CogniPhone Long Distance
FAQ
Are there any signup fees, monthly fee or minimum usage required?
No.
How long does it take to switch to CogniPhone?
This varies and is primarily based on how long your local phone company takes to process the change order. The average time is 2 weeks, but in some areas it may take as little as 2 days.
What is the process after the online order is submitted?
Assuming that your credit card is approved, an automated system know as Third Party Verification - ( TPV ) will call the Billing Telephone Number (BTN) and ask you a few questions to verify your line switch order. A completed TPV will allow us to perform the final line switch. We know that you may not be at the Billing Telephone Number - ( BTN ) at the time you fill in this signup form. Look for a special web link in your activation email from CST which will allow you to trigger a TPV phone call 24 hours a day. This option is recommended for quickest account activation.For a multi-line business or if Third Party Verification is not possible, please complete the online order form. After that, you will receive the confirmation email message from Cognigen Switching Technologies that will instruct you how to download the "Letter Of Authorization". (This is in case that you have many lines to switch or just want to skip a TVP phone call).
How do I know when I'm switched to CogniPhone?
You can dial 1-700-555-4141 and a recording will announce who your long distance carrier is.
What is a PIC freeze?
This is when a customer makes arrangements with their local exchange carrier (local telephone company) to prevent unauthorized changing of their long distance telephone carrier (oral or written). This feature is free of charge and most of the customers don't know that they have it, which may cause the long distance order to be delayed up to several weeks. If you are unsure whether you have it or not, we strongly recommend you to contact your local phone company and check. If you do have a PIC freeze on your line, please remove it before submitting the long distance order.
Can I get a calling card?
Calling card is included in your long distance service at no extra cost. You can obtain your calling card PIN and view the rates by using your Administraton Web Page.
What are my billing options?
Online billing with credit card payment is the only option at this time. This is one of the ways we keep the cost low and the quality high.
How about the line quality?
CogniPhone uses one of the nation's largest interstate carriers with complete fiberoptic networks that provide the crystal clear connection - actually one of the best in US.
Can I order a toll free service with CogniPhone?
Yes. After your CogniPhone account is created you will be able to order toll free service and calling cards through your secure online account access web site. The monthly service charge for each switched toll free number is $1.50. The rate per minute is 10 cents.
How Can I add more lines to my account?
After your CogniPhone account is created you can have additional lines added to your account through your secure online account access web site.
Am I protected by law from unauthorized phone line switching?
The phone line you enter must be an existing phone line for which your name or company name appears on your phone bill. Federal government imposed fine for knowingly trying to "Slam" or switch a phone line without proper authorization can be up to $25,000 per line. Please be sure to enter only your own phone lines.
What is Third Party Verification?
In the last few years there have been many cases of telephone customers having their Interstate Carrier changed without the customer's authorization. Because of these abuses, a Federal regulation was created that requires a customer to provide a written authorization or verify their desire to switch their carrier through a third party. "Third Party Verification" (TPV) is required whenever a telephone customer switches their Interstate Carrier. CST uses VoiceLog, an authorized TPV vendor to perform our verifications. We cannot switch your lines until we receive a Voicelog TPV confirmation, or a written "Letter of Authorization" (LOA) form directly from the customer.
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