FAQs

What is reservationless audio conferencing?
Audio conferencing, also referred to as "conference calling" or "teleconferencing", allows people at separate locations to be connected simultaneously using conventional telephones.
Audio conferencing is an inexpensive and simple solution to meet your conference calling needs.
Audio conferencing is widely used in education, business and commerce to include participants in meetings when they are physically unable to attend.

What is web conferencing?
Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations over the Internet. In a web conference, each participant sits at their computer and is connected to other participants via the internet.
Web conferencing software can be either a downloaded application or a web-based application where the attendees simply enter a URL (website address) to enter the conference.

What is operator assisted conferencing?
Operator assisted conferencing, also known as ‘event conferencing’ is where a live operator answers all incoming calls and places participants into the conference. The operator then stays on the line to manage the call quality, gather any required information for participants, and answer any questions. The operator can also run structured Q&A sessions and polls.
The conference must be scheduled in advance, and is generally used for high profile or large scales events. For example, for briefing shareholders at an Annual General Meeting.

Why use conferencing?
• It requires no new technical knowledge on the part of the participants.
• Standard and familiar equipment can be used.
• It provides instantaneous communication and feedback.
• It is a very versatile medium and can enhance pre-recorded presentations and printed materials.
• It reduces corporate travel costs and allows for more productive staff time.
• It has less environmental impact than traditional forms of communication.
• It compliments other instructional forums.

Does Budget Conferencing support international callers?
Yes, Budget Conferencing can facilitate international calls. International countries you can dial out to include: Canada, Hong Kong, Japan Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, India, and Indonesia.

Do I have to book my conference calls in advance?
Not always! With FastAudio, our reservationless audio service, you can hold your conference calls at any time. When you sign up you will be provided with dial-in numbers and a passcode. You can use these every time you need to hold a conference call - without the need to book in advance.
The same applies to FastWeb, our web conferencing solution. You don’t need to book your web conferences in advance – you can simply use the URL and passcodes provided when you sign-up.
With FastEvent operator assisted conferencing, you do need to book your conferences in advance. This is because these calls require a dedicated operator to be present on the call, and we need to make sure one is available for you. We ask that you give us 2 days advance notice for these calls.

How many people can I have on a conference call?
With FastAudio, our reservationless audio service, you can have up to 75 participants on the call at the same time.
With FastEvent operator assisted conferencing, you can have up to 600 participants.

Do I need any special equipment to access your services?
For our audio conferencing products, all you need is a phone.
For WebEx web conferencing, you and your participants need a computer with internet access. You may need to download some software as well, but this will all be explained in the material you receive after you sign-up.

Do the conference participants use the same numbers as the host?
The host/organiser and participants dial in to the conference using the same access number, but the passcodes are different. This allows the organiser to control the conference calls and access special features they require, such as recording.

Can I record my conference call?
Yes. With our FastAudio reservationless audio conferencing, you can digitally record your conference call using your telephone keypad. When the conference starts, the host simply dials *22 from the telephone keypad to start recording. When the conference is completed, the host receives an email with the dial in information and passcode for the recorded conference. These details can also be passed to participants or perhaps those who missed the call. The recording is saved for 30 days.
With FastEvent operator assisted conferencing, you can also request for your conference to be recorded when you schedule it. This recording can also be made available via an FTP download for 30 days after the conference.
Please note that charge apply – see our rates section for details.

Can I view my usage?
Yes, you can view how many minutes you’ve used in the online billing section of the website. You must first log in to your account to access online billing.

I’m having problems signing up. What do I do?
To sign up to Budget Conferencing, you must be over 18 years of age, and you must have a valid Australian credit card. If you need help signing up, please contact our Sales team on 1800 701 106.

How do I change my contact details?
You can change your contact details via our secure customer login. After logging in, simply click on link ‘View/edit my contact details’ in the ‘My Details’ section of your account.

I’ve lost my conference information. Where can I find it?
You can access your dial in numbers and passcodes via this site. You must first log in to your account.

How much does it cost?
We have a range of pricing options available, please see our rates section. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please contact us for further details.

Is there a limit to the number of conference calls I can hold?
No, you can hold as many calls as you want. Note that if you are on one of our annual cap plans, calls above your capped minutes are charged at the ‘Pay as you go’ rates.

Am I billed monthly whether I hold any conference calls or not?
No – if you are on the ‘Pay as you go’ plan.
Yes – if you are on one of our monthly cap plans (annual commitment).

What payment methods are available?
All payments for our services are done through a credit card.

How do I change my credit card details?
To update your credit card information, you need to contact our Accounts Receivable Team on 1800 701 106.

When do I get charged?
Monthly invoices are processed and payments charged to the credit card approximately 5 - 10 business days following the end of the month.

What happens if my credit card has been lost/stolen/cancelled/maxed out?
If we are unable to charge your credit card on file, your Budget Conferencing services will be suspended and you will need to update your billing information by contacting our Accounts Receivable Team on 1800 701 106.  

Will I receive an invoice?
We will send you a copy of your invoice by email every month. You can also view your invoices online via the online billing section of the website. You must first log in to your account to access online billing.