VoIP Now

OPEX, established in 1998, is a leading telecommunications service provider that specializes in “family communications” through the marketing and fulfillment of long distance, local, wireless, VoIP, and Internet access services. Their main objective is to “empower our customers with technology by providing state-of-the-art network services, superior sign-up, customer service, billing, and pricing functionality through the OPEX Internet portal.” This functionality has allowed OPEX to drive down costs and – at the same time – to offer more services to their customers.

OPEX Internet Voice provides access allows users to combine current high-speed DSL or Cable broadband Internet access with OPEX’s unlimited local and long distance phone-to-phone calling service for unprecedented cost savings.

Installation and Interface

Users who want to try OPEX VoIP will need DSL or cable broadband connections. You need to have an Ethernet connection to use this service as well. If your Internet modem only has an USB port, you can purchase an “USB to Ethernet” converter to connect to a router. Phones can be corded or cordless, but the connector described below has only one connection. The best way to deal with this issue is to have a wireless phone with one base and one or more additional sets that can be placed around the office or home.

When you apply for OPEX VoIP service, you will receive a Sipura Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) that converts digital voice packets into analog signal so that you may continue using the same phones that you have in your home today. The kit containing a Sipura Analog Telephone Adapter will also include SPA-2100 two-port FXS, an analog telephone adapter, a power supply, an Ethernet cable, and an Analog telephone adapter installion guide. Just plug in the power supply, plug in your phone, and connect the Telephone Adapter to your broadband line. The Telephone Adapter does the rest of the work automatically. You’ll hear a dial tone and be ready to make calls in minutes. Users with dial-up Internet connections cannot apply for this service.

The SPA-2100 features two POTS ports for connection to existing analog telephones, fax machines, PBX and key system communication platforms.

Features

OPEX VoIP service provides services for residential and for small business use, but they are quite strict about the difference between usage because the small business usage requires higher rates. They also offer limited 911. When you dial 911 using OPEX’s limited emergency services, your call is routed to a general or administrative number for the PSAP or a local emergency service provider and will not necessarily be routed to a trained dispatcher. In addition, services may not be available on a 24-hour basis, you may experience a busy signal, or you may not be able to reach any emergency services personnel at all.

Your OPEX telephone adapter makes a great travel companion, however. You can use it anywhere in the world where you have a high-speed Internet connection. Bring it anywhere overseas and you won’t pay international dialing rates when you call back home. The same is true when you travel to other area codes in the US for both business and residential OPEX Internet Voice accounts. OPEX also supplies virtual numbers.

OPEX VoIP also offers caller ID, caller ID block, call waiting, call forwarding voicement, “Find me, Follow me” service, call transfer, 411, local number portability and more. They do not offer calls to 1-900 or other premium numbers. Residential service and business service may provide various services.

Performance

Generally, the best results with OPEX VoIP are obtained with upstream and downstream bandwidths greater than 128 kb/s in both directions. OPEX phone service will not interfere with your ability to go onto the Internet, and it will route incoming and outgoing voice calls alongside incoming and outgoing data from your computer. You can make and receive calls while you use your computer to access the Internet, as well as when your computer is off or not connected to the Internet. The way their service works is that it routes your incoming and outgoing voice calls right alongside the data being sent to or from your computer.

Service and Support

OPEX provides users with 24/7 online and 1-800 number service, along with online information, FAQ and instructions. Billing is easy and payments can be made on-line or snail mail or direct debiting. OPEX offers a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.

List of Features Available on OPEX Communications

Support: 24/7 online and phone Guarantee: 30-day Residential Plan: Yes Small Business Plan: Yes 411 Service: Yes 911 Service: Limited

Call Return (*69): Yes Call Waiting: Yes Caller ID: Yes Click-to-Call: No Fax Line (FoIP): Yes International Calling: Yes

IP PBX Solution: Yes Keep Your Number: Yes PC-to-PC Calling: No PC-to-Phone Calling: Yes Virtual Phone Numbers: Yes

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