Frequently Asked Questions
Calgary Telephone & Wiring FAQ
What is VOIP?
ANSWER: VOIP or voice over IP, is a technology that allows communication via internet protocol vs traditional landlines. VOIP (simplified) means digitizing the voice signal from your phone so it can be transmitted over the internet.
Advancements in technology have enabled the once choppy & unreliable voice quality of earlier VOIP systems, to exhibit the superior audio quality, flexibility and reliability afforded by the media of today. Calgary Telephone & Wiring Ltd in partnership with Ericsson-LG, can ensure your company is able to fully integrate remote workers or branch locations into a cohesive team.
Why should I consider IP phones versus digital phones?
ANSWER: IP phones give a customer the ability to relocate their own phones as required. They also give the customer the ability to have phones off-site, with no special provisioning required. IP phones also have better voice quality.
My business is growing, would any of your systems be expandable to grow with us?
ANSWER: LG’s multiple platforms are suitable for customers from 2 users to over 10,000 users. CTW consults with the customer to decide which platform best suits their needs, but if their growth exceeds expectations, databases can migrate to larger platforms in most cases.
Can we use our old phones with the new system?
ANSWER: If you are upgrading from an eMG platform to UCP platform, the phones are fully interchangeable. The systems are proprietary so all phones must be Ericsson-LG.
If we upgrade, how long will our phones be down?
ANSWER: CTW makes every effort to make the transition to your new phone system as seamless as possible by pre-programming the system prior to cutover. This keeps downtime to an absolute minimum (usually over lunch hour).
What is toll fraud and how can I safeguard my business from it?
ANSWER: Toll fraud occurs when unauthorized users access your phone lines to make costly overseas calls. There are many steps that can be undertaken to ensure that your phone system is as secure as possible. The easiest one is ensuring that your staff does not use simple passwords (i.e. 1234, etc) for voice mailboxes. CTW can audit older Norstar phone systems to protect against such events. Remember – your security is only as strong as your weakest password.
Why should I purchase my phone system instead of using a hosted service?
ANSWER: Although circumstances exist where hosted systems are advantageous, there are a number of reasons that justify purchasing your own system. First of all, you own your system. A properly designed and implemented phone system is an asset to a business. New features can often be added via software updates, keeping your system current. A hosted system is similar to an endless lease on a vehicle. You never end up owning anything. Your phone service is completely reliant on your internet connection. It’s kind of like putting all your eggs in one basket. If you don’t have the capital to purchase the system outright, you can always lease to own.
Why choose Ericsson-LG for my phone system?
ANSWER: Careful consideration was given when we shopped for a replacement system for the now defunked Norstar systems. We needed a system that addressed our customer’s needs and a supplier who shared our vision of customer service. Ericsson-LG is such a company. They are constantly adapting their products based on input from users and installers to improve their product offerings. Hardware is backed by a three-year warranty.
Why should I use a Certified Cabling Installer?
ANSWER: Utilizing a certified cabling vendor who tests their installations, assures that you are receiving the best value for your dollar and obtaining the problem-free, high speed network your business requires. Certified cabling projects are covered by a manufacturers minimum 15-year warranty. Many electrical contractors currently installing data cabling, test for continuity only. While this confirms they have connected the wires properly, it does not ensure that it will support the speed that the cable is rated for. CTW has invested in high quality testers to guarantee that your cabling is performing at its full potential. A fully tested network also ensures you won’t be wasting money on an I.T. professional, chasing problems that trace back to a poor cabling installation. Always ask for test results.