What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP allows you to talk to telephone users from your computer over a data network like the Internet. You can also talk for FREE to other PC users if they have the same kind of software installed.

Is it legal?

The use of VoIP is perfectly legal in Bermuda. Buzz has recently had discussions with the Department of Telecommunications regarding the selling of products and services to the general public. In order to conform with the law we have stopped selling or packaging minutes from any VoIP provider. We are now only selling handsets to make your VoIP conversations clearer.

What makes it different from traditional phone service?

Traditionally, a phone conversation is converted into electronic signals that traverse an elaborate network of switches, in a dedicated circuit that lasts the duration of a call. In Voice over Internet Protocol, a conversation is converted to packets of data that travel over the Internet or private networks, just like e-mails or Web pages, though voice packets get priority status. The packets get reassembled and converted to sound on the other end of the call.

What kind of equipment do I need?

A broadband (high speed Internet) connection will give you the best quality of sound. This can be through a high speed service such as DSL or a local area network. Your experience will be enhanced by the use of any of our specially selected Buzz products. Connection is also possible with a 56k dialup account but quality will not be quite as good. If you do not yet have a DSL connection, check out our list of local providers.

What kind of quality can I expect from Buzz?

Quality can vary. It is generally described as somewhere between a cell-phone call and a regular landline call. Check out www.testyourvoip.com for some idea of the quality you can expect. You will get a better quality with a DSL connection, however, it is still possible to use a 56k dial up service as long as you strictly limit other online activity while you are using Buzz.

Listen to an audio posting to our BuzzBlog that was made using VoIP over a slow DSL connection from a laptop in Bermuda via California.

How can I improve my connection speed?

There are several ways you can increase the speed of the service:
Use an alternative Internet Service Provider (ISP) who offers a quicker connection to the Internet. Different ISPs can certainly provide very different results.
Use a faster Internet connection from your current ISP.
Avoid calling at peak Internet traffic times.
Please verify that your PC fulfills the minimum requirements

If I have VoIP service, who can I call?

Any phone number, anywhere in the world. The person you are calling does not need any special equipment, just a phone. Prices start at about 2¢ a minute. But if you are calling another computer with the same software installed (e.g.Skype^®) then the price is zero, zilch, nada, nothing,free.

What are some Advantages of VoIP?

Talking over the Internet is considerably cheaper than using a traditional phone. If you have a broadband Internet connection (DSL), you can obtain an easy return on your monthly investment. Calls to regular telephones are very inexpensive. You can also use your webcam for video talk.

What are some Disadvantages of VoIP?

Do not consider replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP. VoIP services don't work during electrical power outages as they rely on the connection through your computer. If you lose power in a hurricane, you will need your traditional phone to talk to the outside world. Local calls in Bermuda will cost much more if using PC to phone. This is the only time when VoIP will be more expensive. VoIP services do not connect with the 911 emergency dispatch centre.
In Bermuda, DSL subscribers with BTC can't use it as a primary phone line because they would lose the DSL if they cut off traditional local phone service. Most importantly, VoIP services are only as reliable as the customer’s internet connection. A poor quality connection can lead to voice quality issues. Luckily high quality broadband is getting easier and easier to find these days. Check our listing for Bermuda service providers.

Can I use my computer while I talk over the Internet?

Yes. However, if you are using a dial up connection, you should limit any Internet usage as it will slow down your computer and affect the quality of your conversation. Check out our Speed Test to get an idea of your actual connection speed.

Can I take my Buzz products with me when I travel?

You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available. In that case it would work the same as from your home or business. Your Buzz handset will work in any computer with a USB port. Check out our BuzzBlog for a story about using VoIP on a wifi enabled transatlantic flight.

Does my computer have to be turned on?

Yes. Your Internet connection needs to be active and you need to access the softphone. With a DSL connection, you can also use your computer while talking.

Why do I still need my BTC phone if VoIP is so good?

You will still need your regular phone service for local calls and all telephone services (weather, emergency, line problems, etc.). VoIP services do not work in electrical power outages or connect seamlessly to 911. Also, in most cases, DSL subscribers can't use it as a primary phone line because they would lose the DSL if they cut off traditional local phone service. To use the phone to make a local call will cost you the same rate as calling to Bermuda from any other country.

Should I cancel my current long distance provider?

No. VoIP services don't work during electrical power outages as they rely on the connection through your computer. If you lose power in a hurricane, you will need your traditional phone to talk to the outside world.

Which countries can I call from?

You can call from any country in the world. All you need is a PC with Internet connection, microphone and speakers (or ideally a Buzz phone). The rates are the same, wherever you call from in the world!

Which countries can I call to?

You can call to any country in the world.

Why does it cost more to call to Bermuda from the US or UK than it costs to call the other way?

All rates are based on the country you are calling TO rather than the traditional method of where you are calling FROM. A few countries are more expensive to call with VoIP. However, it is usually still less expensive to call to Bermuda with VoIP than with a traditional phone call.

If VoIP is so good, why isn't everybody using it?

Because most people don't know about it. Or they remember how it was few years ago when Internet telephony started up and quality was very poor. Computers are now far more powerful and technology has improved by an enormous amount enabling VoIP conversations to be almost as good as "the real thing" but at a far lower price.
With a good DSL connection, you can talk over the Internet and, at the same time, send images, graphs or information.

How can I configure my phone to the optimum settings?

When you install the software that comes with your package, a configuration programme will run as part of the installation. If you want to tweak your settings at a later date, you can visit our Technical page to download the software or reinstall it from the CD.

I have installed the software for my BuzzLitePhone and cannot see the numbers on my LCD screen.

If you closed down or rebooted your computer, you must reactivate the handset by clicking on the pink phone icon on your desktop.
There can be a conflict with a wireless mouse or wireless keyboard. Unplug the mouse/keyboard, click on the pink phone on your desktop and plug the mouse/keyboard back into its USB port. Everything should be fine.

There is no pink phone icon on my desktop. What should I do?

Go to your hard drive and in the Program Files folder you will find a folder called '@phone for Dialpad'. The first file should be called '@phone.exe'. Right click on this and select 'Send To Desktop (create shortcut)'. This will put the icon on your desktop.

The person I am calling hears an echo on the line? What is causing this?

Echo is usually caused by incorrect mic/ speaker settings. Run the ‘audio tuning wizard’ as described in the section above, to ensure you have the optimum settings. Echo is often eliminated by using a headset or handset, instead of regular desktop speakers as it prevents the other side hearing themselves in your speakers.

I am hearing an echo on the line? What is causing this?

The quality of your internet connection can affect the quality of your call. Just because you pay a lot of money for your connection does not guarantee a perfect service. If the person you are calling is not using a handset, you may hear your voice being fed back to you from their speakers and mike.

Why am I hearing all my sounds through the phone and not the speakers?

To use your USB phone and loudspeakers simultaneously, please go to Start menu --> Settings --> Control panel --> Sounds and audio devices
Go to 'Audio' tab and select your sound card as Sound playback default device.
Go to 'Voice' tab and select your sound card as Sound playback default device.
Go to Skype^® --> Tools -->Options --> Sound device and select your USB phone as the 'Audio in' and the 'audio out' device

I know that my credit card is good. Why is it rejected for payment?

Be sure your credit card is not expired and that your account is in good standing. It may also be helpful to have a recent billing statement handy. The reason for this is to be absolutely sure that the information you are about to enter matches your statement. You will be asked for your name and billing address. If the information does not match your statement your credit payment will not go through.

Check your card to be sure it has the new 3 or 4 digit security code printed on it. This is usually on the back of your card near the place where you write your signature. Some cards have it located on the front just above your last name. This information is required to be entered in order to prevent fraud.

I don't feel safe sending credit card information over the Internet. Can I pay any other way?

Our payment pages are very secure and use the latest encryption techniques. However, if you do not feel safe you can send us a cheque drawn on a Bermuda bank. When sending a cheque by mail please allow at least 7 business days for your cheque to clear. Payments take time to be processed and your handset cannot be delivered until we receive verification of payment from the banking system. You can print and fill in our payment form to send with your cheque.

I can't wait to get started with VoIP and would like to collect my handset. Can I do this?

Yes you can. Our office is on Church Street in Hamilton and you can collect from there. Payment can only be accepted by cash or cheque. We CANNOT accept credit cards at that address.

What about all this free calling that I have been hearing about?

There is been a lot of Skype^® hype recently. This lets you talk to any other Skype^® user worldwide. You must both have Skype^® installed. Our handsets are fully compatible with Skype^®. The BuzzLitePhone requires a specialised driver to interact with Skype^®.

Is there a Mac or Unix/Linux version?

Our BuzzLitePhone will work best with a PC using Windows 98 or higher. With a Mac, the keyboard functions will not work . Our BuzzBasic works with Mac. Most softphones only work with Windows but Skype^® has versions for PC, Max, Linux and Pocket PC.

Where can I find out more about VoIP?

Try searching with Google (or your favourite search engine). You will get millions of results!

I cannot find an answer to my question, what should I do now?

Send us an email at the address that is shown on every page. We will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer.