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General discussion

Broadband Phone Service

Mar 3, 2005 8:44PM PST

Has anyone tried the Broadband phone service, "Vonage" or another one like it? I am wondering how good it really is and what all you need to get it going if you already have a broadband connection.

Thanks,
Dave

Discussion is locked

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VOIP
Feb 24, 2006 7:21AM PST

I will still wait for bandwidth increases from my ISP before I go with VOIP.

My wife downloads video from her ex-pat site and when she does that, my HD TV signal goes into the dirt and any other transfer bogs down as well.

PS. IS the MMLS program still alive?

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Vonage service
Mar 11, 2005 4:51AM PST

I'm try out vonage now. I've had it for about two days and have not had much time to test it. I did have a moment when I could not here what someone on the other end for a moment but by calling the customer service line they explain that I might have to much bandwith going to my phone adapter. So I'll come back later to test it out and let you know.

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Don't get the router unless you need it!
Mar 11, 2005 6:00AM PST

I got Vonage last week. I already have a router (wireless and 4 port 10/100). They shipped me another router (Linksys) that had 3 10/100 ports and 2 phone ports. I got it working, but later found out they have Cisco ATA-186 adapter that you just plug into the existing router. This would have been easier than the hoops I jumped through to connect one router to the other. I've actually only made two calls so far. One to my wife's cell phone to make sure it worked, and one long distance call. Quality seems very acceptable, and far superior to Cell, especially in my apartment.

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USING VONAGE VOiP TELEPHONE SERVICE
Mar 11, 2005 6:16AM PST

I have been using Vonage since JULY 2004. In a word it is wonderful. I have no trouble with clarity or drop-off. I connect through COMCAST cable, so I can not assure that you will not have problems with DSL.

A number of folks I work with use it also, and there are no unhappy campers in this camp.

I like the features. I have my VONAGE number set to roll-over to my cell phone. I my home (Vonage)number is not picked-up in 6 rings it will start to ring my cell phone. If I do not answer the cell phone in a few rings, it transfers to my Vonage voice mail. If the cell phone is off, it rolls to the cell phone voice mail. If you get a Vonage voice mail, you can set the system to immediately send an e-mail with the message attached that plays thru Windows Media Player.

You can only hook one telephone to the VOiP modem. If you need more lines, hook up a portable phone that uses "slave" phones around the house that don't require a hook-up. If you have to make changes (and most folks do) you will have to spend about $100 for two phones, and $50 for each additional phone. I have a phone in the bedroom about 40 feet away, and it works just fine.

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Broadband voice service
Mar 11, 2005 7:28AM PST

I've been using Vonage for several months. I have broadband via my cable tv outfit & the bandwidth is sufficient to allow telephone conversations and very active internet connections for both computers on the line. I use a Uniden cordless ($99 at Costco) system - with base plugged into the Vonage box and with two cordless satellite phones in other parts of the house. Reception is excellent in any location. The service is excellent. Voice quality is equal to landline. Vonage has reduced the cost of the unlimited service since I signed up. I could add another "line" by activating the fax & run another 3 phones, but have not needed that level of service for my family. It is a Real Good idea to put a heavy-duty UPS on all broadband and VOIP hardware so that service is available during power outages. Otherwise, when the electricity is down, so is your voice service. Between VOIP and cell phones, why would anyone ever need a landline?

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Enjoy, Dave!!
Mar 11, 2005 12:12PM PST

The only downside to VOIP is service when you have either no electricity, no broadband connectivity, or both.

Besides that, it's better than PSTN, cheaper, and laden with features PSTN doesn't have and never will.

Try it, you'll like it. And, with Vonage, you now can keep your present number in many locations. I did!

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Broadband Phone Service
Mar 14, 2005 10:14PM PST

I've been using VoIP via broadband for about 2 years. I'm on my third vendor and currently using Vonage. Yes you are 1 of 100,000's people moving this direction. Here are just a couple suggestions. If you consider DSL via your phone company to be broadband you should probably forget any cost savings you might be looking for since you'll be paying for two phone services.
If you are going to use a company like Time Warner or Cox Communications you can save significantly even over the services these companies offer directly.
I've found the quality from Vonage to be excellent and can not tell the difference even when using the PC at the same time as the phone. They also off some neat software add on's which are nice. Such as click to call which will work with Outlooks contact list.
Provisions are made for a E911 but this is not identical to 911 calling and you need to report where you are actually connected so the 911 services know where you are.
I highly recommend a UPS for the ISP modem and the Vonage Router. This will keep your phone system running in the event of a power outage.

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Vonage customer service
Mar 20, 2005 8:15AM PST

I tried several times to get my vonage hooked up. After several attempts with their "customer service" I gave up. They were horrible. Most did not speak English and even in the end could not help me to get this service hooked up and working. I personally would rather spend more for a company that has customer service and techs that can help you if need be.
I give Vonage a 3 thumbs down.

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ATT Call Vantage Stinks, Vonage Stinks
Mar 16, 2005 5:48AM PST

Currently looking for a decent provider, but think that we're at least 2 years out from good service.

ATT problems - consistently plays network error message "I can't deliver your call right now, call back later" instead of delivering call to their voicemail. I set up VM to email me both a notification and a WAV file of the VM which would be OK if my ISP drops or ATT loses sight of my router, but nope, ATT just dumps the call into an error message.

Vonage - Where to begin? Local Number Portability is a real PITA, they are completely paper based (first sign of growth gone wild.) Service is slightly better than ATT CV, but forget getting through to anyone in service support, they are at least 90% short of staffing for the business they have. Stay far away.

Unfortunately I can't recommend an alternative at this point. I work in enterprise VoIP and we are all scratching our heads over why people will put up with the pain to save a few bucks a month. I did it as a learning experience and my council to non-techie people is "NO MAS! Stick with POTS for now."

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I tried ATT CAllVantage, it reeked
Mar 28, 2005 10:02AM PST

Tried to sign up for Vonage. It showed my area code as being available, but not my town, so no go there. Signed up for CallVantage instead. Bought a new $40.00 phone. Hooked everything up. My first few calls were ok.Just calling 'time and temp' to insure it was working. By the way, with CallVantage you can keep your land line also. Supposedly no interference. Next I distribute my new number to friends and relatives, and I had swithched our land line to ATT also. Well, immediately I experienced voice quality issues. Everyone could hear me, but they cut in and out on my end. I couldn't make out a word that was being said! Tech support worked with me for several days trying to fix the issue, to no avail. Ended out paying 90 bucks including the new phone to try the inferior service. So after canceling the service I was told that they would have to receive their telephone adapter back within 16 business days or I would be charged a one time disconnect fee of $29.99. I received the shipping label to return the item 15 days later. I got on the phone immediately and they assured me I will not be charged, but that remains to be seen. I was very glad that I had NOT disconnected my land line. Remember I had switched that service over to them also. In the meantime SBC sends me a promotion offering a great 'comeback' deal and I switched the land line back to SBC. Also, the price they quote, which was $19.99 monthly is sort of deceptive. It has several charges added to it, and they were higher than on my old land line. So my $19.99 deal cost $26+ dollars a month. In advance. What a mess. By the time I pay everything due it will have been a complete waste of money and time. I'm chalking this up to a learning experience also. It is not worth the slight savings in money that is represented. In my case, anyway. Steer clear if you must have dependable voice quality.

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AT&T Call Vantage Service is Great!
Mar 30, 2005 12:31PM PST

I love the service. I like that it doesn't dump in voice mail but actually has to get the person.

The amount of features and functions for less than $30 per month is unbelievable. I also like that if you call forward your IP phone to lets say your cell phone and you don't pick up the message goes to your AT&T voice mail box, not the cell voice mail.

Also - the conference bridge service works great and I bought and use call filtering for a few extra bucks.

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Try AT&T again
May 6, 2005 10:10PM PDT

I read the "ATT Call Vantage Stinks, Vonage Stinks". Though I have no info on "Vonage" I do have experience with AT&T. I have never experienced the problems identified in the referenced article. I always get notification of a voice wav file message sent to my e-mail. I get great service from the "call filtering" option. The only time I had a problem it was due to the cable outage not AT&T. That problem was corrected by simple restoration "un-plug, re-plug" procedures on my part. When I called technical support, they were eager to help, patient and kind. Maybe you should try again. Good Luck.

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Best ISP Provider
Oct 14, 2005 3:55AM PDT

Check out Speakeasy - http://www.speakeasy.net/home/ - they have great service with OneLink ADSL Broadband with VoIP. Techs are knowledgable and friendly, with one tech staying with you until your problem is resolved no matter how long it takes. I have been with them for 11 years and wouldn't even consider looking for another ISP.
I call UK for 3 cents a minute, quality is like talking to my neighbor next door, all other calls are free. This has saved me over $80 a month.

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No. No it doesn't !!! BUT
May 24, 2006 4:25AM PDT

My wife and I have used ATT Call Advantage for almost 2 years now and that has Not been our experience at all. The service has been down several times but only once was it due to the ATT Call Advantage, and that was solved quickly. The other times it was our cable company problem. My wife wasn't ok at first with the having to dial our area code for local numbers, but other than that service has been fine.

What hasn't been fine and we are considering a change to another VoIP service is the fact that ATT and others have been coopreating illegaly with the NSA!

Joehem

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Vonage
Mar 20, 2005 8:19AM PST

Vonage is very difficult to get configured and has horrible custoner service. I reccomend trying a different company

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Check out Voicepulse!
Mar 21, 2005 2:12AM PST

Voicepulse is a real deal. I have been using it for several months and love it. It is a PC World Best Buy so I knew it had been tested by them before I tried it. The price is better than Vonage. I pay $15.44 including tax per month for my service. That is for unlimited local and 200 minutes of long distance. I have noticed that they consider several areas around my city that were long distance with my landline company to be local calls. Even if they are another area code. There are many features too including having a "this number has been disconnected" message for numbers you never want to hear from again! It is web based and you can have your vm messages emailed to you. I love it! Their website is voicepulse.com if you want to check it out. If they ask you if you want a modem and you already have one, skip that step. It should work with any modem. I have tried it with 3 different modems with no problems. It is so nice to pay so much less than the masses!!

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No 911
Apr 9, 2005 5:44AM PDT

If you are in need of E-911 get Packet8, Voicepulse doesnt even have 911 at all. We had AT&T callvantage and their 911 we A-911 which means it routes to a PSAP and they dont have acess to your information. Pakcet8 just recently came out with E-911 so when you call they instantly have acess to your address. Read about it at www.packet8.net/about/e911.asp, they are the only ones who provide True E-911

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VONAGE Experiance
Mar 21, 2005 6:51AM PST

Here is what I find on Vonage:

1.Main reason for going to VOIP me is a cost savings over landline, about $50/month fo me for local/LD service with all the bells and whistles(IDE,call waiting etc.).

2. Other nice features like their Mailbox are secondary for me..I have a voicemail built into my telephone anyway

3. Setup requiring changing outside phonewire connections not for the absolute non techie!

4. BAD..my ADT security system wont work thru Vonage..no way..no how! ADT will fix by attaching a cellular system to my alarm panel(disconnect phone system)Cost is $260 install and extra $7/month service fee. Probably more secure than accessible outside phone land line and has battery backup during power outage. Vonage doesn't tell you about this problem until you call after you have signed up! Also ADT won't guarantee protection service over a VOIP as it is susceptible to power/cable outages!!!See Vonage website

5. BAD Squared!...My TIVO DVR system can't connect over Vonage to recieve daily/weekly TV programming. There are a host of things you can try, mostly dialing prefix and Tivo service access number changes, but none worked for me after hours of trying.
TIVO solution..add a wired network system if TIVO and Vonage router are closeby....or add a wirewless network system(and again...get off the telephone connection. In effect, using your broadband connection to download programming)...Cost about $80 for wireless network adapter(for Tivo) and wireless access point for the Vonage telephone adapter(router)see TIVO ..web site for recommended hardware and setup..also be sure you have required TIVO S/W version and be sure you dont erase the original landline "Guided Set-UP or you will have to carry TIVO to a land-line phone connection for resetup!!Also can be some problems in getting wireless devices to communicate...and no network security!

WHAT A HASSLE

Still will save money after about ninth month of Vonage usage(spending $350 for extra TIVO and ADT fixes)

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VOIP does not duplicate DTMF dialing accurately
Mar 25, 2005 8:37AM PST

Beware, security systems and other digital dialers are not compatible with VOIP! Touch-Tone (Dual Tone Multi- Frequency) is garbled to the point that the dialer never makes a connection to it's destination! I am a professional in this industry and I work with most of the different panels out there and none of them can communicate over VOIP. Cablevision's Optimum Voice is a big pain for us as they tell customers it works, but the literature the installer hands over clearly states it will not. Of course this is after the contract is signed.

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Problem with security systems and Vonage
Apr 1, 2005 7:20AM PST

Mark,
Right on!! My security system tells me to either go back to landline or buy their expensive work around(an add on cellular package that will call their emergency service center) and then live with VOIP.
Pete

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yep and cell backup...
May 7, 2005 10:27AM PDT

Will only provide a burglar or fire report not individual zone reporting unless your system is advanced and the backup unit is an addressed module that reports thru the data bus, ie: Ademco vista 20p/ alarmnet w/ecp mode. Worse off is that these VOIP carriers DO NOT CARE about alarms and have no responsibility for their operation. This is immoral and IMO should be illegal, as many are used in life safety situations. Vonage is having problems routing 911 calls properly, in CT recently a baby almost died when it's mother could not contact emergency authorities thru her Vonage VOIP, she kept being routed to voice mail!!!! Now the State Attorney General is suing Vonage! I'm sure they'll correct the problem, but they jeopardized the lives of each and every subsciber by releasing their product w/out covering this most important service. With that said it is obvious that the alarm industry has to catch up to this technology or VOIP needs to be perfected so that it reproduces a distinct DTMF signal! I guess we all thought that MaBell and the copper that feed sher were here to stay, and it's obvious that she is inefficient and going the way of the dinosaur. In the meantime VOIP users should maintain at least 1 basic line through their regular telco

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Look at Packet8
Mar 25, 2005 5:07PM PST

There are several VOIP companies out there. I think Packet8.com is very good. Take a look before you go with Vonage.

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I like it :-)
Mar 25, 2005 11:44PM PST

I think it is great.

I have seen a lot of cry babies about VOIP. Gotta have this or that. Check your phone bills. Not a lot; oops sorry dial-uppers. I am sorry, I have DSL now. I used to have 2 phone lines until DSL. I used to wait all night for a file to download.

Get a piece of paper and figure your costs... DSL $x, Phone bill $x, Long distance $x, VOIP $x. It is not for everyone. DSL is not for everyone. Cable is not for everyone. Plug-in the numbers. I have DSL, phoneline and I use a lot of long distance. Packet8 has saved me money.

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Packet8 Experience
Mar 27, 2005 2:24PM PST

I tried Packet8 for a few months, over a cable connection. The service was erratic for me. I decided I couldn't disconnect my landline, so didn't get the savings i was hoping for. Sometimes my voice wouldn't transmit. I'd call and the other party would not hear me. Service was like others, no answer, hard to get through, except by email. I think it will be a few years before it is a complete replacement for POTS. Other thing they said I could get E911 service in my area when I signed up. After I got the service, they said I could not get it.

Other thing was always had to dial a 1 before every call, even though I got a local number. This confused the family members.

Good thing was unlimited long distance for about $21/month.

Also saw on the news that a child could not reach 911 through their VOIP phone, because they didn't have E911 service. It was a big problem.

Also, like mentioned on other posts - during emergencies - like hurricanes and power outages, cell phones are not a good backup for VOIP, because they are down. The POTS usually keeps on working.

So for me, I guess I'll keep the landline and cell. Might consider downgrading land line to minimum service level and use cell phones and VOIP for rest - but not as big of a savings, but get a second line and free long distance. Could be also big value if make a lot of calls to Canada, or overseas to other VOIP phones.

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Packet 8 has been improving their service
Jan 5, 2006 2:08PM PST

I have been with packet 8 for about 1 yr. I got the initial package, had trouble with voice about 3 times during this time. At first, I had trouble with the international calls. I called their service line, and got some instructions to make my service better. I also updated the firmware. Since then, they have come up with another upgrade which now has E911 service available and soon you will be able to dial the local numbers with the 7 digits only. I have saved a bundle on the long distance calls to Asia. Used to cost me between 100 to 150 dollars a month. My average, with long distance included, is about 30 bucks. The service has been outstanding, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Packet 8.

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Re: Packet-8
Jun 11, 2006 9:03PM PDT

I think the service Packet-8 offers is very good. They have a few more features then Vonage and it costs less. My experience with call issues that I had were related to a problem with Comcast internet. They are launching their own Viop phone service and are not playing nice with other viop companies but do not offer half of the features Packet-8 does. The connection issues comcast had to fix. I also like that all my stored messages can be e-mailed to me as a wav file and I can keep records of exact messages people leave. Packet-8 is as good if not better than Vonage they just havent spent all that money advertising. They offor a 30 day guarentee and if you dont like it you are under no obligation. It is worth trying. I purchased the phone with built in router and one wireless extension at a discount for $79.00 it is a great deal. Very easy to set up. I even got my first mont free.Check it out!

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Stay Away from Packet 8
Aug 1, 2007 11:17AM PDT

Stay away from Packet 8. I ordered service from them on 7.20.2007 and still have nothing. No equipment and no response from Packet 8. Just take a look at these emails I've sent then decide for yourself if you thing Packet 8 should even be in business.
_______
8.1.07 _ 7PM .... Another day and still on reply from you regarding this email. I STILL can't get thru on the phone, I STILL can't get thru on Live Chat.
____________________________________
8.1.07: This is the second time I have sent you this email. You must realized that everytime you fail to reply you hurt your company. Please reply today.
____________________________________

Hey there... I KNOW you are swamped and I've tried to be patient. But... I can't get thru on the phone, I can't get thru on Live Chat, nothing at Packet 8 seems to be working. I need your help to locate my hardware so I can get my phone service back.

Please...
I signed up with you on 7/20/2007 (Acct. # P8R00000019598Cool
My account shows my order was shipped 7/23/2007 (Order #523436000)

So far I've got nothing and NO WAY TO TRACK this. If I knew how you were shipping my order I could track it myself and find out where it is. But you don't provide that info. and I CAN'T GET THRU to you.

Help. Help. Help. I signed up with you in confidence that being a 20 year old company you could handle the deal you made with Sun Rocket and the offer you made their customers. Should I have gone with a smaller company? Should I have gone back to regular phone service? I don't like either option so PLEASE... restore my faith in Packet 8 and contact me! My cell number is (915) 740-XXXX and my bill is going to be outrageous because Packet 8 hasn't come thru for me yet.

Please... help me.

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Vonage (and any reliable VOIP) goes where you go
Mar 25, 2005 6:17PM PST

Ordered Vonage, the router arrived, I plugged it in to my broadband connection. It worked. I have call waiting, voice mail, caller ID and unlimited US long-distance for $25 a month. And now, I'm in Italy with a US phone nbr. I can dial anywhere in the US at no extra cost, and US residents can call me the same way as if I was there. It works.

Since I'm old enough to remember when there weren't post-it notes, velcro strips or even color TV, this amazes me. Anyone who thinks traditional phone lines and the companies who run them have any future at all is mistaken, I think.

Ciao,

nmc

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Vonage & Packet 8
Mar 25, 2005 10:19PM PST

I have used em both, going on 2 years now without an analog line. Vonage has the best features but it lacked one very important thing i needed so since packet 8 started offering virtural numbers i have only used packet 8 since last november, had both prior to that. i'm from WV currently living in wv largest city of Charlotte nc. packet eight offers a 304 area code and vonage does not. i now have a 704 local number and a 304 number that all my relatives call me on as a local call. spending 26.20 per months as opposed to 80.00 with verizon and long distance. would never go back to verizon analog.

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AT&T CallVantage
Mar 26, 2005 12:50AM PST

I will tell you about my experience. I got AT&T CallVantage about 4 months ago and it has been great. I have cable internet so I don't need SBC for a DSL connection. It was bye-bye SBC.

I was paying SBC $48.95/mo. (closer to $60 with taxes, etc) for unlimited local/long distance. Now I pay $31.92, tax included for AT&T CallVantage VoIP.

And it works really well. Yes I've had an occasional glitch but it has been about 97% positive in my experience.

I ported my phone number from SBC to the VoIP service and it was painless.
At first I thought I would have to invest a couple hundred bucks into cordless phones that work over the air for their connection (rather than thru a phone jack), since my phone would now be connected through my cable internet connection.

But when talking to a AT&T rep, they told me that you can feed the VoIP to your in-house wiring by feeding the output of your telephone adapter (TA) into a nearby phone jack. That way, ALL Of your phone jacks are connected to the service. The only thing you have to do is to disconnect at your house from the phone company, which was a simple matter.

If you have DSL thru the phone company for your net connection, you're kind of stuck with keeping a regular phone line, which takes away from the savings significantly. But if your net comes from cable, and you have decent service, I would say go for it! It has been great for me.