Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT VATTENDANCE
WHAT IS VATTENDANCE?
Vattendance is an audio streaming service designed specifically for Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It offers the ability to listen to live meetings over the internet or by dialling a local telephone number.
DOES VATTENDANCE PROVIDE A VIDEO SOLUTION?
No. Vattendance is designed to be a simple, set and forget solution for both the Kingdom Hall and the caller. It is a solution for Congregations that have limited technical resources or Callers that are limited in their technical ability.
It can be used as a stand-alone solution or as a compliment to video solutions like Zoom.
It can be used as a stand-alone solution or as a compliment to video solutions like Zoom.
LISTENING TO MEETINGS
HOW DO I LISTEN OVER THE INTERNET?
Apps are available for Android and Apple phones.
To download the App from Google Play click here
To download from the App Store click here
To download the App from Google Play click here
To download from the App Store click here
IS THE APP EASY TO USE?
Very easy. Once the app is set up for the first time, you can listen into meetings by pressing a single button.
HOW DO I CONFIGURE THE APP TO LISTEN TO OUR MEETINGS?
Please take a look at our help article which shows the process for configuring the App.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO CALLERS NEED TO LISTEN TO MEETINGS?
Callers can dial into the meeting using a standard analogue telephone or a mobile phone. If their mobile phone is Internet connected, they can also download our Android or iPhone App to listen in.
IS THE PHONE NUMBER YOU WILL PROVIDE IN MY LOCAL CALLING ZONE?
Yes. We provide local calling numbers for all calling zones across Australia or New Zealand.
ANSWERING FROM HOME
DO CALLERS NEED TO PRE-ARRANGE THEIR ANSWERS?
No! Requesting an answer is a real-time process.
If dialling in by telephone, callers request an answer by pressing *** on their telephone keypad. If listening via the streaming App, callers can click the “Request Answer” button in the app.
If dialling in by telephone, callers request an answer by pressing *** on their telephone keypad. If listening via the streaming App, callers can click the “Request Answer” button in the app.
WHAT IS THE FULL ANSWERING PROCESS?
The process for commenting can be found in this help article.
DOES THE SPEAKER KNOW WHO IS REQUESTING AN ANSWER before selecting them?
Yes! A page on in the web portal displays this information when an answer is requested. This page can be displayed to the speaker on a screen at the back of the Kingdom hall or on a small tablet at the lectern.
REPORTING
AM I ABLE TO GET A COUNT OF HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LISTENING DURING THE MEETING?
Yes, using two methods.
1. Using the web portal. The "Live Listeners Count" link can be provided to your attendants so they can access this information freely
2. The count can also be accessed by phone.
1. Using the web portal. The "Live Listeners Count" link can be provided to your attendants so they can access this information freely
2. The count can also be accessed by phone.
WHAT IS REAL ATTENDANCE COUNTING?
Vattendance provides the number of people who are actually listening as opposed to the number of connections.
If listening via the App, users can select the number of “Listeners” that are using their connection.
If listening via Telephone, the caller is asked to specify how many people are listening by means of their keypad.
If listening via the App, users can select the number of “Listeners” that are using their connection.
If listening via Telephone, the caller is asked to specify how many people are listening by means of their keypad.
HOW CAN WE KEEP TRACK OF WHO IS USING THE SERVice?
The Vattendance portal provides detailed information about who listened to each meeting. You can also configure the system to send a post-meeting report. This access should be provided to all group overseers.
SECURITY
How is security maintained?
Each Vattendance service is protected by a four digit PIN of your choosing. You may change this PIN at any time from the web portal.
In addition, you can upload all phone numbers of congregation members and associate a name to them. This enables you to see real names in the meeting reports so that you have a thorough understand of who is accessing your meetings.
In addition, you can upload all phone numbers of congregation members and associate a name to them. This enables you to see real names in the meeting reports so that you have a thorough understand of who is accessing your meetings.
WHAT IS THE PIN BYPASS FUNCTIONALITY?
PIN bypass enables you to specify certain phone numbers that will be able to gain access to your meetings without entering a PIN. It provides a more user friendly experience for those who are regular users while maintaining good security of your congregation meetings.
NOTE: Pin bypass is only available for those dialling in by Telephone. If using the streaming App a PIN is always required.
NOTE: Pin bypass is only available for those dialling in by Telephone. If using the streaming App a PIN is always required.
TECHNICAL
HOW TAXING IS THIS SOLUTION ON THE SOUND DESK OPERATOR?
The Vattendance IP solution is the easiest solution available anywhere. Once the system is installed and configured it is zero-touch. You will not need to manually connect to a conference bridge before each meeting. This is performed automatically according to pre-configured meeting times.
The only interaction required by the operator is if somebody from home would like to answer. This requires the operator to press a button to allow the answer and press it again to finish the answer.
The only interaction required by the operator is if somebody from home would like to answer. This requires the operator to press a button to allow the answer and press it again to finish the answer.
HOW MANY CAN LISTEN AT ONE TIME?
We allow 40 simultaneous callers per service.
CAN I CHANGE OR ADD MEETING TIMES FOR CIRCUIT OVERSEER VISITS, ETC?
Yes. All meeting times are configured via the web portal. You can change your regularly scheduled midweek and weekend meetings on a temporary basis if you have a Circuit visit. Special meetings can also be configured for one time events like Memorials and Branch Representative visits.
DOES THE KINGDOM HALL NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION?
The Vattendance IP solution requires an internet connection. It does not require a standard phone connection making it the default solution for any NBN-connected congregations.
The Vattendance PSTN solution requires a standard phone connection only.
The Vattendance PSTN solution requires a standard phone connection only.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WHAT INTERNET CONNECTION WE NEED?
No! Just try to get the best connection available in your area at a reasonable cost.
ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHICH ROUTER TO USE?
A router of reasonable quality is required, especially if you are also providing WiFi access to the congregation. Please see our Router Purchasing Guide for more details on this subject.
Please note: If you are using a router that has been provided free of charge by your internet service provider, this will not be sufficient to run a VoIP service of this nature. These routers are designed to handle less than 5 devices at a time, not a congregation of WiFi users.
Please note: If you are using a router that has been provided free of charge by your internet service provider, this will not be sufficient to run a VoIP service of this nature. These routers are designed to handle less than 5 devices at a time, not a congregation of WiFi users.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY THAT VATTENDANCE IP IS "NBN COMPATIBLE"?
Traditional Voice Conferencing services require the Kingdom Hall to have a PSTN phone line in order to initiate an audio conference. When a Kingdom Hall moves to the NBN, they are no longer provided with a PSTN phone line which makes a traditional audio conference solution incompatible.
The Vattendance IP solution comes with new hardware that bypasses this issue. It runs Voice over IP (VoIP) end to end meaning no traditional phone line is required at the Kingdom Hall.
Your callers can still dial in from a traditional phone line however.
The Vattendance IP solution comes with new hardware that bypasses this issue. It runs Voice over IP (VoIP) end to end meaning no traditional phone line is required at the Kingdom Hall.
Your callers can still dial in from a traditional phone line however.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO WE NEED TO PURCHASE FOR THE KINGDOM HALL?
With the Vattendance IP solution we provide all of the necessary hardware except:
A router
A screen or tablet for displaying answer requests
NOTE: We provide 2 x 3.5mm to RCA audio cables. If you need a different cable for your mixers needs then this will also need to be self-provided.
A router
A screen or tablet for displaying answer requests
NOTE: We provide 2 x 3.5mm to RCA audio cables. If you need a different cable for your mixers needs then this will also need to be self-provided.
LOGISTICS
WHO INSTALLS THE SYSTEM?
This is a self-install. The system will be shipped to you and we can assist with the install process as needed. Documentation outlining the install process are provided on our support page.
Handling the installation yourself enables you to truly understand the setup and assist with future troubleshooting.
Handling the installation yourself enables you to truly understand the setup and assist with future troubleshooting.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE OUR VATTENDANCE SYSTEM?
- For Metro Australia areas – a few days
- For Regional Australia areas – a few days in most cases (if we don't have a local phone number available for your area, this can take 1-4 weeks to order)
- For New Zealand areas – about a week
what if i have a technical issue?
We have a page full of resources available at https://help.vattendance.com. If you need assistance, our support team is available via the chat icon in the bottom left hand side of the screen. You can also email us on support@vattendance.com.
BILLING
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PSTN AND IP VERSIONS?
Vattendance PSTN is essentially a traditional telephone based conferencing system with a few extras. Conferences are manually started by your sound desk operator before each meeting using your Kingdom Hall’s phone patch equipment.
Vattendance IP is an end to end Voice over IP (VoIP) conferencing and streaming system. Conferences take place automatically according to pre-configured meeting times with no setup required by your sound desk operator. The IP version also allows callers to answer from home.
Both systems offer the following features:
Vattendance IP is an end to end Voice over IP (VoIP) conferencing and streaming system. Conferences take place automatically according to pre-configured meeting times with no setup required by your sound desk operator. The IP version also allows callers to answer from home.
Both systems offer the following features:
- Audio Streaming
- Known callers list security
- True attendance counting
- After meeting email reports
CAN MULTIPLE CONGREGATIONS USING THE SAME KINGDOM HALL SHARE THIS SERVICE?
Yes absolutely. The service is priced per auditorium, not per congregation.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE?
Payment is made via Direct Debit only. Our signup form provides a Direct Debit form. Simply fill our your congregation account details and obtain the needed signatures and upload the completed form on the same signup page.
Invoices are sent quarterly with your first payment starting 6 weeks after your equipment has been dispatched.
Invoices are sent quarterly with your first payment starting 6 weeks after your equipment has been dispatched.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY PERIOD ON THE VATTENDANCE HARDWARE?
All hardware comes with a 24 Month Warranty.
CAN WE ALSO CONNECT UP OUR AUXILIARY ROOM?
We can but this will require a second PBX. The monthly cost for connecting up an auxiliary room is $15 per month.
