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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tango?
What is VoIP?
How does VoIP work?
What is broadband service?
How do I sign up for service with Tango?
Do I need any special equipment?
What is an ATA?
When will I receive my ATA?
How do I install the ATA?
Can I use Tango with my dial up connection?
Will I need to buy a new phone to use Tango?
Do I need a computer to use Tango?
Can I travel with my Tango service?
Does Tango really work just like my traditional telephone?
Will my phone number be listed in the phone book?
Should I cancel my local phone service once Tango is installed?
What is Tango Internet Phone Service?
Tango is a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider. That means that Tango uses the Internet to provide communication services at a much lower price than traditional telephone service.
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a method for taking analog audio signals and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
How does VoIP work?
Data networks (like VoIP) send and retrieve data as you need it. Instead of routing the data over a dedicated line, the data packets flow through a chaotic network along thousands of possible paths. This is called packet switching.
While circuit switching keeps the connection open and constant, packet switching opens a brief connection -- just long enough to send a small chunk of data, called a packet, from one system to another. It works like this:
- The sending computer chops data into small packets, with an address on each one telling the network devices where to send them.
- Inside of each packet is a payload. The payload is a piece of the e-mail, a music file or whatever type of file is being transmitted inside the packet.
- The sending computer sends the packet to a nearby router and forgets about it. The nearby router send the packet to another router that is closer to the recipient computer. That router sends the packet along to another, even closer router, and so on.
- When the receiving computer finally gets the packets (which may have all taken completely different paths to get there), it uses instructions contained within the packets to reassemble the data into its original state.
What is broadband service?
Broadband is high-speed Internet access through a cable or DSL modem. It gives you an always on, faster connection than traditional dial up Internet access. Now, with Tango, broadband makes it possible to make and receive phone calls using Voice over IP through your high-speed Internet connection.
How do I sign up for service with Tango?
You can sign up online at www.iwantango.com. Choose the plan that meets your needs and follow our easy online order process. If you'd rather place your order by phone, contact our sales department at 1-866-58TANGO (1-866-588-2646). Once your order has been processed, you'll receive you're ATA and other materials in the mail.
Do I need any special equipment?
In order to use Tango's Voice over IP service, you will need the following:
- A broadband high-speed Internet service such as: DSL or Cable. Satellite Internet connections are not recommended for Tango Internet Phone Service as there may be some speed issues that are inherent to satellite connections or line of sight issues that could affect audio quality when making calls with Tango.
- A credit card with US billing and shipping address.
- An Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) that is provided as part of your service.
What is an ATA?
An Analog Telephony Adapter, or ATA, is a device used to connect one or more standard analog telephones to a Voice over IP based network.
When will I receive my ATA?
Most customers will receive their Tango start-up kit in 2-4 weeks. There are cases where it may take a little longer.
How do I install the ATA?
Click here for a Flash demonstration on installing the Cisco ATA 186.
Requires Macromedia Flash plug-in.
Can I use Tango with my dial up connection?
No. Tango requires 90 kbps of consistent upload/download speed to make and receive phone calls, because of this, only broadband (like DSL or cable) connections are compatible.
Will I need to buy a new phone to use Tango?
No. Tango works with most phones designed for residential use, as long as they're connected to the ATA (Analog telephone adaptor) we provide you.
Do I need a computer to use Tango?
No. The ATA connects directly to your broadband connection. However, a computer will certainly enhance your user experience with Tango.
Can I travel with my Tango service?
Certainly. Tango was made to travel. By connecting your ATA to any analog phone and high-speed Internet connection you can make and receive calls just like you do from your home or office.
Does Tango really work just like my traditional telephone?
Yes. The ATA allows Tango to work seamlessly with your existing telephone equipment. That means that you can make and receive calls, including calls to toll-free numbers, just as you always have.
Tango offers you the same standard features as standard telephone service, features like Call Waiting, Voicemail, 3-Way Calling, and in most cases offers you many more. For a complete list of features, click here.
It is important to note that while you'll use your Tango Internet Phone Service just like you would traditional phone service, 911 does function somewhat differently. Please see our 911 section for details.
Will my phone number be listed in the phone book?
No. Your phone number will not automatically be listed in the phone book or with Directory Assistance. However, it is possible to have you number listed. Please contact one of our customer service representatives at 1-866-58TANGO for more details.
Should I cancel my local phone service once Tango is installed?
The choice is up to you! Because Tango uses your broadband connection to place calls, it doesn't need a phone line. So you can cancel your local (hard line) phone service if you wish.
If you have DSL or a monitored security system, it may need access to a phone line to function properly, so keeping your local phone service makes sense. Contact your DSL or security provider to find out if any they require you to have a hard line installed.