Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
A technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Call anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, midsouth's VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone through an adaptor.

How midsouth.com VoIP / Internet Voice Works
VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone using an adapter. In addition, new wireless hot spots in public locations such as airports, parks, and cafes, allow you to connect to the Internet, and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly. If you make a call using a phone with an adapter, you'll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. midsouth.com will provide you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using special equipment.

Can I keep my existing number that I have?
Yes, we can port your current telephone number for a one-time charge of only $25.00. This will give you the same number you have always had, so there would be no need to have to change your current number. We can also provide you with a new number as well.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. We would prefer you to have a midsouth.com High Speed Service Account, but can also install our service on just about any High Speed Internet Service such as a cable modem, or high-speed services such as DSL or a local area network. You can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer and send your voice through a cable modem or connect a phone directly to a telephone adaptor.

If I have midsouth.com VoIP service, who can I call?
Depending upon your service package, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call any phone number, anywhere in the world. The call can be made to a local number, a mobile phone, to a long distance number, or an international number. You may even utilize the service to speak with more than one person at a time. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a regular phone.

What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
Because VoIP is digital, it may offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone. If you have a broadband internet connection, you need not maintain and pay the additional cost for a line just to make telephone calls. midsouth.com VoIP also comes with digital voice mail service which has all features of a Cell Phone Service. Another advantage with our VoIP service is it has ALL features, which include: Caller ID, Call Forwarding, 3-way calling, Call Waiting, Call Blocking, and more. We can also roll your calls to your cell phone, or another phone number of our choice in the even of an outage so you would not lose any of your call in the event the system went down.

What Are Some disadvantages of VoIP?
If you're considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences: Some VoIP services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. However, if you use midsouth.com for your High Speed Internet, we have and monitor a large battery backup system to prevent outages if the power fails. In some instances midsouth.com VoIP services cannot connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. midsouth.com will not guarantee 911 emergency services. For additional information, see www.voip911.gov. We offer FREE nationwide directory assistance.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP phone Call?
It will ring like any other call.

Does the FCC Regulate VoIP?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its' role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.

How much does midsouth.com VoIP service cost?
Local, Statewide, and Long Distance anywhere in the United States and Canada: $29.95 per month. Local and Statewide Plan $19.95 per month. There is a one time setup charge of $40.00, and will be an additional one time charge of $25.00 if you wish to keep your existing phone number. You will also need a VoIP Adapter which midsouth.com sells for $89.00. For more information on our VoIP service, please call: 662-256-7929.