Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ConferenceFree services. If you need an answer about a topic that is not addressed, feel free to enquire at any time.

The ConferenceFree Advantage

• Is ConferenceFree really free?
• Why do I need audio conferencing?
• Why ConferenceFree?
• Is there a difference between your equipment and that used by competition?
• If there is no difference in equipment, why does the competition charge more?
• What is the minimum contract period?

Technology & Uses

• How is a conference-call service provider different from my local phone company?
• Why do I need a conference call service provider? Why can’t I use my own PABX?
• What are some of the common uses for audio conferencing?

Holding a Successful Conference Call

• How far in advance must calls be scheduled?
• How many people can participate in a call?
• How does the moderator initiate the call?
• How does a participant call into the conference line?
• Can participants call in early? May they join late?
• What should be done to avoid echoing in the conference call?
• How do I mute and un-mute during a call?
• How do I increase or decrease the volume on all lines?
• Can the moderator end the call before scheduled?
• How can I change the conference line to lecture or listen-only mode?
• Can I use the service when I am travelling internationally?

Optional Services

• Can ConferenceFree calls be recorded for my later use?

THE CONFERENCEFREE ADVANTAGE

Is ConferenceFree truly free?

In short, yes! While we do offer premium services, including operator-assisted calls, our standard, high-quality service is free across the U.S. The only charges incurred are regular local calling charges, which come from your telecom provider. You will never receive a bill from ConferenceFree for any of our standard services. Top

Why do I need audio conferencing?

Audio conferencing is a flexible solution that allows you to connect instantly by phone to make pitches, strategize, discuss and resolve problems, and bring key players together. Our ability to handle large, event-based calls also enables you to make virtual proposals and presentations to audiences worldwide.

• Stay in constant contact with new and potential clients
• Respond to obstacles by connecting key players
• Reduce travel time and costs for your employees

Why ConferenceFree?

With more than 20 years experience providing conference-call-services, our industry knowledge is second to none. We’re also small enough to provide all of the support you need, when you need it. Top

Is there a difference between your equipment and that used by competition?

Most conference-call service providers use similar equipment. For that reason, you will not see much difference in the features or services offered by many providers. The difference with ConferenceFree is our commitment to superior service and affordability.

If there is no difference in equipment, why does the competition charge more?

At ConferenceFree, we believe in providing the best service at the best price. As to why our competitors choose to charge higher rates, only they can answer that question.

What is the minimum contract period?

With ConferenceFree, you are never locked into a contract. It’s just one more way that we provide flexible, business-centric communications solutions to our clients.

TECHNOLOGY & USES

How is a conference-call service provider different from my local phone company?

A conference-call service provider is independent of your local phone company. It is a separate company designed to provide value-added services, including conferencing and voicemail. Top

Why do I need a conference call service provider? Why can’t I use my own PABX or PBX?

With ConferenceFree, you ensure that you have an expert partner with industry know-how and the capacity to handle multiple calls. In addition, you receive:

• Enhanced Clarity: Our conferencing systems provide you with automatic gain control, whereby the system will automatically adjust the volume of each caller.
• Centralised Access: Most PABX systems allow for up to 8 users, but either the caller must initiate or you must call each party. We provide an open bridge into which participants may dial.
• Greater Call Control: Whether on the phone or in person, moderation is the key to a successful meeting. Our services enable you to retain complete control over every call.

What are some of the common uses for audio conferencing?

There are thousands of potential uses for audio conferencing. Some of the most common include:

• Marketing & PR: Make announcements, develop your marketing plan, or kick off a product line.
• Business Development: Court new clients and impress those you already have with constant, relevant communication.
• Active Project Management: Especially when working with remote employees or clients, the best-run projects rely on continued communication.
• Budgeting & Finance: Whether negotiating a contract or discussing the budget, real-time dialogue is essential.

For even more suggestions, visit our Solutions page. Top

HOLDING A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE CALL

How far in advance must calls be scheduled?

With our reservation-less system, calls can be initiated at any time.

How many people may participate in a call?

ConferenceFree does not place a limit on the number of participants, however we ideally keep upto 25 participants. If you need to add more participants simply contact us.

How does the moderator initiate the call?

Using a special code, the moderator opens the conference line, allowing other callers to dial in. Top

How does a participant access the conference line?

Participants access the conference line by entering their participant code, which is provided by the moderator in the invitation. Connecting is easy. Participants simply:

• Call the conference bridge number
• Enter their pass code
• Confirm the day, date, and time of the call

Can participants call in early? May they join late?

It is important that participants not call the conference bridge number at any time other than that which is scheduled; access to the conference line is only available as arranged for by the moderator, and the correct pass code must be entered to gain access. Once a call has been initiated, participants may join at any time, providing the call has not been locked by the moderator. Top

What should be done to avoid echoing in the conference call?

In the rare event that echoing occurs during your call:

• Be sure that all callers have connected using their own line; neither participants nor moderators should use three-way calling during the conference.
• Each person should call in separately to maintain the high quality of the teleconference line.
• If an echo occurs only while a particular participant talks, that individual should hang up and reconnect or simply mute their line so that the call can continue without interference.

How do I mute and un-mute during a call?

By pressing *6, you can utilize the mute function during a call. To un-mute, simply dial *6 again. Top

How do I increase of decrease the volume on all lines?

Simply press * 4 to increase the volume by +1Db, up to 3 times. If you keep pressing the same, it will go down by -1 Db. Once you finish your call, your phone will go back to 0Db automatically.

Can the moderator end the call before scheduled?

At any time, the moderator may press "##" to end the conference immediately.

How can I change the conference line to lecture or listen-only mode?

Only the moderator can change the call to lecture mode. When the moderator presses * 5, the system will play a tone and place all participant lines (except the moderator’s) into listen-only mode. To get back to normal mode, the Moderator must press * 5 again.

Can I use the service when I am travelling internationally?

ConferenceFree is available worldwide; however, you may incur long-distance charges for the call. Top

OPTIONAL SERVICES

Can ConferenceFree calls be recorded for my later use?

Call recording is available as an optional service. To learn more, Contact us today.