FAQ
What’s a cable company doing in the phone business?
Cable companies are changing the face of telephone service in the U.S., thanks to new federal laws designed to spur competition. Anticipating that the U.S. phone market would be opened up to competition, cable companies have invested more than $75 billion since 1996 to upgrade their systems and networks to accommodate phone service, along with high-speed Internet service and new digital television features.
How does it work?
Cable digital phone operates over the same high-capacity, high-speed broadband network that your cable company uses to deliver television channels and high-speed Internet service. Digital phone service from cable is provided through a phone jack located on the side of specially equipped cable modems. From there, it connects to any standard household telephone jack. You can select Digital Phone for every one of your phone jacks, and use phones throughout your house.
How does the quality compare with traditional phone service?
Digital phone from cable meets the same standards for signal quality and clarity as the phone service you’re already accustomed to. Unlike cut-rate Internet telephone services, digital phone from cable runs over an extremely reliable, high-quality network. And unlike other new telephone services, your PC is not needed to process or receive calls.
What makes it different from traditional phone service?
Competition and choice. As cable companies introduce digital phone service across a growing number of cities, there’s finally a fresh choice in telephone service. Digital phone service from cable offers extremely competitive and affordable rates not only for basic calling, but long-distance service and value-added features like caller ID, voice mail and more.
Do I need a new telephone?
No. Your digital phone service from cable works with any standard touch-tone phone, from cordless handsets to wall-mounted telephones. Digital phone service also works with fax machines and answering machines.
Can I call people who have traditional phone service?
Yes. Your digital phone service lets you call any number you like, whether that number is served by a cable company or a traditional telephone company.
Can I stay online while I make calls?
Yes. Although digital phone service comes through your cable modem, it doesn’t operate on the same frequencies as your Internet service. You can talk on the phone while you’re online at any time.