Frequently Asked Questions

All these concepts refer to the same type of technology. Phone calls are routed over an IP network. In all cases, the network that calls are routed over can be the public Internet or a private IP network. With Simplified, all calls are routed over a private network so the highest quality of service can be maintained.

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. This is the traditional analog phone network that was established as part of the old Bell system.

As a phone line replacement, SIP trunks require an IP-PBX, PBX, or Key Telephone System already in place. A "network ready" IP-PBX will use our SIP trunks directly by subscribing to our intelligent VoIP network through the Internet. We simply enter our network authentication information into your IP-PBX and it will instantly subscribe to however many SIP trunks and DID telephone numbers you have on your account. Since your IP-PBX is already connected to the Internet through your office's Local Area Network, nothing else is required.

A traditional PBX that is not "network ready" can also subscribe to our SIP trunks and DID telephone numbers, but it requires the use of a VoIP gateway. The VoIP gateway acts as a static bridge between your traditional PBX system and our intelligent VoIP network. The VoIP gateway plugs into your office's Local Area Network and is permanently connected to the Internet and subscribed to our network. Your PBX phone system then physically plugs into the VoIP gateway using the same lines that connected the PBX to your previous common carrier. Under these guidelines, your PBX requires no programming or configuration. The pre-programmed VoIP gateway handles everything for you.

You will need as many SIP trunks as you have simultaneous active calls at any given time. For example, if you have 10 phone users in your office and you know that at any given time you have five or six users on the phone simultaneously, then you will need six SIP trunks. Simplified will help ensure your business has enough trunks to handle your maximum simultaneous call volume on any given day. Because SIP trunks can be added or removed within hours, your business can always make adjustments to run at maximum efficiency.

An IP phone is sort of like a mini-computer designed to do just one thing: act as a fully functional business telephone. It plugs into your Internet connection using a regular network cable. Once turned on, you can make calls, forward calls, hold calls, transfer calls, check voice mail and perform all the functional tasks you would expect out of a business grade phone. As long as the IP phone has a connection to the Internet or a private IP network, it will function perfectly as a business telephone loaded with real-time PBX features that go beyond a traditional analog or digital telephone. With this level of flexibility, an IP phone can be taken anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection and function without geographical boundaries. You can literally take your IP phone with you to another country, plug in to your hotel's network and conduct business as if sitting right at your desk.

E911 is an enhanced 911 service provided by Simplified Networks. Required for all customers, E911 gathers your information when you call and gives it to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Simplified offers three business plans: Basic, Pro and Enterprise. Pricing for each plan is based on the number of users and whether your service agreement is month-to-month or 36 months.

You will receive unlimited network calling and an Internet connection for one low monthly fee. You'll also receive an IP Phone and additional equipment as needed. Simplified will transfer your existing number or give you a new telephone number from the area code of your choice. Check here for a listing of features available with Simplified's Basic, Pro and Enterprise plans.

Total costs for business customers will vary per customer, depending on the size of the operation and number of extensions ordered, as well as the length of the service agreement. Simplified charges a flat monthly fee for Internet service. Telephone service will be charged based on the number of handsets in use, the off-network long-distance service usage, etc.

The monthly cost of the Simplified Business Phone Service plan includes unlimited calling within the Simplified network. Off-network calls will be billed at Simplified's low rates.

You won't need to provide anything.

All Simplified network and product support is included in your agreement.

Yes. We will manage the network and provide support to your business similar to what we offer in our monthly program. The only difference will be you own your equipment and will not be paying a monthly fee.

You can decide whether you want to use the service on a month-to-month basis or for a 36-month agreement period. Lower pricing is offered to customers choosing to sign a 36-month agreement. Contract terms will be negotiated directly with each customer.

You will be invoiced on a monthly basis on a single invoice.

To experience a quality phone call, the minimum Internet connection speed is 80-100 KBPs per active call. Simplified offers managed network shaping options to help maximize voice quality while minimizing your Internet overhead. Our U.S. based Customer Care team is available to help you with all your network design needs.

Network, product and software upgrades are all included in your Simplified business package. You would only pay for additional products and/or services to your existing agreement. In addition, new features and functionality will be included as they become available.

The fees for adds, moves and changes are included in your Simplified agreement. You pay only for additional extensions, products and/or services to your existing agreement.

To access our network and services, you will need a SIP-based IP phone. A traditional handset will not work on the Simplified network. However, you can purchase an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to convert analog signals to digital signals. We have tested numerous IP phones and adapters and have selected the ones with the best functionality and reliability.

Yes. Because Simplified Network calls are transmitted using advanced network shaping technology, you can be assured of the best voice quality available.

Simplified provides each customer with web interface tools. You can access your account via the web and perform a variety of administrative and technical functions.

You will need an IP Phone and possibly some additional equipment. Simplified provides all necessary equipment for either a monthly fee or on a purchase price basis. If you wish to use your existing on-premise PBX, you should consider our SIP Trunking service using our enhanced conversion gateways.

Yes. Customers can transfer their existing numbers, along with any toll free numbers, over to their Simplified service plan.

Yes, as long as we can make audio files. Please note it is the customer's responsibility to provide sufficient documentation supporting the acquisition of the rights to use a piece of music as it applies to copyrights and other legal media rights.

Yes, you get comprehensive, real-time and historical dashboard information and reporting on all calls and interactions across all supported channels.

Yes, your agents can be located anywhere in the world.

Yes, an integrated custom-report builder is included. You can also export CDR data to the application of your choice.

It's fast and easy to initiate the Simplified solutions. You can begin service in a matter of hours. Give us a call at 1-800-621-7371, or +1-602-788-6100 to get started today, or click here.