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Hosted Voice (VOIP) FAQs

From bandwidth questions to migration processes, get answers to all your hosted voice (VOIP) questions.

What is Hosted Voice?

Our Hosted PBX service offers VOIP-enabled business voice service that provides you with a complete telephone service for your business without requiring you to install and manage complicated, expensive equipment.

What is VOIP?

VOIP is the acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the general term used to describe the technology of transmitting and delivering voice communications over the Internet.

Can customers port their number to our service?

Yes, we offer number porting.

What do I need to do to port a phone number?

Once you’ve activated your Hosted PBX service, you will be able to request a number port from our porting team. You will need to fill out a letter of authorization form and provide a recent bill from your current provider. HotBed will then submit the port request to your current provider. It’s important that you do not cancel your phone service as this will disrupt the port.

How long will it take to port my phone number(s)?

Generally, a number porting can be completed within 7 to 14 business days. The exact length of time will depend on the service provider we are porting the number from and the accuracy of the information that is placed in the port request. We will work with you to complete the necessary paperwork and then submit the request.

Are toll-free numbers available?

Yes. With Hosted PBX service from HotBed, you can order new toll-free numbers or port existing toll-free numbers.

What phones are supported?

While the primary phone we offer is a wide range of phones from Polycom, we also supply many other brands of SIP compatible phones. If you have existing SIP phones, they may be supported as well. Please check with us first for confirmation.

How much bandwidth do I need for Hosted PBX?

Generally, a Hosted PBX VoIP call will use a G729 codec or approximately 30 kilobits per second (kbps) of bandwidth for the duration of the call. If you were to add Hosted PBX for five users, and everyone was on the phone at the same time, it would require 150 kbps of bandwidth during the calls. (For reference: 1,000 kilobits is equal to 1 megabit.) Your exact needs will depend on the call volume and call patterns at your company as well the type of IP phones you are using. You can use your existing Internet connection for Hosted PBX as long as the connection is dedicated (not dial-up) and you feel you have adequate upstream and downstream bandwidth for the number of users you are adding.

Do I have to deploy Hosted PBX to every Exchange user?

No. Hosted PBX can be enabled for as few as one user. It can also be enabled for users who don’t have Exchange mailboxes.

Where are Hosted PBX services offered?

Our Hosted PBX service is available in all 50 United States (Alaska and Hawaii included at no additional cost).

Can I park unused phone numbers on a Hosted PBX service?

Yes, parking unused phone numbers is possible on HotBed’s Hosted PBX. A small per-number fee is charged.

How far reaching is HotBed’s service area?

Located in McLean, VA, HotBed Technologies primarily serves clients in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. We have partners in our hometown of McLean as well as in Tysons, VA and Arlington, VA. We also work with many companies in the Washington, DC area. If you are located outside of this service area, we’d be happy to discuss working together. We’ve had success with long-distance working relationships and would welcome any opportunity to assist you with your technology solutions.

Request a quote today or call 1.703.462.2350 to learn more.