Frequently Asked Questions
What do we need to subscribe to Origen's service?
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A high-speed Internet connection.
If one is needed, contact us. -
A network jack.
If a computer terminal is connected to it, simply connect the computer to the VoIP phone, while connecting the phone to the network jack. The Aastra phones we supply cost-effectively and conveniently act as a splitter. -
A grounded electrical outlet.
Standard electrical outlet. (120-240 V; 15 A.)
We've built a business around our telephone number.
Can we keep our number?
Yes.
We're scared of the large telecom company that we're thinking of leaving; Can they stop us from porting our number?
Telephone number porting is a legal right, within Canada, and is not the property of any carrier.
We've tested VoIP, before and were less than impressed. Actually, we found that it felt 'cheap'.
- We provide enterprise-class solution for small- and medium-sized business (SMB) budgets;
- Though there are numerous ways to cut corners, in this growing industry, Origen is heavily invested in providing enterprise-class solutions;
- In fact, the system which we provide to our clients is equivalent a $100,000 system purchase and is still being improved, from time to time, as our client base steadily grows. In fact, nearly half of our growth has come from referrals.
Our business is growing.
Our current system is maxed-out and we’re faced with an expensive system upgrade. Will we get stuck like this, with Origen’s service?
- No. You’ll be very happy with our service, because of how easy and quickly we can adapt to your business.
- Because of our system’s scalability, there is no need for a central system upgrade, as we handle this on our end;
- All that is required are an additional high-speed Internet jack, electrical plug and telephone, per additional extension.
We’re scaling-down our business.
Can we scale-down our costs, with Origen, if need be?
- Yes, we can accommodate changes.
- We have a unilateral agreement with our clients; We agree to uphold our end of the service agreement, while our clients are free to add or remove extensions as required by changes in the business cycle.
Our high-speed connection, at the office, is slower than 6.5 Mbps.
In order for us to provide optimal service, the minimum requirement is equal to or faster than 5.0 Mbps.
We have a static IP address. This is important to us.
Can we keep our static IP address?
You can have a static IP address, but cannot keep the current IP you have right now. You will be assigned a new one.
Can employees have an office extension in their homes? We have a high-speed Internet connection, at home.
Yes. If desired, such remote extensions can be programmed to display the office number on caller ID.
Will I be able to integrate my IP telephones with my Microsoft Exchange?
It is possible upload contacts’ lists into the phones’ directories.
What if there is a power failure?
- The system is centralized, so all menus and phone numbers will still work; If an extension is dialed, the customers will just get voicemail, thinking you are unavailable (Your current system will most likely not even answer, without a battery back-up or generator);
- Additionally, we can configure each extension to automatically fail back to a cell phone, like call forwarding;
- Features like missed call to e-mail and voicemail to e-mail continue to function, should the phones go offline. Our system is highly disaster-resistant.
Do you offer click-to-call, like Skype?
We don’t do click-to-call, etc., yet.
Does the quoted price include set-up?
- Yes, provided there are Internet jacks and electrical outlets available at each station where an extension is to be set-up;
- Custom installations involving the running or flying of wires may involve a reasonable installation fee.
Do we have to purchase tens of thousands of dollars of equipment to use Origen’s service?
No. All that is needed are VoIP phones, which we can provide.
Is there a chance you will be bought-out by a large telco (ex.: Bell; Rogers; etc.)? We are concerned this may affect our level of service, as a client.
- It has not happened for 6 years, even though we are growing by 60% a year, on average. There are no plans for it.
- We like our independence and quality of relationships with our clients.
Do I need my computer running, in order to receive calls?
- No. Because an IP phone connects directly to the Internet, a computer is unnecessary to make or receive telephone calls.
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To use advanced features and manage the account, a computer and basic computing skills are required.
Support is readily available in these areas; Simply contact Origen.
Can I use Origen from anywhere in the world?
Yes, your Origen account provides you with complete portability. All that an employee requires is their IP phone, plugged into a high-speed Internet connection.
Will the Origen service interfere with my DSL or cable modem data connection?
The Origen service routes your incoming and outgoing voice calls right alongside the data being sent to or from your computer. Thus, you can make and receive calls while you use your computer to access the Internet. Origen uses advanced audio compression techniques to minimize the data traffic caused by voice calls and maximize the bandwidth available for your other Internet traffic.
Do I need a fixed / static IP to use Origen?
No, you do not need a static IP address to enjoy the advantages of Origen . Origen is designed to work in a dynamic address (DHCP) environment, such as that available with most home gateway routers.
Can I assign a static IP address to the telephone adapter?
No, the device is configured to obtain an IP address via DHCP.
Can I receive collect calls?
No, you cannot receive collect calls using Origen.
How do you bill calls to regular phones?
- Our service includes unlimited calling to USA & Canada. We do not bill calls within North America.
- We bill calls on a per minute basis, rounding up to the next whole minute. There is no minimum call duration.
Which IP phones can I use with Origen?
We support Aastra phones because of their exceptionally high quality.
How do I make an international call?
Dial 011 + country code + number.
How does the sound quality compare to my current phone?
- Being a completely digital service, the quality is already better than analog service;
- Origen integrates high-definition, taking voice clarity even further.
Are calls made through Origen secure?
Yes, all calls are sent securely through Origen's IP network.
Is there an activation fee?
No.
What is the sign-up process?
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Port-over your phone number, or select a new one, with our Line & Number Portability department.
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An invoice from your current carrier is required, as proof, in order to transfer/port your number.
- This process usually requires 7-21 business days;
- Your phone service behaves normally.
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Alternatively, select a new telephone number from our stock of available numbers.
- Select a number from your local area code;
- Select a number from a target area code, such as a client-rich city, or a city into which the company will be expanding;
- Select a number from our stock of 1-800 numbers, in order to improve your businesses’ accessibility.
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An invoice from your current carrier is required, as proof, in order to transfer/port your number.
- Schedule a set-up time, with our Service Department.
A representative from Origen’s service department will contact you to schedule a time to set-up your service. -
Meet with one of our technicians, who will set-up your service.
- Set-up usually requires half an hour to three hours’ time (Sometimes, as little as five minutes.);
- Employees who wish for a brief and thorough training will be indulged.
When porting our number to Origen, will our service be interrupted?
No. The number porting process is seamless and invisible.
Can we take-on a 1-800 number to facilitate the growth of my business?
- Yes. Select a number from our stock of numbers, when convenient;
- If available within our inventory, Vanity toll-free numbers are also available.
How are 1-800 numbers billed?
- The monthly service fee is between $5-$10 per month.
- The fee per minute is _____????
What payment methods are available?
Origen accepts credit card payments by Visa and Master Card; by company or personal cheques; by PayPal; And via financial institutions. Pre-authorized payments are possible through Visa and Master Card, upon request.
Do we need a PIN and a password?
When you sign up, you will be asked for your preferred username and password. If this username is available, we will create your account with this username and password. Upon sign up, a PIN number will be provided. It can be used to log into the web site as well as make phone calls.
Will we still be able to send faxes?
Yes. Plus, you will be able to choose how you prefer to send them. Incoming faxes can be sent directly to your e-mail inbox, and you will be able to send faxes electronically as well. If you need to send printed documents via fax, then you have two options:
- Scan or PDF the document and send it electronically, which is preferable for the majority of our small-business customers, and it allows them to become more “paperless.”
- Keep a traditional fax line for that purpose; the same line may also be used for an alarm system, if you have one at your place of business.
What if our Internet connection goes down?
Both Internet and phone usage will be interrupted; However, inbound calls will be greeted by the company’s automated attendant and voicemail, therefore, be available to callers.
- Voicemail will still be active, unlike with
- Today's Internet connections from the reliable broadband providers are very stable and rarely go down.
- As an additional back-up measure, phone extensions can be redirected to cell phones or alternate land lines when an outage occurs or is planned for an extended period of time.
- Or, just head down to the local coffee shop and use your Internet access to get “back in business” immediately.
