About GoTrek VoIP

What is GoTrek VoIP?

GoTrek VoIP is a VoIP Softphone; that's just a fancy way of saying Internet telephone. A softphone is essentially an Internet telephone that allows you to make free phone calls to other people who are also running GoTrek VoIP on their computer.

How does GoTrek VoIP work?

Traditional telephones use phone lines that run back to your local telephone exchange to make phone calls. When you make a call using GoTrek VoIP, your voice is first turned into digital packets which can be used by your computer. These packets are then sent over the Internet from your computer to the computer of the person you are calling, where the packets are turned back into voice. Using GoTrek VoIP creates a cheap alternative to making traditional phone calls.

Why is GoTrek VoIP Free?

GoTrek VoIP is free because the call travels all the way via the Internet and incurs no charges from a traditional phone exchange.

My ISP charges for traffic, so is GoTrek VoIP still free?

Like all Internet based applications, GoTrek VoIP is going to use some of your Internet traffic - mostly when you are making or receiving calls. When you use GoTrek VoIP your computer is downloading data which your ISP may charge for so it is important if you are on a usage based plan which has excess data charges, that you monitor your data usage on a regular basis. If you aren't sure whether you are charged for Internet traffic, check with your ISP. A GoTrek VoIP call uses only 10MB per hour of conversation.

How do I login to my off-net call account?

Login to your off-net call account at http://vphone.vobphone.net.au/account/ and enter your GoTrek VoIP number and password. If you have forgotten your GoTrek VoIP number and password refer to the next question for help

I can't remember my username or password!

If you have registered a GoTrek VoIP number and can't remember your username or password click here to retrieve your username and password.

What will my GoTrek VoIP phone number be?

You will be provided with a phone number once you have installed your GoConnect Option plan, including GoTrek VoIP. If you already have a GoTrek VoIP number and can't remember it then just ogin to GoTrek using your username and password. Once you login the GoTrek VoIP number will be displayed in the GoTrek VoIP software.

Does GoTrek VoIP have a phone directory?

Yes, GoTrek VoIP has a phone directory that lists GoTrek VoIP users all over the world.

How can I list my number in the GoTrek VoIP directory?

Not all GoTrek VoIP users are listed in the directory. To be listed you must check the 'publish details' box on your account. You can edit your account details here.

Is there any adware, spyware, spam or any other nasties?

No, GoTrek VoIP does not contain any adware, spyware, spam or any other nasties

Do I really get Voicemail?

Yes you do. When you receive your GoTrek VoIP phone number you also get access to our Voicemail system for free! You can collect your Voicemail when you're next online by dialling 123 from your GoTrek VoIP phone.

Can I use GoTrek VoIP in my business?

Yes you can. There are many people using GoTrek VoIP for business. It's a great way to stay in touch with the office whilst working from home or on the road.

Off-net calls

What are off-net calls?

Off-net calls are made when you use GoTrek VoIP to call a traditional phone or mobile phone, whether it is a local, interstate or international call. The great benefit is that you will pay far less than a long distance call, because the call has travelled most of the way via the Internet. For example; you are in Germany and are using GoTrek VoIP to call someone in Australia. Your call travels over the Internet all the way to Australia, and when it gets there goes to one of our servers where it is crossed over to the traditional telephone network to reach its final destination. GoTrek VoIP also allows you to receive calls from off-net locations, for more details click here.

How do I make off-net calls?

Making Off Net calls with GoTrek VoIP is easy.
Once you have GoTrek installed it's as simple as logging into your account and adding credit. You can login to your account at http://vphone.vobphone.net.au/account/ and it's a good idea to bookmark the account login page. From then until your credit runs out, you can call whoever you want, wherever they are! For instructions on dialing off-net phone numbers, please click here.

Click here for the current National and International call rates.

How do I receive calls from off-net locations?

If you would like to receive calls on your GoTrek VoIP from off-net locations such as a friend's mobile phone, you will need to purchase what's called a GeoNumber. GeoNumbers are associated with your fixed land line at home, meaning that calls from PSTN networks (mobile, interstate, international) can be terminated right at your GoTrek VoIP on your computer. GeoNumber's are available for a monthly fee, and provisioning for these will begin shortly. So contact us now to register your interest for a GeoNumber.

How much does it cost to make off-net calls?

By using your existing Internet connection, GoTrek VoIP has the ability to save you a bundle on all your phone calls. With extremely competitive call rates to just about anywhere in the world, the GoTrek VoIP is the perfect solution to stay in touch with friends and family, wherever they might be located.

To call land lines and mobile phones, check out our current calling rates.

GoTrek VoIP Interface

The main GoTrek VoIP interface.

Message window interface.

1. Type their number on the dial pad.

2. Press Call, located above the dial pad, to the left.

1. Double click their name

2. or, click their name in the list once and then press Call.

1. Ensure you have credit in your VPhone account.

2. Dial + (The * key on VPhone dial pad).

3. Then the country code. Find country codes at the Wikipedia.

4. Then the area code - ignore the first digit if it's a zero.

5. Enter the phone number.

6. Then press Call.

Technical Questions

How can I get the best results using GoTrek VoIP over a dial up connection?

To get the best results using VoIP over dial up conection follow the instructions below:

• Close any programs that are running in the 'background'. For Window users, these applications can be seen in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. Make sure you don't close applications that are critical to system security such as anti-virus software, firewall applications and the like.
  
  
• Allocate as much of your bandwidth as possible to the VoIP softphone application. Don't do anything that uses your bandwidth whilst making calls. This includes instant messaging, checking email, using a webcam, browsing the internet, downloading, etc
  
  
• Scan your System for Viruses, Spyware, Adware and Malware
  
  
• Use a Headset with an Integrated Boom Microphone to eliminate the voice echoes.

Will I need any hardware?

If you are using GoTrek VoIP and your PC or laptop does not have a built in microphone or speakers, then you will need additional hardware to make on-net and off-net calls with GoTrek VoIP.

The hardware required includes a microphone device to speak into, such as an external microphone, and a set of speakers so you can hear the person on the other end of the call. You can also get hardware devices that will do both, such a headset with a microphone, or a USB Handset. If you dont have the required hardware, we can help there too. To view the list of hardware available through GoTrek please click here.

What if I have a NAT modem/router?

No problem. GoTrek VoIP will work with almost all NAT (Network Address Translation) servers. In fact, we have never had a problem with any of them. If you experience any NAT issues then please let us know!

I am behind a firewall, what ports need to be opened?

If your Internet connection is blocked by a non-NAT firewall (such as some business environments) then you will need to open up port 4569 in order to allow GoTrek VoIP to work.

How much bandwidth does GoTrek VoIP use?

A GoTrek VoIP call uses about 3KB/sec (three kilobytes per second) inbound and outbound. This translates to a little over 10MB per hour. This is based on a single call using the standard codec (iLBC - internet Low Bitrate Codec).

What codecs does GoTrek VoIP support?

The base codec used by GoTrek VoIP is iLBC (internet Low Bitrate Codec) which is a speech codec suitable for robust voice communication over the interne at a variable ratet. However GoTrek VoIP supports GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) which is commonly used for mobile phone conversations and G.711u/a which is the international standard for encoding telephone audio.

What protocols does GoTrek VoIP support?

GoTrek VoIP uses an enhanced version of IAX (Inter-Asterisk exchange) by default, IAX provides control and transmission of streaming media over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, however GoTrek VoIP also supports standard IAX and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

What is different between your enhanced IAX and normal IAX?

They are actually the same on the protocol level, however we make heavy use of the IAX message packets in order to communicate with the GoTrek VoIP server. This is used for checking who is online, sending text messages, and things like that.

Will GoTrek VoIP work with Asterisk?

Sure, we use GoTrek VoIP with Asterisk all the time in our office and it works really well. Just remember to use standard IAX or SIP as the protocol.