Softphone Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Use a Softphone?

Anyone with VoIP service can use the VoIP softphone offered by their provider. In most cases, free residential service includes all calls to other customers of the same VoIP provider free. Depending on your plan, calls to traditional phones may incur charges at the provider's low rates. Softphone allows you to take your laptop into another room and still make a phone call, even if you don't have a phone extension in the room. Softphone is great for people who rent and can't add phone extensions in their homes. It's also a good idea for people who don't want to permanently add a phone jack in a room.

Business travelers with softphone services can place calls to anywhere, from anywhere, via their laptops. All calls are included for a low monthly fee, along with a unique direct-dial phone number. Your clients don't have to know you're on the road unless you want them to and you never miss a call. You also avoid hefty hotel telephone charges or cell phone roaming charges when you use your softphone service instead.

Does a Softphone Work with a Web Cam?

Yes, typically, if both you and the person you're calling are both using the same VoIP provider and both have web cams, you can place video calls for free. The softphone is a convenient way to make video calls without the expense of buying a videophone or video display that attaches to your phone. Best of all, because the calls are in-network, they're free.

Does Softphone Come with My Service?

Although the softphone service is typically free for residential customers, you must sign-up for it in some cases. Visit your provider's website to do so.

Does My Computer Need to Be On to Use the Softphone?

Yes, unlike the VoIP service that allows you to place calls from a regular phone connected to your VoIP adapter, your computer does need to be on if you're using a softphone. Your computer must stay on for the duration of the call. You always won't be able to answer softphone calls unless the computer is on, but business calls will roll to voicemail if you're not there to answer the call.