Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my computer with your service?
2. How does VoIP fit into my current home network?
3. What happens to my service if I move?
4. Is it easy to set up?
5. Can I keep my current phone number with your service?
6. What area codes do you have available?
7. When will you have my area code?
8. What are the startup costs?
9. Should I replace my telephone line with VoIP?
10. Does unlimited mean local and long distance calling?
11. Will VoIP be included on my monthly invoice from Stickdog?
12. Will I get a directory listing for my VoIP phone number?
13. What features are included with my VoIP and how do they work?
14. How long does it take to get my service started?

1. Can I use my computer with your service?  
Your computer is not required to use VoIP service. If you want to use your computer to surf the Internet and talk on your telephone at the same time, you will need a router that supports DHCP and NAT.

2. How does VoIP fit into my current home network?   
Introducing the CISCO ATA 186 into your current home network, so that you can use your PC at the same time as your VoIP service, is easy as long as you have DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and NAT (Network Address Translation). A cable/DSL router such as the NETGEAR RP114 that you can buy at a great price when you place your order provides both these features.

3. What happens to my service if I move?  
Take it with you. Your VoIP service can be taken wherever you move as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection. And your phone number goes with you.

4. Is it easy to set up?  
It’s simple. In five minutes you can have your service up and running and make your first phone call. Simply plug the telephone adaptor (provided) to your computer and then to your telephone.

5. Can I keep my current phone number with your service?  
Yes, you can keep your phone number if you are located in certain areas. If local number portability is not yet offered in your area, your VoIP telephone number will be a new number. You can pick from any of the available area codes, even if we don't have your area code yet.

6. What area codes do you have available?  

7. When will you have my area code?  
We expect to have area codes in the following cities and major metro areas by the end of 2002 (in alphabetical order):

• Austin, TX
• Baltimore, MD
• Chicago, IL
• Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
• Denver, CO
• Green Bay, WI
• Houston, TX
• Jacksonville, FL
• Milwaukee, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Seattle, WA
• Stamford, CT
• Tampa Bay, FL
• Washington, DC

8. What are the startup costs?  
When you subscribe to VOIP, you will pay a one-time activation fee of $29.99, your first month’s service charge and $ 9.95 for shipping and handling. If you order a NETGEAR router, there will be an additional charge of $39.99. Service charges are subject to a 3% Federal Excise Tax. If you reside in New Jersey, you will also be subject to 6% sales tax.

9. Should I replace my telephone line with VoIP?  
This is a great solution for some people, especially for those with multiple phone lines. If you use Cable Modem or DSL over a dedicated line, you may consider cancelling your phone service altogether after trying out VoIP. For many people, Voice over IP is a great way to add a second line for that person in your home who loves to talk!

10. Does unlimited mean local and long distance calling?  
Unlimited means unlimited. Please keep in mind, however, that 5 calling plans are available with different combinations of local and long distance calling. Please be sure to select the plan that best reflects your actual needs.

11. Will VoIP be included on my monthly invoice from Stickdog?  
VoIP will not appear on your monthly Stickdog invoice. Your credit card will be billed directly by Vonage for VoIP service.

12. Will I get a directory listing for my VoIP phone number?  
No, you will not get a directory listing for your new phone number. Directory assistance is available for $.99 per call by calling 1-(area code)-555-4141.

13. What features are included with my VoIP and how do they work?  
Your VoIP includes a number of useful features. Click here for details: VoIP features.

14. How long does it take to get my service started?  
You account is set up almost as soon as you place your order. It will take around a week for your equipment to arrive in the mail. It will only take you a few minutes to set up your equipment.