Q: If I switch to VoIP, I'll still be able to use my fax machine?
One of the most popular questions we receive about VoIP for the home is whether you can still use your fax machine. Traditionally, VoIP services have not worked well with fax machines. The reason is that the fax machines are designed to work with analog systems. VoIP - which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol - compresses voice transmissions from analog to digital. This type of scanning does not work as well with fax, leading to inconsistency and unreliability. Despite this, some people still want to be able to use their fax machine. If the fax is a necessity, this blog is to explore your options regarding the different VoIP services out there.
?VoIP Fax What do I have options
Fax ServiceVoIP can take two forms:
1. Internet Fax. Proposed by some VoIP services, this technology converts faxes you receive PDF files. These files are then emailed whenever a fax is received. Unfortunately, most of the time this VoIP Fax option will allow you to receive faxes.
2. the compatibility of the fax machine. Many VoIP services are not compatible with a fax machine. This is because analog transmissions used by VoIP are often contradictory and unreliable when sent by fax machines. However, as you will read, more services than before now offer a fax line or other compatible fax.
VoIP services that are compliant fax machine
Vonage allows users to purchase a dedicated fax line for $ 9.99 / month. This gives you 250 minutes of outgoing fax service as well as unlimited incoming faxes. The site has instructions for connecting your machine to the Vonage Box ™. You can even send faxes internationally with Vonage.
BroadVoice offers full support for fax machines, without the need for a separate phone line. A feature called "Fax recipient" sends incoming faxes to your voicemail and turns them into PDF documents. This prevents faxes to interrupt any of your phone calls - and that means you will not have to pay for a second phone line
Likewise Phone Power has as a "fax sensor" feature that is available on all call plans. Its equipment is also compatible with your fax machine.
ViaTalk has a fax function that costs $ 5.95 / month for 200 outgoing minutes. This feature is available with all ViaTalk phone plans. Unlike other services, it does not offer Internet fax, but it offers clear instructions to connect your fax machine to the adapter.
VoIP services without fax support
VOIPo offers Internet fax service that allows you to receive faxes as PDF files and send them by downloading VOIPo documents to your account. The cost of this service is $ 4.95 / month or $ 36 / year. The service cites as its unreliability argument by lack of support from the fax machine.
1-VoIP allows users to send PDF documents VoIP fax the form to fax number of working with one of his plans. Premier Plan customers are also able to receive faxes in PDF.
Phone.com requires a separate phone line to use the Internet Fax function. Included with all plans, this feature allows you to send and receive faxes and documents. The cost for an additional line with Phone.com is $ 4.99 / month.
Even if you plan to use your machine, it is good to keep in mind the possibility of unreliable service. Internet fax is much easier to use, saves your faxes digitally and is more reliable than a global machine. To learn more about other features of these services offer and prices, visit our opinion VoIP.