As experts in the internet fax industry, we have compiled frequently asked questions submitted via our website, FaxCompare.
1. What equipment do I need for internet faxing
Internet faxing is easy, and all you need to get started is a computer, an internet connection and a browser of your choice (ie: Mozilla, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc). You might need a scanner if you have documents you want to fax that aren't saved to your hard drive.
2. Do these services only work with Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook has a plug-in specifically designed for internet faxing, but these services work with any email account, ie: Hotmail, Yahoo!, Gmail, etc.
3. When I receive faxes in my inbox, what format will they be in?
Most internet fax providers convert faxes into .pdf and .tiff files before they are faxed to your inbox.
4. Can I transfer my current fax number to an internet fax service providers?
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires all telephone companies to offer telephone number portability for local numbers. If you currently have service with a local telephone company than you should have no problem porting your number and you should have no problem taking that number with you if you decide to change carriers later. However, if you were issued your fax number through an online fax service or VoIP service, then you might have a problem. Online fax services and VoIP services have to lease numbers from telecommunications service providers, who control the switches used to route calls from the internet to analog phone lines. Therefore, those numbers are registered to the online fax service or VoIP service and you don't own it like you do if it's issued by a local service provider. The good news that if you port your number to an online service, you can keep it no matter where you move.
5. What are the geographical limitations of each of these providers?
The majority of internet fax providers do in fact offer international faxing options. With these options there are little to no geographical limitations, however there are increased prices associated with sending and receiving international faxes. Most of the providers' websites do list the costs associated with sending an international fax as well as exact rates for several different countries.