About AstraGate’s Long Distance Services:
AstraGate uses it’s private network and other ISP’s private networks to allow you to make calls from your location to other locations within your states or to other states, depending on the plan you purchase.  These calls are not going over the Internet, and travel over private networks.  AstraGate makes use of this nationwide private, packet-switched fiber optic network to provide high-quality, low-cost, secured transport for voice, video, facsimile and data. AstraGate’s Long Distance service makes use of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology.  Using Voice over IP technology to make regular phone calls over this private network will lead to substantial savings on telephone service to you! No special equipment is required - only a telephone! Our telephone service is an enhancement to your existing Long Distance service, because you can keep your current long distance provider, and use our service at the same time.  So, if you are locked into a contract with your current long distance provider, don't worry, using our service won't effect it, and you will save a lot.

How Voice Over IP Technology Works
A customer dials AstraGate with their existing phone over their existing Telephone Service. There is no need to get any special equipment or to switch phone companies or use any kind of software. The customer is prompted to enter their Personal ID Number (PIN) (read below on how to eliminate the need for the PIN entering). After the authentication, the customer enters the long distance number they wish to reach. Then AstraGate VoIP Gateway Server sends all of this information over a private network and sends the call to the gateway server that is closest to the destination of the call. Then the VoIP Gateway Server at the destination site dials the destination phone number. After the connection is established both parties are talking over a private ATM network.  Neither of them needs anything more than a telephone.  The originator has to have a VoIP account with AstraGate in order to use these services. The destination must be covered by AstraGate coverage area.

The Customer can eliminate the need to input a PIN for up to 2 numbers per service within their office or home.

*See our coverage area for service in your neighborhood.

Summary of steps for making a call from your company or from your house (depending on the package you purchase):

1. Call local VoIP number (you can put this into your phone's Speed Dial or in your PBX).
2. Dial the long distance number you wish to call.

Summary of steps for making a call from outside your company or from outside your house (depending on the package you purchase):

1. Call local VoIP number (you can put this into your phone's speed dial or in your PBX).
2. Enter PIN Code (you can put this into your phone's speed dial or in your PBX).
3. Dial the long distance number you wish to call.

Your are probably already using VoIP for your long distance phone calls, and you don't even know it.  However, you are getting charged 10 cents to 55 cents per minute (or more) by your long distance phone company. 

You may also use AstraGate's service while you are traveling or from a friend's house or another company's phone.  Make unlimited number of calls with unlimited minutes to friends, family, and businesses for a single low monthly flat rate!!!    Talk longer.