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Softphone FAQ’s
What Is Softphone?Softphone software allows you to place Digital calls directly from your computer without using a telephone. All you need is a microphone and speakers, headset, or USB phone that connects to your computer. The service relies on your computer's sound card to transmit the sound to and from whichever devices you're using. Who Can Use a Softphone?Anyone with Affinity4 Digital service can use the Affinity4 Softphone. 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 that 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.
Does My Computer Need to Be On to Use SoftPhone?Yes, unlike the Digital service that allows you to place calls from a regular phone connected to your Digital adapter, your computer does need to be on if you're using 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. Is there a limitation on how many PCs to install the softphone?Yes, there can only be 3 concurrent instances of the Softphone running at one time. The SoftPhone can be installed on any number of computers. Are there any numbers that I cannot call?Calls cannot be made to:
How can I make a call if I am already connected to the Internet?After you have signed up, downloaded and run the Digital Softphone client, you will be asked to log in. Once you have logged in, you can make calls by keying in the full telephone number, starting with the country code, followed by the area code and the number or using your address book. As soon as you click on the Call button, the Softphone will dial the number. What operating system do I need to use Digital Softphone?The Digital Softphone client can be downloaded on Windows 2000, 2003, and XP. Do I need any special software or hardware to use Digital Softphone?Apart from the Digital Softphone client software (which you download after your account is activated), your PC will need a sound card and either a headset or microphone/speaker set. We recommend that you use either a headset or a USB port compatible handset. This should eliminate any possibility of echo to the party you are talking to resulting from their voice traveling back into the PC speaker on your end. What is the sound quality of these calls?Sound quality may vary due to your connection to the Internet, i.e. dial up versus broadband, and the congestion level of your Internet access resulting from bandwidth available from your Internet provider at the time of your call. Do I need a PIN and a password?When you sign up, you will be asked for your preferred password for on-line account management. You will use the same login ID and password that you use for account creation of your Digital account. How do I view my call detail records?When you sign up for the service, you will have access to an account management menu with a special link. This web page link will be sent to you as part of your activation email. What happens if my credit card is declined when the usage is charged?If your credit card cannot be charged, you will not be able to place any calls and you will need to contact customer service and provide another credit card. The call is connected, but the person at the other end cannot hear me.Check that you have a sound card, and either a microphone or headset/microphone combination. Adjust the microphone volume on the dial pad (there are arrows next to the microphone icon to increase or decrease the volume). Can I surf the web during Digital calls?Yes, Digital allows web surfing while making and receiving Digital calls simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes voice How do I set up or open a Digital Softphone account?To set-up your account with Digital Softphone all you have to do is click on this Sign Up link. There are no activation fees or monthly fees and you may cancel at any timesweet What is the cause of dropped calls?Dropped calls are usually associated with Internet connectivity issues. High latency and packet loss can affect your call. High latency occurs when it takes too long for the data to be transmitted over your Internet connection. Packet loss occurs when information is lost over your Internet connection
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