Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the system easy to use?
Yes. It couldn't be easier.
- You dial a local telephone number.
- A voice prompts you for your PIN.
- You listen to the meeting.
What is the sound quality like?
This is a business grade service backed by a leading business telephony supplier.
You will find that the telephone you listen on makes the biggest difference to the sound quality.
How long does it take to set up?
It only takes us a few minutes, so as soon as we are notified of payment your conference room will be ready to use. We will send you the phone number and PIN by email.
What equipment do we need at the Kingdom Hall?
You need a device (telephone coupler) to connect your sound system to the telephone line. We do not supply these units but have gathered some information which we hope will help.
Do we need a computer at the Kingdom Hall to use this service?
No.
What equipment do the brothers need to listen to the meeting?
No special equipment is required though it is much easier to listen to the meeting using a good quality speaker phone.
How much does the service cost?
The cost to the congregation is £8.50 (inc VAT) per month paid by standing order. There is also a one-off setup charge of £10.00. (If you require a VAT invoice please contact us before applying).
You only need one account for a Kingdom Hall regardless of how many congregations share the hall.
This charge does not include telephone calls which are billed by your Telephone Service Provider. These could be free so £8.50 per month would be the total cost to the congregation.
If at anytime you want to cancel the service simply stop the monthly payment. And an email letting us know would be nice.
How are the telephone calls free?
Many calling plans allow 60, 70 or 90 minutes free calls to geographic numbers therefore if you hang up and redial during the middle song you will pay little or nothing for the call.
Which Telephone Service Provider do you recommend?
This is a very competitive field. We have gathered some information on calling plans.
Do the brothers listening in have to pay for the service?
No. They only pay for their phone calls which should be little or nothing.
How many listeners can we have?
At least 20. This is not a fixed limit and is governed by the hardware so you may have more if you wish. If you need a lot more please contact us.
Can the brothers listening in comment in the Watchtower study etc?
Yes, as long as you have a telephone coupler that allows two way communication.
You will also need to devise a system so that the conductor knows that someone has a comment as he wont be able to see their hand.
Can the brothers listening in talk to each other?
Yes. We have found that the brothers really enjoy association before and after the meeting chatting to each other (even when the Kingdom Hall disconnects). However it is important for the general sound quality that those listening in press the mute button on their phone when the meeting starts.
Can we use the service in the daytime for weddings and funerals etc?
Yes, you will have your own conference room to use whenever you want.
Can brothers in other countries listen to our meeting?
Yes, anyone can listen if you tell them the phone number and pin.
How can we control who is able to listen in?
Your conference room has a pin number which you control.
What is the society's view on conference links?
See Watchtower June 1, 1987 p10 para 12.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and if we don't know the answer we probably know someone that does..