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Using VoIP Services on a Locked Modem

Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) “lock” the VoIP features of their supplied modems. This means you can’t directly change the VoIP settings inside the modem’s interface.

Good news: You can still enjoy VoIP calls by connecting your VoIP-capable equipment alongside the modem.

There are two main ways to do this:

  1. Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) – lets you use a standard analog phone.

  2. VoIP-Enabled Telephone – connects directly to your network and stores VoIP settings.

This guide will show you step-by-step how to set up both methods.

Option 1: Using an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)

What You’ll Need

  1. A modem with a working internet connection

  2. An ATA device 

  3. An analog phone (standard landline-style or a VOIP-compatible handset)

  4. An Ethernet cable (RJ45) and phone cable (RJ11)

  5. Your VoIP account details (username, password, SIP server address)

 

Step 1: Power Off Your Equipment

Turn off your modem, ATA, and phone to avoid connection issues during setup.

Step 2: Connect the ATA to Your Modem

  • Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the ATA’s WAN or Internet port.
  • Plug the other end into an available LAN port on your modem/router.

Step 3: Connect Your Phone to the ATA

Attach the phone cable from your analog phone to the ATA’s Phone or Line port.

Step 4: Power On Devices

  • First, turn on your modem and wait until the connection is established.
  • Then power on the ATA.
  • Finally, plug in and power your phone (if applicable).

Step 5: Configure the ATA

  • On a connected computer, access the ATA’s configuration page (refer to your ATA manual for the correct IP address or login method).
  • Enter your VoIP SIP settings: server address, username, and password. For details, see this article.
  • Save your changes.

Step 6: Test the Line

  • Pick up your phone and check for a dial tone.
  • Try placing a test call to confirm audio quality.
Option 2: Using a VoIP-Enabled Analog Phone

Some analog-style phones come with built-in VoIP functionality, letting you skip the ATA entirely.

What You’ll Need

  • A modem with a working internet connection

  • A VOIP-compatible telephone

  • An Ethernet cable (RJ45) 

  • Your VoIP account details (username, password, SIP server info)

Step 1: Connect the phone to your modem/router via Ethernet.

Step 2:  On a connected computer, access the phone’s configuration page (refer to the manufacturer's manual for the correct IP address or login method).

Step 3: Enter your VoIP SIP settings: server address, username, and password. For details, see this article.

Step 4: Save your changes.

Step 5: Test for dial tone and call quality.

 

Troubleshooting Tips
  • No Dial Tone: Double-check all cable connections and verify ATA power.

  • Registration Failed: Ensure your SIP credentials are entered correctly. 

Need Assistance? We're Here to Help!

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Using VoIP Services on a Locked Modem