Cloud Phone Systems

FAQ

 

What is Web Conferencing?

 

Web Conferencing is an online medium by which you can hold conferences and meetings over the Internet, which can be done even if all the participants are not geographically localized. The basic things that you need for a web conference are your browser and an Internet connection. With these things at your disposal, you can confer with anyone within seconds and essentially conduct online conferences.

 

What is a Webinar?

 

A Webinar type meeting is a large, presentation-oriented meeting where participants are not aware of each other in the meeting room. As such, they see only the host of the meeting and the meeting presenters. Participants are restricted to watching the presentation, with the exception of a controlled group Q&A session.

 

What is a Webcast?

 

A webcast is a type of online presentation and one of the forms of web conferencing. A webcast can be compared to a television broadcast; the difference being that instead of broadcasting on your television screen, a webcast is broadcast on the web.

 

What is VoIP technology?

 

Voice-over-Internet protocol is a protocol optimized for the transmission of voice through the Internet. This concept is also referred to as IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband, broadband telephony and broadband phone.

 

What is a Web Conference?

 

Web conference is often used to hold meetings or online conferences, but it can also be used to give live presentations, train your employees, or even just to have a face to face chat with someone.

 

What are the benefits of using web conferencing?

 

There are many benefits to using this method of meeting and communication. Some of the benefits include:

• Huge Savings: Web conferencing can be done without any regard to geographical boundaries and limitations.

• Reduced Operating Costs: Web conferencing does not entail hiring a place to have a conference and neither do you need to host all the people who will be assembling in one place for the conference.

• Reduced the Need to Travel: Web conferencing can be done from your office desk or even from the comforts of your home.

• Efficient Communication: Web conferencing gives you a medium by which you can actually see the person and also the documents that need to be reviewed. Being face-to-face, results in direct audio and visual communication, and leaves no room for ambiguity.

• Fast Solution: If you have any emergency and need to call a meeting in a hurry, web conferencing can help you do that at any time of the day or night.

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What are the best web conferencing tools?

 

There are many different types of web conferencing service providers in the market and one size does not fit all. Select Communications is partnered with Lync Online, Cisco WebEx, IBM LotusLive Meetings and Adobe Connect so we are positioned to have a web conferencing service for everyone. Select Communications will review the individual requirements and then tailor after considering the cost.

 

Who would use web conferencing?

 

Web conferencing can be used by all businesses, in most industries, for a variety of needs. This serves as an invaluable tool for all types of businesses, and has proven very effective as a modern means of communication.

 

How does web conferencing work?

 

Most web conferencing is done through web conferencing services. When you try any such service, you are given a meeting code for web conferencing. To start a web conference, you need to use the browser of your computer and go to the site of your web conferencing service. You have to then log in, using the meeting code given to you by your service provider. Others, who want to attend the web conference, need to do the same.

 

What sort of equipment do I need to use web conferencing?

 

You do not need a lot of things to get started with web conferencing, the main things being:

• Computer

• Internet connection

• Necessary audio equipment

• WebCam (optional)

• Web conference service

 

How much bandwidth is needed for present mulitmedia, such as slides?

 

Bandwidth required varies, depending on the type of application you are running. On average, a typical conference with slides can be played by any broadband connection.

 

Why use web conferencing when you can have a telephone meeting?

 

Being able to see a person’s facial expressions sometimes becomes more important that what is being said. Documents needing to be reviewed are impossible to do if you cannot see what is being changed or marked up. In such situations Web Conferencing is of great help.Web Conferencing tools became so much more than just talk to and see other people. The modern tools can share desktop, present slides, play video, text chat, send files, record/play meetings and so much more.

 

What are the benefits of Web Conferenecing tools?

 

Connect with prospects, customers, clients, and partners instantly and effortlessly from the comfort of your desktop. Share your desktop – and anything on your computer. Deliver dynamic and interactive presentations, collaborate, demonstrate products and services, view, annotate, or edit documents – all in real time.

 

How do I get started?

 

Get started with a Free Trial or Buy one of the web conferencing products. Most of the tools will be ready to be used in minutes.

 

Is there a free trial for Web Conferencing products?

 

Yes, Select Communications offers a 30-day trial with a majority of our products. You can take it for a test drive before you commit to buying.

 

How long does it take to get my conference call information?

 

You will have your conference call information within 24 hours.

 

How many people can I have on an audio conference call?

 

Every reservationless audio account has a default of 150 audio lines. Contact your Sales Executive or Account Manager if you need your accounts setup with more ports. You can host an unlimited number of people with our operator-assisted call options.

 

Do I have to call to schedule an audio conference each time?

 

No reservations are required! You will be provided with a Permanent Toll-Free and Direct Toll Dial-In number, with a Leader/Host and Participant code when you sign up. Simply use them every time you want to conduct a conference call!

 

Do I get my own Toll-Free access number for the conference calls?

 

Yes, a Permanent Toll-Free number will be provided to you.

 

Do you support International callers into the conference call?

 

Our service does support International callers in more than 100 countries. They can access the conference using the Direct Dial-In (TOLL) number. Or you can use our global “800″ service to provide your participants Toll- Free access within their country. We provide a list of supported countries on our International Audio page.

 

Can I record my conference call?

 

Yes, you can record the audio portion of your conference by using the keypad commands and following the instructions provided by the prompts.

 

What causes echo in audio conference?

 

Echoes are most commonly caused by speaker phones, Polycom phones, VoIP telephones, headsets, cell phones, or just a bad connection from an individual participant. If you experience an echo/reverb/clipping on a conference, you can have participants individually mute their lines (using the keypad commands), the leader/host can signal an operator who will identify the problematic line or the leader/host can put the call into lecture mode to mute all lines.

 

Can I dial out to participants when I am already in the conference call?

 

Yes. Your account is provisioned for domestic dial-out upon signup. The dial-out feature is useful for joining participants to a conference call. From within the conference, use the keypad command as the host and follow the instructions. Upon request, we can also enable International Dial-out capabilities.

 

How long does it take to get a conference call set up?

 

Within 24 hours of completing the signup process, you will receive a Welcome Email with everything you need to immediately begin utilizing your conferencing service.

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How do I calculate conference call minutes?

 

Conference call minutes are calculated by multiplying the number of participants, including the Moderator or Leader of the conference, by the number of minutes the call lasts. For example, if you host a 30 minute with 5 participants and 2 speakers, there is a total of 210 minutes (7 x 30).

 

How do I make a reservation?

 

To schedule an operator-assisted conference call, please contact your Account Manager or call us at 855-520-4500.

 

What is a “pre-conference”?

 

With an operator-assisted conference, speakers can reserve a private speaker “pre-conference” to collaborate privately before the call begins. This is often known as the “green room” for speakers and also referred to as a speaker sub-conference.

 

How long does it take to get my participant list after call completion?

 

Participant lists are typically sent via email or fax within two hours following the conclusion of a conference. Upon request, special arrangements can be made to email or fax participant lists during or at the conclusion of a conference. The list will include participant names and may also include other information specified at the time of reservation.

 

Can you tell me more about “Conference Recording”?

 

Recording is a value-added service that allows the conference call to be recorded on standard cassette tape or CD-Rom. Wav files are also available via a Web link. It is recommended that you copy this file to your own Website for streaming. For an additional fee, customers may order a soft-copy of their recorded file (.wav), which can be sent via email.

 

What are some of the features provided with the Operator-Assistaed Audio Service

• Ideal for important calls or events that require high-touch hand-holding such as high-profile, C-level communication such as investor relations calls, merger/acquisition announcements, all employee calls

• Supports a wide range of audience sizes ranging from 5 to 10,000

• Full-service operator coordination, monitoring, and support

• Participant list and roll call service available

• Operator greetings and placement into call

• Customizable greeting and information capture

• Operator-managed Q&A sessions

• Toll and toll-free access or operator dial-out

• Security screening, password access

• Full suite of Enhanced Services

• Web Based Participant Management – online tools that enables the meeting organizer to view who has joined the call, manage the question queue, and chat with the conference operator

• Digital Playback/ Conference Playback – a digital recording of the conference can be accessed via a toll or toll-free number for those unable to attend ‘live’

• Recording services available in a variety of formats including CD, cassette, .wav or MP3 files

• Transcription/Translation services – transcription of the conferences available as Microsoft Office® Word, plain text or rich text document. Translations of the transcripts are also available in several languages.

• Participant List – receive an attendance list of participants via fax or e-mail

• Communication Line – dedicated operator provides ongoing conference updates and communication status in a private, separate line

 

Is it easy to adjust a cloud phone system on-the-fly?

 

Cloud phone systems remove the need for expensive and time consuming service calls. The intuitive control panel allows changes whenever needed.

 

How long does it take to get a new employee set up?

 

Roughly 10 minutes. You can even have a pre-provisioned desk phone shipped overnight.

 

Does your cloud phone system give any data?

 

Yes. You can see call flow, duration and outcome in real time to know exactly what your calling trends are.

 

How will a cloud phone system affect mobile staff?

 

Cloud phone systems enable mobile staff to make/take calls right from an app on their mobile device. Even without an office they can have an extension in your main directory and be included in ring/hunt groups.

 

How will a new cloud phone system make communication better?

 

The short answer: LOTS of ways. Here are the stand-outs:

• Enjoy greater mobility

• Communicate more effectively

• Boost collaboration with colleagues and customers

• More team-based communication (the “Slack” effect)

 

Can I monitor/control how teams collaborate?

 

Cloud phone systems will wrap various mission-critical tools into one convenient package for greater management of collaboration.

 

Can a cloud phone system integrate with existing CRM/project management platform?

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Cloud phones will integrate with an existing CRM, support ticketing or project management platform. It will allow staff to transfer or conference other team-members into a call with a single click.

 

What are some general bandwidth requirements?

 

On average a VoIP Call needs 100Kbps. It’s always a good idea to check your internet connection.

 

What happens if the Internet goes down?

 

Every cloud phone proposal created at Select Communications includes cutting edge, on-premise voice optimization and real-time fail over with SD-WAN.

 

What makes Select Communications different than other unified communication & collaboration providers?

 

Select Communications has developed strategic relationships with the top UC & collaboration providers and integrated our award winning audio conferencing into the platforms. This allows us to match your organization with the best suite that meets your needs. We make sure your company receives the functionality you need in a conferencing service without requiring you to pay for additional features that your organization will never use. With a breadth of experience acquired over the years, Select Communications has become one of the industry’s leading full-service global conferencing service provider. Above all our key differentiators are in strategic partnerships with the best technology and integrator providers (giving customers options that they might not have under one roof), as well as exceptional account management, customer service/support, post sales activities, cost management and working as your trusted advisor.

 

How long does it take to set up an account?

 

We can set up your account instantly with an online application. As soon as we approve your account you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule and participate in conference calls or online meetings. We also provide training if needed.

 

Can I use your service from outside the United States?

 

Yes, we offer both toll and toll free audio services in more than 100 countries. In addition most of the online conferencing services that we provide can be used from outside North America.

 

How many participants can I have on a conference call?

 

We have the capability to accommodate up to 10,000 attendees on a conference call.

 

Do I need nay software to host a Web Conference?

 

No, there is no software required to use any of our services. They are on-demand applications, delivered as a service through your web browser.

 

What is Universal Service Frund?

 

The Universal Service Fund was created by the United States Federal Communications Commission in 1997 to meet Congressional universal service goals as mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

 

What is Telecome Cost Recovery?

 

Telecom Cost Recovery is a fee that is mandated by the utilities commission to all telecommunications providers.

 

Where can I access my invoices?

 

You can access your invoices in our Online Bill Portal. You will need to setup your account to view your invoice online. https://www.selectcommunications.com/ebill-portal/

 

Where can I pay my bill online?

 

You can pay your bill in our Online Bill Portal. You will need to setup your account to view your invoice online. https://www.selectcommunications.com/ebill-portal

 

Where is my Registration Code for Bill Center (1st-time users)?

 

The registration code is unique per customer and they will need to reach out to billing@selectcommunications.com for the code in order to sign up for Bill Center.

 

What are the Taxes and Surcharges on my invoices?

 

The Taxes and Surcharges contain Universal Service fund (USF) and any state sales taxes if applicable. We only charge state sales tax to customers in MA and SC.

 

What is Video Conferencing?

 

Video Conferencing is teleconferencing in which video images are transmitted among the various geographically separated participants in a meeting. Originally done using analog video and satellite links, today video conferencing uses compressed digital images transmitted over wide area networks or the Internet.