The VoIP "call" is transferred as a series of data packet packets, rather than as an analogue voice signal. The basic steps involved in the origination and termination of a VoIP call are:

a) conversion of the analog voice signal to digital format

b) then compression/translation of the signal into internet protocol (IP) packets for transmission over the Internet;

c) this process is reversed at the receiving/call termination end. The data packets are translated back into a voice signal.

The main advantage of VoIP is much cheaper call costs.

You can make a call to any landline in Australia for as low as $0.09 per call, or a call to any Australian mobile for just $0.12 per minute.

VoIP calls these days, and particularly with Exetel, are the same as traditional voice line quality. There is no longer the delays, one way voice and drop outs that in days gone by used to be the stigma of VoIP.

Exetel provides VoIP services by connecting customers via their Exetel ADSL or Mobile Broadband service to its own VoIP switches and then delivering national calls, calls to mobiles and international calls over toll quality lines from its upstream provider, Verizon.

When you order a VoIP service, you are allocated a telephone number (called a “DID”) and it is ready for use as soon as you set up your ATA/Modem. See the VoIP set up guides on the left sidebar menu to do this.

For a post paid VoIP service, calls are billed in arrears for the previous calendar month.

The invoice is due and payable on or soon after the 1st day of each calendar month.

If you have an existing Exetel ADSL or Mobile Broadband service, your VoIP calls will show on these invoices.

Pre-paid VoIP services are also available to non-Exetel users or to Exetel users who wish to use VoIP on a pre-paid basis.

Exetel provides VoIP plans which are billed one month in arrears and are provided with a DID.

A "DID" (Direct In Dial) number is a valid PSTN dial number that is in the same format as a standard wire line number and allows calls from standard telephones to be made to your VoIP number.

Current numbers prefixes/ranges are;

Capital Cities

Regional:

Click on “VoIP Pricing – Australia” on the left sidebar menu to see our plan pricing.

If you use Exetel’s Mobile Broadband service then Exetel’s VoIP is also available to you. Exetel’s Mobile Broadband service uses the Optus 3G mobile network and doesn’t require a land line of any type. This, depending on your personal circumstances, may allow you to discontinue renting your current land line and only use VoIP to make telephone calls from your desktop or laptop.

Before deciding that you can do without your land line telephone call ability Exetel advises you think through your personal circumstances very thoroughly.

Exetel can provide a Mobile Broadband service for use on your 3G mobile telephone handset via a 3G/Mobile Broadband enabled sim. You can also use the 3G/Mobile Broadband sim to make and receive ‘standard’ mobile telephone calls by selecting an Exetel mobile plan.

A better option, in many locations around Australia, is to use Exetel’s VoIP service instead of paying mobile call rates. VoIP is easy to set up on a 3G/Mobile Broadband compatible handset and the calls are about 50% to 75% cheaper than most current mobile call rates.

For full details of the Exetel VoIP plans please click here.

Exetel has prepared detailed set up guides, depending on your ATA/modem type and situation. The first course of action is to click VoIP Setup Guides on the left sidebar menu for instructions on doing this.

If you are still not configuring successfully, email voip@exetel.com.au and one of our experienced engineers will reply as soon as possible.