FAQs: Conferencing
How do I set up a conference?
To set up a conference call:
1. Login to your Phone.com account or Extension.
2. From within the Extensions section, locate the "Conferencing" option on the left column.
3. From this point, you will be able to view your Conference Bridge Number plus the unique Conference and Moderator ID's.
4. You can also dial #CONF from any Phone.com IP phone or ATA.
Is Conferencing free?
Yes, when you dial from any phone directly into the permanent Conferencing Bridge provided on the control panel, you will only pay to your phone carrier as per your phone plan, and the minutes used on the bridge will not be accounted to your Phone.com account.
How do I obtain a conference call number, and to I need to identify a time for the conference call in advance to reserve it?
Your conference bridge number is accessible at any time without reservation from within each extension in your Phone.com account.
- Select the "Extensions" section then choose the "Settings" icon to the right of any extension in your account.
- Select the "Conferencing" option from the side navigation bar to view your personal conference bridge number, conference ID and moderator ID.
Can I record a conference call?
At this time, recording a conference call is not available.
Is it possible to change the initial welcome message when dialing into the conference line?
No, the initial welcome message is pre-recorded and cannot be modified.
Is there any way to have an international call-in number for conference calls?
At this time, our conference bridge numbers are US Based. However, you can purchase a Global Number from Phone.com and use call forwarding to the conference bridge number.
Can calling cards be used to dial into a conference call?
Yes, calling cards can be used to dial into a business conference call. Enter the calling card phone number, input the card’s pass code, and then dial the conference number provided to you by the Moderator. Depending on the calling card used, you may have to pay a fee (normally deducted as minutes from your card) for calls made from a payphone.
What is the maximum number of participants in a conference room at one time?
Currently, up to 500 participants can attend a business conference call at one time with Phone.com’s business phone services.
Is there a maximum amount of time a conference call can be in session?
No, there is no maximum amount of time a conference may stay in session with our business phone systems.
Can I choose my own phone number to call into a conference?
A permanent Conference Bridge Number is provided by Phone.com. You can “add a number” regular local or toll free number to your Phone.com account and have that number forwarded calls to the permanent bridge number. Please note that while calls to the permanent number are not billed to your Phone.com account, setting a new forwarding number and using it will result in billing of minutes as per the use of the number.
Does the number of participants affect the quality of the conference call?
As the number of participants increases, so the does the probability of unintended participant error. Issues may arise, such as background noise, un-muted lines, and the type of phone used can affect the quality of the conference call. A moderator function is available with our business phone services and enables the moderator to mute all participants except moderators.
How can I reduce echoing during a conference call?
Participants should check to make sure their microphone source used during the conference call is muted. Moderators can Mute and Un-Mute all of the lines and one-by-one to see if any particular caller or callers may be causing the echo effect. If this is determined to be the case, then those callers can be muted for the entirety of the conference, or they can try calling in again from a different phone or quieter area.
How can I reduce distortion during a conference call?
The participant should make sure to call from a good quality phone, and should make sure to keep any background noise to an absolute minimum. If this does not help, the participant should hang up and reattempt a connection into the conference. Participants can use the Mute and Un-Mute functions while on a conference call.
What happens if a participant calls into a conference before the moderator?
The participant is placed directly into the conference without having to wait for the moderator. The moderator can set the Bridge to disconnect, or keep all participants going after he/she leaves the call.
