DexterVOIP Glossary
As you learn more about Dexter VOIP you may run into terms or phrases that aren't familiar. The following glossary lists key terms used through out this website and helps to explain how DexterVOIP works. To use, either scroll up or down the list or click on the first letter of the term you are looking for.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Anonymous Call Rejection
Lets you block calls that are set as anonymous on Caller ID so that they don't ring through to your phone. The anonymous caller will hear a fast busy signal and you no longer have to worry about taking a call from somebody you may not know.
AnyWhere Number
An AnyWhere number is a phone number, or Signature Number, that you choose in addition to your household number (additional charges may apply depending on the service plan). This number has an area code outside your home location and allows friends and family in another location to contact you as if it were a local call. For example, say your sister lives in Chicago but you live in Baltimore. You can add an Anywhere Number with a Chicago area code and save her the long distance charges!
B
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be sent over a communications channel in a fixed period of time. The higher the channel’s bandwidth the more information it can carry. It can be stated in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), or megabits per second (mps).
DexterVOIP states bandwidth in kbps and recommends at least a 120 kbps upstream and downstream for DexterVOIP service.
Blocking 900/976
All calls to 900, 976 and related phone numbers are automatically blocked for your protection.
Broadband
Broadband is high-speed Internet access that you get through a cable or DSL modem. It has a continuous connection to the Internet at much faster speeds than dial-up. With DexterVOIP service, high-speed broadband connection is needed.
C
Cable Modem
A cable modem is a device supplied to you by your local cable company that connects you to the Internet. It provides high-speed Internet access.
Caller ID with Name
Lets you view the name and number of each incoming call on your handset's display unit.
Call Logs
Use a simple web interface to see a list of all incoming, outgoing, and missed calls for each of your DexterVOIP numbers.
Call Return
Retrieve and call the telephone number of your last incoming call by dialing *69.
Call Waiting
Allows you to accept an incoming phone call while you are on the phone. Put the first call on hold while you answer the second call.
Call Waiting ID
Signals another incoming call with the name and number of the person calling.
Click to Call
Automatically place calls directly from your Call Logs or Contacts. Click on the number you wish to dial and the number will automatically be dialed for you. When dialing is completed your phone will ring signaling you to pick up the receiver. Once you pick up the call will be connected.
Contacts
Keep track of frequently dialed numbers by accessing your Contacts within the DexterVOIP Member Account Manager. Your Contacts let you quickly find phone numbers and email addresses, sort contacts by category, and operate Click to Call.
D
Directory Assistance
Directory Assistance is available with DexterVOIP Service. Simply dial the Directory Assistance numbers you've always used. Charge is $.79 per use, unless included with your service plan.
Distinctive Rings
Choose from 4 different ring patterns to assign to any Signature Number (additional phone number). If you have multiple numbers this will indicate which number is being called.
Do Not Disturb
Limit unwanted interruptions by enabling Do Not Disturb. This feature will prevent incoming calls from ringing through. Instead calls will be directed straight to Voicemail. Turn Do Not Disturb on and off by logging onto your Member Account Manager.
DSL
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a technology that provides a high-speed Internet connection over ordinary copper telephone lines.
E
Enhanced 911
The type of Emergency Service provided by DexterVOIP to all new members.
With Enhanced 911, your call is routed to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) supporting the service address you registered with your account. The emergency operator receives name, address, and originating phone number of the caller. With this service, the caller does not need to verbally give their location to the operator.
While Enhanced 911 is the most advanced form of Emergency Dialing Service available, there are some limitations when it is provided by a VoIP provider as DexterMO Internet. Therefore, you should always have an alternative means of accessing emergency service.
F
Find Me
Allows incoming calls to "find you" at multiple phone numbers, one after another. If you don't pick up at one number the call will move on to the next number until either you pick up or the call terminates at Voicemail.
G
Gizmo
Many companies use fancier high-tech names, but we call it the gizmo! The 'gizmo' (adapter) converts voice signals from your telephone into the digital "IP" format required for transmission over your broadband connection. The gizmo is small and fits neatly next to your phone. It plugs into your modem or router and into your phone.
H
Household Number
Your Household Number is a lot like the home telephone number you may use today. This will be the number that displays on Caller ID when anyone makes an outbound call from your home.
I
International Call Blocking
Control unwanted per minute costs by blocking international dialing from your Member Account Manager.
Internet Phone Service
Internet Phone Service is a service provided by DexterMO Internet. You can make and receive calls using your high-speed Internet connection, and save up to hundreds of dollars on your home phone service.
Internet Telephony
Also called IP Telephony, Internet Telephony uses the Internet rather than the traditional telephone companies copper wire infrastructure to make and receive phone calls.
IP Telephony
See Internet Telephony.
L
Launch Kit
Your DexterVOIP Launch Kit arrives in about 5 to 10 business days after you've signed up and contains your new DexterVOIP gizmo, installation instructions, and other printed materials. If you've purchased your Launch Kit at a retailer, you'll need to activate your gizmo on dextermo.net by clicking "Already have equipment".
Local Number Portability (LNP)
Local Number Portability (LNP) is the process that enables you to change your telecommunication service provider, but keep your phone number.
N
No Gotchas
This is DexterMO Internet's promise to you - a phone bill with no hidden fees, no contractual obligations and no cancellation penalties. This means you pay exactly what you expect and not a penny more.
O
Outbound Calling
You will be able to make outbound calls using your DexterVOIP Service once you hook up your equipment and hear a dial tone. Dial like normal using an Area Code + Number, or just 7 digits within your own area code. You do not need to dial a "1" for long distance calls, but if you dial a "1" out of habit, your call will still go through.
Outbound Caller ID Blocking
Prevent your name and telephone number from appearing on your call recipient's Caller ID display by dialing *67 before the phone number. Must be done on a per-call basis.
P
Power Source
Plugs into a regular home outlet and supplies power your equipment.
R
Risk-Free Guarantee
Our risk-free, money back guarantee. If you are canceling within the first 31 days of purchase, you qualify for DexterMO Internet's 31 day risk-free guarantee. However, if you purchased your equipment from a retailer and would like a refund for that equipment, you will need to follow that retailer's return/exchange policy. DexterVOIP will refund your money if you cancel within the first 31 days (international and directory assistance usage is not included).
RocketRewards
When you share the amazing benefits of Dexter Internet Phone Service with your friends and family, your referrals qualify for RocketRewards points that you can redeem for a reward. Earn up to a maximum of 300 points and choose from cool prizes like gift certificates, movie tickets and more!
Router
If you use a router to send broadband data between multiple computers or to enable a wireless card, DexterVOIP Service will still work. Some DexterVOIP equipment requires a router to share Internet connection. Check the packaging for system requirements.
S
Signature Number
A Signature Number is an additional personal phone number that you assign to a member of your household. You can set up different calling features for a Signature Number. You can add up to a total of 6 Signature Numbers. Each additional Signature Number not included in your service plan is $4.99 per month.
LynxSpots℠
Enjoy a $0.03 per minute international calling rate to 41 LynxSpot destinations all over the world! You don't need to pay an extra fee or sign up for a special international plan to qualify.
Speed Dial
Lets you designate a two-digit code to each of the telephone numbers you dial most often. Assign your codes by logging onto the Member Account Manager.
T
Terms of Service
DexterVOIP Terms of Service are available for review anytime online. You will need to agree to them in order to complete your order. You will also receive a copy for your records inside your Launch Kit. This agreement may change from time to time and the newest version will always be posted to the Terms of Service online.
Three-Way Calling
Add a third line to any established call and create a three-way conference call.
U
Unlimited Local and Long Distance Calling
The DexterVOIP Annual and Monthly Editions allow you to make unlimited calls to anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada anytime of day. The DexterVOIP LynxSpots and Global International plans also include unlimited calls to anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.
Universal Service Fund (USF)
The Federal Universal Fund (FUSF) supports telecommunications and information services in schools, public libraries, and rural health-care facilities. The fund also subsidizes local service to high-cost areas and low-income customers. The FCC requests this charge.
V
Voicemail
DexterVOIP Voicemail does so much more for you than an answering machine. Now you can listen to your messages on your phone or through your computer. Receive voicemail alerts instantaneously through your phone, email, cell phone, or even instant messenger.
Voice Over IP (VoIP)
The technology that makes DexterMO Internet's service work. VoIP enables the transmission of voice data over the Internet using a voice adapter.
