What is the difference between an ISDN-2 line and a normal phone line ?

A normal phone line is an analogue line transmitting at a speed of 56Kbps using the fastest modem. The format of an ISDN-2 transmission line is in digital form, hence it's faster. ISDN-2 line gives you a combined bandwidth of 128Kbps as it carries two channels at 64Kbps each.

How fast is ISDN ?

ISDN technology is capable of up to 128Kbps connection speeds. However, actual speed may often vary between 115Kbps & 128Kbps because of phone line or computer serial port limitations. In either case, ISDN can connect a computer to the internet at over twice the rate of a normal 56Kbps.

How is ISDN better than 56k modem ?

Performance and reliability. ISDN gives you at least twice the performance of a typical 56Kbps modem connection. Since the ISDN line is digital you will not be affected by line noise. Line noise is what causes lower connection speeds and frequent disconnects with 56Kbps modems.

Who can get ISDN service ?

As ISDN is a service available only on the new S3 telephone exchange. Customers with the following number ranges can get ISDN service :

331xxxx
332xxxx
333xxxx
335xxxx
339xxxx
650xxxx
652xxxx
660xxxx
664xxxx
666xxxx
668xxxx
670xxxx

Can I change my existing telephone line to ISDN-2 ?

Yes, you can upgrade your existing line to an ISDN line, to do this you need to apply for this service separately.
Please note that if you are in Malé or K.Villingili or Hulhulé or Hulhumalé or Eydhafushi or Hd.Kulhudhuffushi :

you will only pay ½ the setup charge of a new installation.

ISDN line monthly rental is different from a normal phone line.

Can I use my existing telephone equipment with ISDN-2 ?

Yes, but you will need a Terminal Adapter (TA).
A TA is a device required if you want to connect a non-ISDN equipment, in this case your existing telephone, to an ISDN line. Some ISDN equipment will have an extra phone socket (serving the purpose of a Terminal Adapter) in-built for you to plug-in your non-ISDN equipment.

Can I still make a normal phone call from my new ISDN line ?

Yes, you can still make and receive local and international voice calls to and from any number including mobile phones. ISDN to ISDN international calls are possible to some countries. However, should there be no ISDN connection available to a destination country, your call will automatically get connected as a regular IDD call.

Can I keep my existing telephone number ?

Yes, you will be able to keep your existing telephone number.

Will my directory entries change ?

No, your directory entries will remain unchanged.

Will Dhiraagu change the existing cable to provide ISDN-2 service ?

No, ISDN-2 service is provided over the same copper wire used for your ordinary telephone line.

Can I use my existing Caller ID equipment on an ISDN-2 line ?

Most ISDN phones in the market have built-in Caller ID capabilities. However, should you wish to use your old analogue Caller ID device, it depends on the ISDN modem you have purchased. As long as the ISDN modem is able to capture the number, the caller's number will be usually displayed on the Caller-ID device or Caller-ID phone. Dhiraagu will provide free Caller-ID service to ISDN lines.

Can I use ISDN-2 straight away ?

You can plug ISDN phones/modems and videoconferencing terminals into the socket on your ISDN-2 box and once configured, use them straight away.
To connect a computer, you'll need a properly configured ISDN modem or a Terminal Adapter (if you need to connect an analogue modem). These are available at Dhiraagu and other computer part suppliers. You can either use an internal or external modem. You will have to configure your software to make ISDN calls.

How many phones, computers and other devices can I attach to the ISDN-2 line simultaneously ?

Up to eight devices may be attached but you can only use two devices simultaneously. (To use analogue phones, faxes, answering machines and modems, you'll need an ISDN Terminal Adapter with analogue ports). These are available from Dhiraagu and other computer part suppliers.

How many calls can I make at any one time ?

Two. You can make two simultaneous digital voice calls or two data calls or one digital voice call and one data call.

If the two 64Kbps channels are used simultaneously, will I get a bill for the two different telephone numbers given to me ?

No, your usual bill will show a combined total for the calls made under one telephone number. However, when requested for an itemised bill, you will see the details for the two calls made under the same telephone number.

What happens if I am using both channels and someone tries to make an outgoing call from my ISDN-2 line ?

Unlike analogue connections, the digital connection will not be disrupted, but the person trying to access the line will not get a dial tone and will not be able to dial out.

How can I tell if I have been disconnected from a call ?

Most ISDN devices provide a method for indicating call status. In order to avoid paying for unnecessarily long calls, you should familiarise yourself with how each device displays whether or not a call is connected. When using computers, ask your ISDN Card or Terminal Adapter supplier how your software indicates call status.

How do I do the wiring for additional ISDN devices ?

Dhiraagu can install digital extension wiring for an additional charge. Alternatively, you can do it yourself. Please visit our Teleshop or call our Customer Services FREE on 123 to obtain wiring instructions.

Do I need any special kind of jacks on my wall for ISDN ?

No, Dhiraagu will install the standard RJ45 wall socket for ISDN at your home.

Can I use "Star Plus" Services on ISDN-2 ?

ISDN services are different from normal telephone services and not all of these services will be available (e.g. Alarm Call, Speed Dialling). However, Dhiraagu will be offering many advanced ISDN services in the future.

Can I use a regular modem with the ISDN-2 line ?

No, you cannot plug a regular analogue modem directly into the ISDN-2 box, however you can plug a regular modem into an analogue port on the Terminal Adapter - you will then be able to send data this way but will only achieve the maximum speed of an analogue modem.

Do call charges differ from normal analogue lines?

Voice calls from ISDN lines are charged at the same rate as ordinary fixed lines but international data calls and Internet calls are charged slightly higher. A detailed ISDN tariff sheet is available from Dhiraagu Customer Front Office and Regional Centres.

Can I use ISDN-2 to connect to someone who only has an analogue modem ?

It depends on the ISDN interface you have in your computer. Some modern ISDN modems can emulate an analogue modem, which effectively limits its speed to that of the modem being dialed. If your equipment supports this feature, you should have no difficulty in connecting to someone with an analogue modem.

What do I do if the SERVICE LED on the NT1 box has gone out?

There may be a fault on the line. Please check if you can still make calls using the ISDN line. If not, call our Customer Services Free on 123.

I'm having trouble getting ISDN-2 to do what I want.

Check that the SERVICE LED is lit. If it is ON, check that your hardware (phone, fax, phone system or router) is compatible with ISDN-2 and is properly configured. This may involve contacting your hardware supplier. Remember that you can only make two simultaneous calls. So, if there are already two calls in progress, you won't be able to use the ISDN-2 line for a third call. If you still have a problem, call our Customer Services FREE on 123.

My computer does not seem to work with ISDN-2.

Check that the SERVICE LED is on. Ensure that your computer is correctly fitted with an ISDN PC Card or a Terminal Adapter. If you are using additional extension wiring, plug your ISDN device directly into either of the sockets on the ISDN-2 NT1 box. If it works, you may have a problem with your extension wiring and also you may need to check the configuration switches on your ISDN-2 NT1 box.

I'm having trouble accessing a remote computer or network/Internet Access.

Check that the SERVICE LED is lit. If it is ON, check that your hardware (phone, fax phone system, router) is compatible with ISDN-2 and is properly configured. This may involve contacting your hardware supplier. Remember that you can only make two simultaneous calls. So, there are already two calls in progress, you wont be able to use the ISDN-2 line for a third call. If you still have a problem, call our Customer Services FREE on 123

A large number of short calls are appearing on my bill.

Your equipment may not be properly configured. Some computers, LAN applications and routers can be set to 'poll' each other at regular intervals, raising a minimum call charge each time. Some e-mail applications send e- mails as soon as they are written. The best way to avoid this happening is to set your routers to 'poll' each other less frequently and to re-configure your e-mail application so that it sends e-mails in batches, rather than individually.