After an IP-based or traditional TDM telephone service has been established, a physical telephone must be chosen. While most users will use a single line telephone, multi-line sets are also available.

A traditional TDM single line phone set is a basic phone, similar to telephones that most users might find in their own personal homes, made up of a handset and base with a keypad. Though the TDM basic single line phones are simple, they can allow for additional features as required to suit the user's needs.

IP-based single line telephone sets offer many advanced services and features, including mobility and presence. More information IP-based single line sets is available at User Guides.

Features of single line phones are accessed through keypad commands beginning with either the star or pound keys. You must "flash" the switch hook to activate features for calls in progress. The switch hook is the button on the set which detects that the handset has been returned to its cradle when you hang up.

To "flash" the switch hook while a call is in progress, fully depress the switch hook for one second, and release it. You will hear a stutter dial tone followed by a standard dial tone confirmation that the switch hook has "flashed."

Features

The following features are programmed on your TDM and IP-based telephone by default:

•    Call Waiting — During a call, call waiting tells you that a second call is waiting. You can answer the second call without disconnecting the first, enabling you to use your telephone without missing important calls. You can alternate between the two callers, or release one of many calls. This feature is programmed by default with your phone service. If you choose not to use call waiting, you must specify your needs when ordering your phone service.

•    Call Forwarding — When call forwarding is activated, all calls made to your number are automatically forwarded to the phone number which you decide on. You can turn call forwarding on / off as necessary:

o    Dial *91 followed by the extension to activate call forwarding

o    Dial *92 to deactivate call forwarding

If you have voicemail set up on your phone and activate call forwarding, missed calls will still be routed to your voicemail box. This feature is programmed by default with your phone service.

•    Three Way Calling — Using the three way calling feature, you can either conference call with two numbers or you can transfer calls to another number. This feature is programmed by default with your phone service.

•    Last Number Redial — The last number redial feature allows you to redial the last number that has been dialed by pressing one button. The telephone stores the last number dialed at the handset for each dialing.

•    Music on Hold — Most phones have music playing when a caller is placed on hold.

•    Auto Display (IP-based Only) — This feature enables you to see information about your current call and the features that are being used on your telephone. How many an incoming call as well be displayed, if the number is not blocked.