Getting Started
From VoIP.ms Wiki
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This guide is intended to help you start using your Voip.ms account and its features. A recently created account can come with a lot of questions. Most of those questions can be answered by the Support staff via Live chat or the Ticket system. However, the information here is intended to make your first contact with VoIP easier and clearer.
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Tutorial Video
Create your account
You can create an account for free by clicking Here. You will access the sign-up page, please enter the information required and click Continue. After signing up you will receive an email to confirm your email address and validate the account.
Remember to check in your spam/junk folder to ensure you received the email. If you did not, please contact VoIP.ms by email at: [email protected]
Once signed up, determine what you would like to accomplish with your new account. When you log in for the first time, we recommend to check the Account Settings so you can get familiar with the options offered to configure your line.
Add Funds
In order to use VoIP.ms services to send and receive calls, you will need to add funds to your account. This is a prepaid service and the amount added will be reflected in the Account Balance found in the Finances section in the customer portal.
Adding funds is a simple procedure, you just need to click Finances --> Add Funds in the customer portal. Make a payment with any of the available payment options such as Credit Card or PayPal, the minimum payment is $15 USD. Contact VoIP.ms staff for the information needed to send a payment using Bank Wire if required.
To monitor your expenses and account balance, please visit the following article calculate my expenses
Remember that with VoIP.ms, the inbound and outbound calls are charged separately. For example, if you take a US DID number (for receiving calls), the cost can be $0.85 a month and $0.009 per minute. And all your outbound will still be charged as per the Termination Rates. For example, calling a US48 number is $0.009 per minute.
Replenish your account automatically
If you wish to replenish your account automatically, you have the possibility to integrate your credit card or PayPal account securely. Whenever your account will reach a certain threshold, our service will charge you for the desired amount.
You can configure this by either:
- Going into Finances tab menu, Add Funds and at the bottom of the screen.
- Going into Finances tab menu, Automatic Billing.
Please note that VoIP.ms does not store any sensitive information, such as your credit card or PayPal data. We rely on state-of-the-art third-party providers to protect your information.
Outgoing calls
If you intend to use VoIP.ms services for the purpose of making calls, you will first need a device or softphone. You can use any type of software or device (unlocked) which support SIP or IAX2 protocols. Including free softphones such as Zoiper, free open source PBXs, VoIP ATAs and VoIP phones, Hardware CISCO VoIP switches, etc. Basically, any hardware or software that supports one of the two protocols offered.
Once you have defined what equipment you will use with the service, you need to configure it using the credentials provided when creating the account. You will receive a SIP/IAX Main Username that consists of six digits (e.g. 100000), along with a password you chose when you created the account (you can change this password later in your Account Settings). The additional information missing now is the VoIP.ms server you will use to register. We recommend using the closest server to your location to get the best response rate possible and you may consult our list of servers here choose a server.
Refer also to the configurations samples here on the Wiki to find specific instructions for your equipment.
Once registered, first dial 4443 to reach the "echo test". This tool is useful to test the quality of your line since it is the only number you can call without adding funds. After doing this, you are ready to add funds and call the destinations you want, remember to check the Termination rates inside the customer portal so you can get a better idea about the service cost.
You will then need to configure your account accordingly to pass a valid callerID, otherwise known as the number that will show when you call.
Outgoing Caller ID number
Caller ID number is the most common Caller ID type passed. If a more complex system capable of passing its own Caller ID is being used, such as a PBX, the Caller ID field is likely set from the trunk, or one of its extensions.
If you are using devices like Analogue Telephone Adapters, IP phones, or softphones, the Caller ID number is available to be set from your VoIP.ms account via the customer portal.
Caller ID Rules
In line with all the rulings in favor of protecting and empowering consumers, VoIP.ms enforces valid Caller IDs as per the NANPA and ITU-T E.164 standards.
Therefore, calls displaying the following Caller ID information will be rejected:
- International calls with Caller ID containing less than 7 digits and greater than 15 digits;
- North America calls with Caller ID not containing exactly 10 digits (exception will be made for 7 digits for 310-xxx numbers);
- North America calls with Caller ID containing 10 digits, but with an unassigned NPA (first 3 digits of the number);
- North America calls with Caller ID containing 10 digits, but where an unassignable NXX is used (i.e. the second block of 3 digits where the first digit is either zero (0) or one (1)).
Main account
To set the Caller ID number for your Main account, access:
- "Account Settings" from Main Menu -> Account settings
- Go to General Tab and there set the CallerID number
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Account settings
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General
Sub accounts
The Caller ID number for a sub account can be set during the creation process, or later by clicking Edit on the subaccount.
* For calls to US and Canada, a 10-digit Caller ID number is required to ensure proper call termination. The portal's Caller ID field only supports numerical digits. * Toll free Caller IDs are not recommended, especially when Calling Toll free numbers, to reduce potential connection issues.
If you are using an analog telephone adapter (ATA), IP phone, or softphone, this is where you need to adjust the settings. It is important to ensure that you transmit a valid caller ID to ensure proper termination. Here you will have the option of having one of your incomings DID numbers displayed as an outgoing call identification number. You can also use a personalized number that does not appear in your lists of DID numbers. However, you must respect the standards in force by the regulations to this effect. Always use a number that belongs to you or to that you have permission to use as the outgoing call display number. If you have a PBX that manages the outgoing call identification number, you will have an option for this.
Note: Using a Toll free outbound caller id is not recommended, especially when calling Toll-Free numbers.
Different methods of passing your callerID Number
CallerID Number: You can set the callerID Number or your DID Number or proceed with a verification process to pass the callerID of a number that is not within VoIP.ms network. If you have a a device capable of passing its own CallerID number such as a soft switch or PBX, make sure that the callerID matches a DID or a verified number from within your account to successfully make outgoing calls.
- Use one of my DIDs: If you want to pass one of your DID Numbers as the callerID Number, select this option and choose the DID, if more than one, that will display on the called party.
- Use a Verified CallerID: This is a quick verification process to ensure that the callerID you will pass is validated and authorized to be used. To start the process:
1. Simply click on ‘’’Click here to get started’’’ above the callerID Number setting
2. Select the country of your DID
3. Enter the number you want to verify
4. Leave a reference/note for your own use.
5. Choose the verification to be done by receiving a call or by receiving a SMS (only available for Canada/United States).
6. Once you press ‘’’Send verification Code’’, you will receive a phone call / SMS message with a validation code. Enter that code in the ‘’’Validation Code’’’ field and press ‘’’Verify’’’. If for any reasons you have not received the code, you can ask the system to send it again or press cancel to change the method you would like to receive the code.
- ’’’I use a system capable of passing its own CallerID’’’: If you are using a PBX, you will need to pass the callerID directly from your system. Our system will verify if the callerID you are passing matches one of your DID or one of your verified callerID. If you are passing an invalid callerID and attempt to make an outgoing call, our system will send you an email advising that a call was attempted with an invalid callerID.
Listen to the current account's Caller ID Number
To listen to the caller ID set in the account you're dialing from, please dial 822 and the Caller ID number will be read back. Notice that it will depend on your device's dial plan or dial pattern for this to work.
These test calls won't have any cost for you and will appear in your CDR as "CallerID Testing".
Incoming calls
To receive calls with VoIP.ms, you will need a DID number which works just as any regular telephone number used to receive incoming calls. You can still receive calls via Sip Uri using a sub account, but to use most of the features included in the portal it will be necessary to get a DID number for the incoming calls and different options that are offered.
You can either port an existing number that you own over to VoIP.ms or purchase a new number from our stock. There are several DID options available, from local US & Canadian numbers to International or Toll free numbers. You will also find some interesting alternatives such as Virtual numbers. Refer to DID Numbers >> Order DID(s) in the customer portal and pick the number that suits best your needs.
Once you have a DID number you will be able to see it in your portal listed under DID Numbers >>Manage DID(s). In this section you will have different options to configure your number. The first recommended test is to route it to System >> Echo test to make sure you received a number that is working properly.
You can find different options for the Routing of your number:
- Main or sub account (this basically means you can route your number to a device or equipment previously configured and registered).
- IVR (digital receptionist) this is useful to handle your calls at your business and direct the callers to a specific department.
- Calling queue (members that can log in and answer your calls).
- Time conditions (specify different routes for your numbers depending on the time of the day).
- Call forwarding (route your calls to an external number such a landline or cellphone number).
- Sip Uri, to call another person or company via SIP.
- Ring group (you have different devices registered, using different sub accounts, you can route one number to all of them with this feature).
- Recordings, play a simple message for people to hear when calling your number. Please note the call will disconnect after the recording has finished playing.
- Call back, (you can use for example your cellphone to make calls via VoIP.ms service).
- DISA (works similarly to call back but instead you have to enter a PIN number first).
- Voicemail (give people calling you an option to leave a message, so you can contact them later).
- System (Used for echo test and other responses, such a busy tone or message for unwanted calls).
Sub Accounts
Most users new to VoIP.ms will probably have questions regarding sub accounts, please continue reading to learn what they are and the benefit to using them.
With VoIP.ms you have the possibility to register more than one device (e.g., softphone or system) simultaneously and this can be achieved by using the sub accounts feature. Or maybe you wish to create sub accounts for your relatives/friends so they can use the VoIP.ms service to place and receive calls under your account.
You can create as many sub accounts as you need, depending on how many devices you want to register at the same time. Please keep in mind that you do not need sub accounts if your devices are not logged in simultaneously. For instance, you wouldn't need sub accounts if you use your main account at your PC at home, then turn the PC off, and log in from work and use a software phone, since the accounts are not registered to the server at the same time.
Registering multiple devices only with the main account is not recommended since this can cause some connectivity issues.
When you create sub accounts, it is like having additional accounts but managed all together. You will get a different User ID and password to register a device:
For example: Sub Account : 100000_101 Password: You set it on the sub account Sip Proxy : atlanta.voip.ms
Sub accounts are also useful to communicate between devices, let say you have 2 sub accounts registered to the Atlanta server, you can make calls directly between the sub accounts using an internal extension that can be configured in the sub account settings. This same internal extension can also be used as a SIP URI.
You can always check the registration status of your ATA / softphones on the Portal Home Page (Main Menu >> Portal Home) found near the bottom of the page.
International calls
Any call outside of USA48 or Canada is treated as an International call, for that reason you need to dial using the following code:
00 or 011 + country code + phone number
For additional dialing codes check the Dialing Codes article.
If you intend to use VoIP.ms services for International calls, note these are disabled by default. This is done to enforce the security on your account and if you decide to enable them, VoIP.ms recommends highly to use the restrictions in the Account Settings:
- Allow International calls.
- Max. Call Time for US48/Canadian Calls (exceeding the time will cause the call to hang up automatically).
- Max. Call Time for International Calls (Max. Call Time for International Calls).
- International Amount Restriction (If exceeds the maximum amount, the call will not be connected).
VoIP.ms currently offers new options that can help for the security, you can refer to Main Menu >> Account Settings >> Account Restrictions. These settings define the restrictions the system will use when you place calls to either USA48, Canada or International Numbers.
Note also that some destinations are locked by default for all accounts. In order to have full access to all international destinations, refer to Main Menu >> Portal Home >> Allowed International destinations, click on the link "Some Areas Locked (Click for details)" and follow the instructions.
Call detail records
In your VoIP.ms account you will notice a section called "CDR and Reports", here you can find your Call Detail Records which basically represent all the calls made and received in your account. You can search for a specific call by using the different filters that are available.
- Search for a specific range of dates
- Filter calls by disposition in the CDR (answered, no answered, busy, failed).
- Filter calls by type (Outgoing, Incoming, calls to specific DID number).
- Filter calls by call billing (billed calls, free calls).
- Filter calls by account (main or sub account calls).
- Time Zone (Set the time zone to adjust your CDR to your local time).
Support staff
If need to contact the VoIP.ms staff, there is a section named 'Support' in the customer portal. You can open tickets from there and also see all the tickets you have previously created. There is also a link for the configuration samples and a direct link to the Wiki page.
Support staff can help you with the trouble shooting in different scenarios, but you can also find useful information here:
- Tips for your PBX security
The section called "Feature Request" is the one you can use to report things that are not currently available with VoIP.ms service but you think will be good to have them in the future, like specific tools in the portal.
Rates section
You want to know how much you will pay when calling a specific number? You need to visit the Rates section in the customer portal. There are fields that will make your search quicker:
- Search country (make your search by looking at the different rates for a specific country in the termination list).
- Phone number prefix (look for a specific number, you will get the rate for the prefix that matches the number).
- Value & Premium (you can choose between Value and Premium route for the Canada, International & Toll free calls). The US route is only available on the Premium route with a rate of $0.01 (one cent) per minute.
Notes
INCOMING and OUTGOING calls are charged and handled SEPARATELY with our service. The incoming calls are charged depending on the plan of the DID and the outgoing calls will be charged always per minute and according to the destination of the calls. Also note that it is not necessary to have a DID number to start placing outgoing calls, a DID number is meant to receive calls only.
In order to receive calls properly the registration server and the POP of the DID number must match, i.e., if your device/softphone is registered to dallas.voip.ms the POP of the DID must have the Point of Presence of Dallas as well.
