FAQ's

What are fiber optics & what can it do for me?

Fiber optic (or “optical fiber”) refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light impulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. Fiber optic wire carries much more information than conventional copper wire and is far less subject to electromagnetic interference. Most telephone company long-distance lines are now fiber optic.

Fiber Optic brings next-generation speed and quality right to your home or office. It’s your dedicated resource for speed and quality. Our fiber optic network enables high-speed internet and telephone options.

What is VoIP & what are the benefits of it?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply phone service delivered through your internet connection instead of from a traditional phone company. The Internet Protocol (IP) was originally designed for data networking and has since been adapted for the transmission of voice traffic over the IP-based network.

Can I receive collect calls on your service?

No.

Does VoIP phone service work during a power outage?

Your phone is a Voice over IP (VoIP) service delivered over your internet connection and requires power to work. In the event of a power outage, your phone service, including 911, will be interrupted unless you have a back-up power solution. Contact us at 360-414-5990 and we will advise you of your best options based on your internet configuration.

Will it work with my home security systems or satellite tv service?

We cannot guarantee that our VoIP service will be compatible with security systems or satellite television services.

Can I use my existing phones?

As long as your current phones support tone-dialing, they will work with your VoIP system. Our system does not support the use of rotary or “pulse dial” telephones.  (Most phones manufactured in the last 30 years are tone-dialing.)

Is there a contract requirement?

No.

Is VoIP reliable?

Yes. Our VoIP infrastructure has been established with redundant paths and multiple telephone servers across cities to ensure reliability for all telephone calls. Our servers are set up to ensure that you will get a quality phone connection using your existing internet connection.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yes. Number Transfer or Local Number Portability (LNP) allows you to keep your local landline telephone number when switching service providers (some exceptions in Kalama).

What is wireless internet?

The term “wireless” in a telecommunications network refers to a system that uses radio or light instead of wires to carry signals. A wireless network enables long or short range communications that would otherwise be impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires.
Astound Broadband high-speed wireless internet network utilizes an established infrastructure of fiber-optics and interconnected access points for fast, reliable service. As the wireless network is expanded, broadband internet service is extended to remote or previously unserved areas.

How do I get wireless internet?

Once we’ve performed a free site survey and found your location to be suitable for wireless high-speed internet, you can be up and running as little as two to five business days.