Support - FAQ
The Basics
What Is FaktorTel?
FaktorTel is an international broadband phone company, allowing customers to make significantly reduced cost phone calls using their broadband internet instead of their regular telephone line.
What is required to use the FaktorTel service?
To use the FaktorTel Service all you need is a broadband internet connection.
Do I need to keep my existing phone service?
This depends on what type of broadband connection you have. DSL broadband in some countries requires a telephone line to connect through so you will therefore need to keep your existing phone line, cable broadband does not require a phone line so you will not need your existing service. You will also not require your existing service if you have Naked DSL, which is available through some broadband suppliers.
Please check with your ISP whether you require a phone line to keep your internet connection. As long as you have broadband you can use VOIP.
Do the people I am calling need to have FaktorTel Too?
No you can call anyone from your FaktorTel service. You can make cellular, local, national and international calls from FaktorTel just like a standard telephone service. The added bonus is that FaktorTel to FaktorTel calls are free, so if you sign your friends and family up to FaktorTel you can make free calls between each other no matter where you are in the world.
How do I dial a phone number using FaktorTel?
FaktorTel works the same way as your regular telephone service. Simply pick up the receiver, listen for a dial tone and then dial the required numbers as you would with your regular carrier. Please note that since FaktorTel is a national service, currently all calls need to include the '1' as the first digit, regardless of whether they are "local" or "long distance".
Please note, FaktorTel USA is setup to behave like a regular phone in the USA which means we assume you are calling from inside the USA to other countries. To dial outside the USA prefix your call with 011
What type of telephone can I use?
Any normal telephone can be used. This includes both corded and cordless telephones.
Do I need to have the computer turned on to make a call?
No, your computer can be switched off, however you will need to leave your modem or router on to make and receive calls. The FaktorTel Voice Box takes care of the rest, making your broadband phone as easy to use as your regular phone.
How fast does my internet connection need to be to use FaktorTel?
FaktorTel recommends that you have a minimum speed of 512/128k. Please check with your ISP to make sure you meet the minimum speed requirements, however most connections should have no problem with this.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
FaktorTel does not yet offer Local Number Portability, however you will be allocated a new incoming number with your service.
Can I dial 911 and does my 911 information show up correctly
FaktorTel provides all available information to emergency call center operators as described on your signup form.
As a FaktorTel customer it is important to understnad that you must notify us if you change your address, that way if you make an emergency services call your correct address will be identified.
If you have a FaktorTel 1 way service (no incoming number) FaktorTel will attempt to send through your last known home phone number as your emergency services details.
If using FaktorTel VOIP we also recommend that when calling emergency services you make sure to confirm your address with the operator where possible.
Please note that VOIP is a nomadic service and even though we make every effort to support 911 and the emergency calling systems of each country we cannot guarantee your location. If possible we always recommend using your Cell phone or Landline phone for any emergency calls.
Will my details be listed in the phone book?
No, we do not list your details in any local or national phone directories.
What is the warranty on FaktorTel products?
All FaktorTel products have a 12 month warranty unless otherwise specified.
What you need
What equipment is required?
To use the FaktorTel service you will require:
- a broadband internet connection. (E.g. Wireless, Cable or DSL)
- a router or switch. (Check with your ISP to make sure you have one)
Is a Router or Switch required?
A router or switch will allow you to make and receive calls at the same time as surfing the internet.
Can I use FaktorTel with a dialup internet connection?
No, unfortunately you require a broadband internet connection to use the FaktorTel service.
Will my current setup work with FaktorTe?
A large majority of standard broadband setups will work with FaktorTel, however if you are unsure please
ring 877.882.6286 to talk with one of our service consultants.
General Terminology and Technology
What is VOIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and is the new way to make and receive phone calls. VoIP sends your voice over the internet rather then through the standard telephone network therefore allowing for significantly reduced call rates.
What is Broadband?
Broadband is a general term for different types of high-speed internet including DSL, Cable and some forms of Wireless. Broadband can carry voice, video and data all at the same time.
What is the WWW?
WWW stands for the World Wide Web, this is all of the web pages on the internet.
What is a VOIP Box?
The FaktorTel VOIP Box (or VoiceBox) is a device that converts your normal phone signal into a digital signal so that it can be sent over your broadband internet connection as opposed to the old telephone system.
Simply plug in your regular telephone handset into one side of the VOIP Box and plug your broadband internet connection into the other side of the VOIP Box and your voice is instantly sent over the FaktorTel network through your broadband connection.
The VOIP Box (Voicebox) is also known as a Linksys PAP2T
Is FaktorTel the same as Skype?
No, FaktorTel customers make and receive calls as they normally would using their existing telephone handset. Skype relies on a software phone meaning that you must talk through your computer, using a headset or USB style phone.
FaktorTel is an owned and operated telecommunications network. Skype uses other people's computers and bandwidth to send calls that other people make, with Skype your voice could go anywhere before getting to the requested destination.
Can I use my computer while i'm on the phone?
Yes, you can use your computer at the same time as making a phone call (or calls) on the FaktorTel Service.
Can I bring my own VOIP device to use with FaktorTel?
Yes, you can, simply make sure to choose "No Device" with any of our plans.
Will FaktorTel work if I loose power?
No, FaktorTel's VOIP Box requires power for continued operation.
My broadband internet connection uses a USB port can I still use FaktorTel?
You can still use FaktorTel but you will need to purchase an ethernet router to connect the FaktorTel VOIP Box to. For further information on this please call customer support on 877.882.6286
Can I use my FaktorTel VOIP Box with another provider?
The FaktorTel VOIP Box has been set to work with the FaktorTel service only. If you find the service unacceptable or no longer wish to use FaktorTel you can have the device unlocked by one of our technical staff for a small fee.
Plans, Charges and Billing
What is the initial startup cost?
FaktorTel has several different packages, most of these with a startup cost of approximately $24.95 which includes a free VOIP Box.
FaktorTel also offer a full 30-day money back guarantee, so if you're not happy with the service you can return the product and cancel your service for a full refund of the purchase price and the month's service fee. All you will be charged for are the calls made within that period.
Are there any Hidden Costs with FaktorTel?
No, the only costs associated with FaktorTel are your monthly service fee and call costs. Calls made with FaktorTel are classified as uploads and downloads so you will need to check these charges with you ISP if they have limits on your data usage.
Why are FaktorTel calls so Cheap?
FaktorTel are able to significantly reduce the cost of calls by sending your call over the Internet and eliminating the long distance journey. At some point your call must go back to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) hence the need for a small charge.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes, every FaktorTel service is on a Monthly contract so you can cancel at the end of any month, please note that if you are on an "Instant Rebate" with a free device you may be charged the cost of the device if you cancel before the free term ends.
* Only applies on devices supplied on a free term offer *
How do you bill me for the service?
All FaktorTel USA Services are PrePaid through Credit Card or Paypal, so you only pay for what you use. Simply login to your My Account portal and fill up your account with as much or as little credit as you require. For subscription based plans your card will be charged monthly in advance therefore you will never be "chased" for bills with FaktorTel.
Do I have to have a credit card to signup?
We currently accept the following payment methods:
1) PayPal (Preferred)
2) Credit Card
3) Visa Debit Card
4) Mastercard Debit Card
What if there is a problem with my Credit Card?
If your credit card cannot be processed for any reason you will be notified by email.
Do I get charged for incoming calls?
No, FaktorTel does not charge for incoming calls on your service on residential packages. Please check your call tarrifs for incoming call rates on wholesale and business accounts.
Do you have Flag Falls?
No, we do not charge a connection fee for any calls made from our service (We find it's just not fair). Timed calls are billed in per minute increments.
Will I be under contract?
No, FaktorTel does not offer contracted packages, however if you have received a device under the "Instant Rebate" scheme you may be charged the cost of the device if you cancel your account within the nominated rebate time period. Please check each special offers details for more information on "Instant Rebates".
Can I view my bills online?
Yes, you can view all of your recent call history online through our customer portal. Simply login using the "My Account" link at the top of any page.
Can I have multiple phone lines / numbers?
Yes, some FaktorTel products offer multiple phone lines, our basic packages offer 1 phone line with other packages offering upto 600 simultaneous phone lines. Please visit our products page for more information on each package and how many lines are available.
Can I change my plan at any time?
You may change your plan once every billing cycle. The change will take effect immediately. To do this please call us on 877.882.6286
Coverage
How do I know if i'm in a FaktorTel Coverage area?
FaktorTel is an international telecommunications company and can provide service to any individual or business around the world, no matter where you are you will be able to make calls out of your FaktorTel service.
Can I upgrade my service to make and receive calls if I move area?
Yes, if you move into an area which is supported by our inbound number coverage you can be issued a number instantly.
Joining and Setting Up
Is FaktorTel easy to install?
Yes, FaktorTel products are easy to install. Your FaktorTel VoiceBox simply needs you to visit a webpage to activate it once received, once you have done that your device will be pre-configured with all the settings you need and simply needs to be plugged into your modem / router.
Where is my FaktorTel VOIP Box delivered too?
Once ordered, we will courier your FaktorTel VOIP Box to your nominated address.
I can't remember my username / password what now?
Not a problem, simply call us on 877.882.6286 and a consultant will go through the process of retrieving your details for you.