Cable Services
Voice FAQ Sections:
Service QuestionsPhone Number Questions
Equipment and Installation Questions
Plans, Pricing and Billing Questions
Service FAQs
How does Broadstripe Voice phone service work?
Broadstripe Voice securely transmits phone calls over the Internet with a high-speed broadband connection. With Broadstripe Voice, when you pick up your regular telephone and dial a phone number and make a connection, your spoken words are translated into data packets and these packets are transmitted over data networks and reconverted to words at the other end and handed off to the local public switched phone system. With broadband networks, multiple applications such as voice and Internet can use the network simultaneously making it more efficient. Because of this, you can surf the Internet and make calls at the same time.
Does the person I'm calling need an Internet connection?
No. The person you are calling will receive the call as he would any other call, on his traditional telephone using his normal carrier.
How good is the call quality?
Call quality is designed to be similar to service quality from your local telephone company.
Is Broadstripe Voice available in my area?
In most cases, if Broadstripe's CableSpeed service is available, or if you subscribe to an alternate high-speed Internet connection like DSL, you can subscribe to Broadstripe Voice.
Do I need Broadstripe CableSpeed to get Broadstripe Voice?
You will need a high-speed Internet connection such as Broadstripe CableSpeed or an alternate high-speed service like DSL.
Can I make calls and access the Internet at the same time?
Yes, you can make calls using Broadstripe Voice and surf the Internet on your computer at the same time.
Is 911-type service available?
Yes, 911-type service is available when calling from your registered service address. Broadstripe Voice is portable and can be moved to different locations, thus if you are using Broadstripe Voice other than from your registered service address, we strongly recommend you use another phone, if available, if you need to call 911. Please review the Broadstripe Voice User s Agreement for more important information about 911-type availability and limitations.
Is 411 service available?
Yes, 411 service is available. The charge is $0.99 including the call to directory assistance, the call connection and 3 minutes of talk time on the outbound call. Additional minutes are billed at $0.10 per minute.
Does Broadstripe Voice replace my current phone service?
That's up to you. Broadstripe Voice service can replace or compliment your current local and long distance service depending on your calling needs. Please note that Broadstripe Voice, like your high-speed data service, will not work during a power outage. You should review the Broadstripe Voice Users Agreement carefully to fully understand the terms and conditions and limitations of the service before making any decision regarding Broadstripe Voice.
Can I have multiple phones connected to Broadstripe Voice?
Yes, you may have multiple phones connected to Broadstripe Voice using one of the following methods:
Do I have to buy additional equipment to use Broadstripe Voice?
No. Our interconnection device (Multimedia Terminal Adapter or "MTA" for short) is designed to accommodate a standard phone jack. There is no additional phone equipment to buy as long as you have a working phone to connect to Broadstripe Voice. Any standard, touch-tone phone will work with Broadstripe Voice. Also, answering machines and caller ID display equipment work with Broadstripe Voice.
Will Broadstripe Voice work during a power outage?
No. Broadstripe Voice service is very similar to a cordless phone; they both require electric power to function. Broadstripe Voice service relies on your high-speed Internet connection, which will not work during a power outage. If your high-speed Internet connection is unavailable, your Broadstripe Voice service will not work until electrical service is restored.
Where can I use Broadstripe Voice?
You can use Broadstripe Voice service from anywhere in the world where you have a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection and phone with a standard jack. Simply connect the phone devise (MTA) to the phone and the high speed Internet connection to make and receive calls. Please note that 911 services may not be available and will not work properly in regards to location identification if this device is used outside of your registered service address. In such case you should use another telephone if available. Review the Broadstripe Voice User's Agreement for more information.
Can I accept collect calls or use pay services (900, 976 numbers) with Broadstripe Voice?
No. Broadstripe Voice does not support collect calls or the use of pay services (like 10-10-321).
Can I connect a home fire alarm or security system to my Broadstripe Voice service?
No. Broadstripe Voice service is not compatible with home fire alarm or security systems. If for any reason you lose your electricity or Internet connectivity Broadstripe Voice will not work and your alarm system will not be able to make an emergency call if it's triggered.
Phone Number FAQ
Can I keep my phone number with Broadstripe Voice?
Yes, in most cases your phone number can be moved or ported from your current phone company to Broadstripe Voice. To move your number, you must authorize Broadstripe as your local, long distance and international call carrier. Number porting can take 2 to 3 weeks to complete depending on your current carrier. Until your number is ported, please do not cancel service with your current provider. You will be notified when your number has been ported.
I want a new phone number, what kind of number will I get?
If you choose to be assigned a new phone number, you will receive a number that is local to your area. Only local numbers are offered for primary phone service to ensure best availability for 911-type service.
Can I change my phone number?
Phone number changes are only allowed in extenuating circumstances, such as in cases of demonstrated harassment (requires a police report) and where the phone number was previously assigned to a commercial establishment.
Can I choose the area code and phone number for my primary Broadstripe Voice number?
No, your primary number must be in your local area code, however you may be able to obtain a secondary or Virtual number in the area code of your choosing. The phone number provided (whether assigned by Broadstripe or transferred or ported from your previous provider, if allowed) is determined by the location of your residence. However, you may be able to choose to add a virtual phone number, with an area code of your choice, to your existing line.
Can I add a secondary or virtual number?
Yes, you may add a second phone number or virtual number to your primary account. Your virtual number can be a local number, an out-of-area number or a toll-free number. Not all area codes may be available. Please note that the virtual number can by used only to receive calls, not to make them. A virtual number costs just $5.00 per month. When dialed, a virtual number will ring the same phone(s) as your primary Broadstripe Voice number.
Can I have my virtual phone number be from another area code?
Yes, if the area code and number is available you may add an out-of-area number as a virtual phone number to your Broadstripe Voice service. For example, you can add a number from Tampa, Florida to your local Broadstripe Voice account. This number will allow friends or relatives in Tampa to place a local call to reach you, saving them from having to pay for long distance call charges. Phone numbers from hundreds of locations are available to choose from. Virtual phone numbers cost just $5.00 per month.
Can I have a toll-free number?
Yes. You may add a toll-free number so that others may call you for free. Toll-free numbers cost only $5.00 per month and include 100 minutes of monthly incoming calls. After the first 100 minutes, additional incoming calls are billed at $0.049 per minute, with each call being rounded up to the next full minute.
Equipment and Installation FAQs
How do I set up my Broadstripe Voice service?
Just contact your local Broadstripe office. If you have existing service with Broadstripe, you may be able to self-install your Broadstripe Voice service. Or, if you prefer, a Broadstripe technician can perform this installation. Please call us for more information on installation options.
Will Broadstripe Voice work with the phone that I use today?
Yes, simply plug any regular phone into the telephone adapter (MTA). You may also connect the phone adapter into an existing home phone outlet to provide Broadstripe Voice service to all of your existing phones. To do this, you must make sure you disconnect your line from the telephone company's Network Interface box (Demarcation Point) which is located on your property usually outside immediately adjacent to the house, or in the basement or garage. If you have any questions please contact your local Broadstripe office.
What features are included with Broadstripe Voice?
How do I use the Broadstripe Voice features?
Use of the features is very similar to traditional phone service. Please refer to the Broadstripe Voice features section of the Getting Started Guide or the online Broadstripe Voice User's Guide for instructions on using and managing your Broadstripe Voice features.
How will I retrieve VoiceMail messages?
There are 3 ways that you can access your VoiceMail messages: through your Voice connected phone, online through your account at myBroadstripevoice.com, or by calling an access number from any phone. You can also elect to receive an e-mail notification whenever a new VoiceMail message arrives.
Can I take my Broadstripe Voice service with me when I travel?
Yes, wherever you have a telephone and your Broadstripe Voice phone adapter device (MTA) to plug into a broadband high-speed Internet connection such as at a hotel, relative s house, etc., you can have your Broadstripe Voice service. When someone calls your phone number, the phone connected to your MTA simply rings at that location whether you are at home or traveling somewhere else in the world. Please note that 911-type service may not be available from a location other than your registered service address and will not provide proper location identification thus it is recommended you use the existing phone service, if available, at the alternative location for 911-type calls. Please review the Broadstripe Voice User's Agreement for more information.
Plans, Pricing and Billing FAQs
How much does Broadstripe Voice cost?
Two Broadstripe Voice plans are available. The monthly price of the Broadstripe Voice Unlimited plan starts at $29.99 and the monthly price for the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan starts at $19.99.
Are there any additional equipment costs?
No. There are no additional equipment costs.
How is the length of my call determined for the Voice 500 plan?
Each call is rounded up to the next full minute for plan and billing purposes. For example if the one call lasts 1 minute 5 seconds and the next call last 3 minutes 38 seconds, the first call would be counted as 2 minutes and the second call would be counted as 4 minutes for a total of 6 minutes for plan and billing purposes.
How will I be billed?
Your Broadstripe Voice charges, along with a Regulatory Recovery Fee and any applicable taxes, will appear on your monthly statement from Broadstripe.
If I choose the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan, how will I know how many minutes I've used?
You may monitor your account balance with the Balance Announcement feature or by accessing your Broadstripe Voice account online. Note: minutes are calculated on a monthly basis. At the end of each call any partial minute of use is rounded up to the next full minute for billing purposes.
What happens if I exceed the minutes included with the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan?
Once 500 outgoing minutes are accrued during a given month, calls are then billed at $0.049 per minute, rounded up to the next full minute, until the end of the month. Overage charges for the month will be billed on your next monthly Broadstripe billing statement or in some cases, depending on timing with the billing cycle, the next Broadstripe billing statement thereafter.
What happens if I don't use all my monthly minutes in the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan?
You will begin each month with 500 minutes to use. Any unused minutes expire at the end of each month.
My friend also has Broadstripe Voice Service. If I call him using his Broadstripe Voice number is the call free? What if I have the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan?
Yes, it is free to call from one Broadstripe Voice account to another Broadstripe Voice account, whether either party is on the Unlimited or 500 plan. Broadstripe Voice-to-Voice call minutes do not count as plan minutes so you re encouraged to sign up your friends and family!
Which calls are included in my monthly plan?
Local, local toll, regional, U.S. and Canada long distance calls are included with your monthly plan and count against your plan if on the Broadstripe Voice 500 plan. Your international calls also count against your plan minutes plus you will incur an additional per minute charge, at very low rates. Again, all partial minute of use will be rounded up to the next full minute at the end of each call.
Are there other fees or taxes?
A Regulatory Recovery Fee applies to all plans as will any applicable taxes.