed of 512 kpbs. This does not necessarily have to be an internet account with Mornington. For more information on Mornington’s internet packages & pricing visit www.mornington.ca.
Mornington will provide you with a free monthly Iad rental. Connect your Iad to your ethernet cable and plug your regular analog phone into the Iad and you are ready to go.
Where is VoIP available?
Mornington’s VoIP services are available in Stratford, Listowel, and Atwood.
What kind of phone do I need to use VoIP?
There are three ways to use VoIP.
The first (and easiest) way is to use your regular analog phone and connect it to a special VoIP adapter (an IAD) which connects to your computer. Recommended
The second option is to purchase an IP phone. These phones are very similar to your traditional analog phone but instead of being plugged into the wall, they connect to your computer. * Currently Not Supported - Coming Soon!
The third option is to use your computer as a phone. As long as you have a microphone, speakers, a sound card, and you download free/low cost software you can use VoIP with your computer. * Currently Not Available- Coming Soon!
Do I get 911 service?
Yes, you get 911 service. It is done through a service called E911. They dispatch emergency vehicles based on the physical address you gave E-911. It is very important to inform E-911 if you are moving or using VoIP on vacation or at the cottage. More information on that below.
How do I work E-911?
Your safety is important to us so we want to make sure that you are aware of some differences in the way 911 service operates with your Mornington CENTREXip system, compared to traditional telephone service. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
Differences between Traditional 911 and 911 on the Mornington CENTREXip system. Mornington Communications Co-operative Limited's (Mornington) CENTREXip 911 service is similar to traditional 911 service but with important differences. With traditional phone services, your 911 call is sent directly to the nearest emergency response centre. With Mornington's CENTREXip system, your 911 call is forwarded to a third party service provider that will automatically or manually route your call to the emergency response centre.
Remember to verify your location. Because you can move your 'phone between locations and because, for technical reasons, the emergency operator may not have your name, location or contact information available, you must immediately tell the emergency operator your location and contact particulars any time you call 911. Do not risk sending police or ambulance to the wrong location. It is very important that you keep your service address information filed with Mornington Communications accurate and current.
Be prepared during any service interruption. CENTREXip phone service depends not only on your continued subscription (and payment) for the service, but also on Internet connectivity and power to function. In the event of power, network or Internet outage (including network congestion), or if your service is disconnected or suspended due to non-payment, you may experience a failure, disruption or delay in your 911 service. We recommend that you keep an alternative 'phone service in place (cellular) to increase the reliability of your access to emergency services during any service interruption.
Do not Disconnect. Until you are told to do so by an emergency dispatcher, do not disconnect your 911 call. If you are inadvertently disconnected, call back immediately.
Inform other users. You must notify members of your business and other users of your system about the nature and limitations of the 911 system. To make this easier, attach the included stickers on a visible location of your telephone sets.
Limitations of Liability. Mornington's terms of service limits and disclaim liability related to the provisioning of 911 services, so please read these carefully. For a complete description of our 911 service, as well as a technical explanation of how digital service differs from conventional 'phone service, please see Mornington's terms of service for VoIP on our web site at www.mornington.ca or call 519-595-8331 to receive a paper copy.