Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adera?
What is the monthly price of the service?
Will broadband voice services be subject to state and local taxes?
Is the quality of the service the same as my current phone service?
What if I don't have a high speed Internet connection can I still get the service?
Will I still get the same calling features and voice mail as my existing phone service?
Will I still be able to access 911 and directory assistance?
Will I receive a paper invoice from Adera each month?
Will I still have access to customer service for repair issues?
Will the service be available for small businesses?
What happens in the case of a power outage?
Is there additional equipment that I need to purchase to receive the service?
Can I receive professional installation of the service?
What is Broadband voice?
Broadband voice is a new phone service that allows you to make and receive phone calls using your high speed Internet connection.
Who is Adera?
Adera is the broadband voice company that is owned and operated by Lightwave Communications.
What is the monthly price of the service?
For residential customers, the monthly price is $29.95 for unlimited local and domestic long distance calling. Each additional phone line is only $10.00 per month. For those customers who make few long distance calls, we offer unlimited local calling for $19.95 per month with 100 minutes of long distance each month (additional minutes are billed at $0.05 per minute). There is a one-time activation fee of $35.00.
Will broadband voice services be subject to state and local taxes?
No. The FCC has ruled that broadband voice is an interstate enhanced service and is not subject to state and local taxes. You will have a $1.50 per line charge each month to off-set local number portability and regulatory compliance expenses.
Is the quality of the service the same as my current phone service?
Depending on your high speed Internet connection, the quality of the phone calls will be the same or better than your current phone service.
What if I don't have a high speed Internet connection can I still get the service?
No. We use your high speed Internet connection to carry the phone call to our switch. If DSL service is available in your area, we can provide you with a high speed Internet connection for an additional $29.99 per month or you may be able to order a high speed Internet connection from your cable provider.
Will I still get the same calling features and voice mail as my existing phone service?
Yes and much more. Our broadband voice service comes with a broad range of calling features and enhanced messaging services including voice mail and wireless integration.
Will I still be able to access 911 and directory assistance?
Depending on where you live, there may be some limitations on your ability to access all the features of E911 services. We will be able to provide all of the features of E911 service within the Baltimore-Washington corridor. If E911 service is not available, we can offer a Lifeline phone line for an additional monthly fee. Everyone will have access to directory assistance.
Will I receive a paper invoice from Adera each month?
No. In order to keep the price of the service this low, your monthly bill will be available for your review the first week of each month only from our secure web site. In addition, we require that all payments for your service must be made through an auto-payment arrangement with us each month using a valid credit or debit card or through automatic monthly withdrawals from a checking or saving account.
Will I still have access to customer service for repair issues?
Yes. Repair services will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Inside wiring repair will also be available for an additional hourly charge unless you subscribe to our Guardian service for $3.95 per month per line which covers all inside wire maintenance costs.
Will the service be available for small businesses?
Yes. We expect to have a comparable service available by the summer of 2005 for our small and medium sized business customers.
What happens in the case of a power outage?
Since your phone service will be provided through your high speed Internet connection, a loss of power to your cable or DSL modem will also cause the loss of your phone service. You can request for an additional monthly fee, a Lifeline phone line that receives power from the central office as a backup to your broadband voice service.
Is there additional equipment that I need to purchase to receive the service?
No. The adapter that is required for the service is shipped as part of the self install kit.
Can I receive professional installation of the service?
Yes. We will dispatch a technician to your residence to wire the adapters to your existing phone lines. There is a one time charge of $65.00 for the installation.