Problems with Vonage Phone Service
Author: Guest
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:58 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
Anyone using their service? If so, does it work well?
Author: GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:09 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
I have had very good results from Vonage (www.vonage.com). I cancelled home telephone service through Verizon that ran about $36/month including taxes. I opted for Vonage's $14.99/month plan which includes many features and 500 minutes of calls to anywhere in the US or Canada.
At this time, very few taxes are added to Voice Over IP telephone service. There are just a few issues -- although none were a problem for me:
You must have high speed Cable or DSL Internet service
Despite what Vonage says, you may not be able to keep your existing number
You will need to connect your telephones to the Vonage device near your broadband modem or hire a company to extend the connection into your home's existing telephone jacks. This will especially be an issue if you have a home security system or Tivo-type of device.
Vonage requires that you dial 1 and the area code before all numbers (even local ones).
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:44 am
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
I have been thinking about Vonage, but was concerned about how it would affect our alarm system. How exactly did you handle this problem?
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author: HJM
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:48 am
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
GeoUSA wrote:
You must have high speed Cable or DSL Internet service
I think it is pointless to get Vonage if one has DSL because one has already paid local phone company for a phone line in order get DSL in the first place. I would just get the very basic phone service, then use long distance service like OneSuite.com which only charge 2.5 c per min.
Author: GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:15 pm
Post subject: vonage phone service
Hi HJM. Verizon (one DSL vendor) has recently dropped their surcharge for customers who opt not to use their telephone service.
Curtis, my solution was to crawl through the attic and run a telephone cable from my computer room and then downstairs through closets to the television room. The new telephone cable provides service to my Tivo. I considered a wireless solution or an electrical outlet jack but there were numerous reports of people having problems with those systems. You can imagine the conversion from digital to analog and back again could make modem type connections spotty. Running the cable took a couple of hours but was worthwhile.
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 9:25 am
Post subject: Vonage
Thanks for your reply. Are you saying that this is the what you had to do to make the alarm system work?
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:09 pm
Post subject: vonagae
My Tivo is a device for recording television programs to a hard drive. It allows me to watch TV on my schedule and fast forward through commercials.
I have some updates on Vonage service. They have updated their system, so I no longer have to dial 1 followed by the area code for local numbers. Yea! It doesn't sound like much of a problem, but made it impossible to dial from the caller ID display on our telephones.
Also Tivo began to have problems dialing out through the Vonage line. I ended up buying a new generation Tivo device that utilizes the wireless network in the house for "phoning home."
Also, additional taxes are being added to Vonage and other VOIP telephone providers. My $14.99 monthly bill is up to about $17.00. This is still a bargain compared to the $36 or so the telephone cost through Verizon.
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:00 pm
Post subject: vonage
Thanks for your update GeoUSA. Interesting.
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:07 pm
Post subject: vonage
Hello all.
We've been using on VoIP (primarily) and cell phones for over 6 months. We decided to go with AT & T CallVantage for a couple of reasons (however we would recommend 3 or 4 different VoIP vendors) but have also heard good things about Vonage.
If you're really interested you should probably spend some time on dslreports. They have some very informed consumers there and have reviews of all of the providers that I've ever come across.
The biggest issue for us has been that we had some Quality of Service (a.k.a QoS) issues but once I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with them and rebooted our Telephone Adapter (a.k.a. TA) service has been pretty good. We use Road Runner Cable (standard, not the enhanced service) and since our RR has always been really dependable we have not experienced any major issues. Every once in awhile they push an update to the TA they don't tell us about but a quick reboot when we're not able to make a call and we're good to go (this has happened twice in 6 months). My total bill with taxes is $36 which includes unlimited local and long distance.
Quote:
Also, additional taxes are being added to Vonage and other VOIP telephone providers. My $14.99 monthly bill is up to about $17.00. This is still a bargain compared to the $36 or so the telephone cost through Verizon.
GeoUSA, this is the Basic 500 plan correct? Or did you get some special promo for their unlimited local and long distance?
Author: creditcardguru
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:06 pm
Post subject: vonage
I remember reading a while back that it is good, but since it is new still has problems, so I wouldnt make it your primary phone, I remember reading something about 911 not working and the possibility over time that since this is new tapping might be a problem, since it goes over the Internet.
_________________
I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:29 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
CreditCardGuru wrote:
I remember reading a while back that it is good, but since it is new still has problems, so I wouldnt make it your primary phone, I remember reading something about 911 not working and the possibility over time that since this is new tapping might be a problem, since it goes over the Internet.
Actually the 911 does forward to the closest 'emergency' center not a 911 operator. This means that it might forward you to the firehouse that doesn't know they have an incoming 911 call so they're not quite as equipped as a 'true' 911 operator.
We've trained the kids that if they ever need to call 911 to use our cell phones instead. It just comes down to what you are familiar with.
Author: CreditCardGuru
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:30 pm
Post subject: vonage
A little bit about Vonage and all those Unlimited calling things....they are VoIP...here's a link at the FCC where you can get info about it.
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
_________________
I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 10:09 pm
Post subject: vonage
CreditCardGuru wrote:
A little bit about Vonage and all those Unlimited calling things....they are VoIP...here's a link at the FCC where you can get info about it.
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
Great link to teach some of the basics, there is a couple of small errors but nothing earth shattering. One example is the diagram shows the Phone Adapter (a.k.a. Telephone Adapter or TA) connecting directly to the internet. It actually connects to your High-Speed Internet Modem using a standard network cable and then out to the internet. Also your computer and phone connect to the TA (although the TA has different jacks for each). There are other 'built-in' advantages like all of the TAs I've seen has a built in firewall (to keep the bad, bad computer geeks out) and the wired models are usually free with sign-up. So you get a $40-$80 piece of equipment for free and it allows you to hook up 2-4 computers in addition to your phone.
Author: Iris
Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 5:58 pm
Post subject: Re: Vonage Phone Service
I haven't used vonage, but I've been using SunRocket for about three months now, without any significant problems.
$199/yr for free unlimited long distance to US and Canada, unlimited usage, includes callerid, call waiting, voicemail and all other features Ma Bell likes to charge extra for.
I also found an offer code for a set of two free Uniden cordless phones
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:58 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
Anyone using their service? If so, does it work well?
Author: GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:09 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
I have had very good results from Vonage (www.vonage.com). I cancelled home telephone service through Verizon that ran about $36/month including taxes. I opted for Vonage's $14.99/month plan which includes many features and 500 minutes of calls to anywhere in the US or Canada.
At this time, very few taxes are added to Voice Over IP telephone service. There are just a few issues -- although none were a problem for me:
You must have high speed Cable or DSL Internet service
Despite what Vonage says, you may not be able to keep your existing number
You will need to connect your telephones to the Vonage device near your broadband modem or hire a company to extend the connection into your home's existing telephone jacks. This will especially be an issue if you have a home security system or Tivo-type of device.
Vonage requires that you dial 1 and the area code before all numbers (even local ones).
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:44 am
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
I have been thinking about Vonage, but was concerned about how it would affect our alarm system. How exactly did you handle this problem?
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author: HJM
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:48 am
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
GeoUSA wrote:
You must have high speed Cable or DSL Internet service
I think it is pointless to get Vonage if one has DSL because one has already paid local phone company for a phone line in order get DSL in the first place. I would just get the very basic phone service, then use long distance service like OneSuite.com which only charge 2.5 c per min.
Author: GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:15 pm
Post subject: vonage phone service
Hi HJM. Verizon (one DSL vendor) has recently dropped their surcharge for customers who opt not to use their telephone service.
Curtis, my solution was to crawl through the attic and run a telephone cable from my computer room and then downstairs through closets to the television room. The new telephone cable provides service to my Tivo. I considered a wireless solution or an electrical outlet jack but there were numerous reports of people having problems with those systems. You can imagine the conversion from digital to analog and back again could make modem type connections spotty. Running the cable took a couple of hours but was worthwhile.
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 9:25 am
Post subject: Vonage
Thanks for your reply. Are you saying that this is the what you had to do to make the alarm system work?
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author GeoUSA
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:09 pm
Post subject: vonagae
My Tivo is a device for recording television programs to a hard drive. It allows me to watch TV on my schedule and fast forward through commercials.
I have some updates on Vonage service. They have updated their system, so I no longer have to dial 1 followed by the area code for local numbers. Yea! It doesn't sound like much of a problem, but made it impossible to dial from the caller ID display on our telephones.
Also Tivo began to have problems dialing out through the Vonage line. I ended up buying a new generation Tivo device that utilizes the wireless network in the house for "phoning home."
Also, additional taxes are being added to Vonage and other VOIP telephone providers. My $14.99 monthly bill is up to about $17.00. This is still a bargain compared to the $36 or so the telephone cost through Verizon.
Board Monitor
Board Monitor/ Administrator
Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:00 pm
Post subject: vonage
Thanks for your update GeoUSA. Interesting.
_________________
Best Regards,
Curtis Arnold
Board Monitor
http://www.cardratings.com
(501) 663-0314
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:07 pm
Post subject: vonage
Hello all.
We've been using on VoIP (primarily) and cell phones for over 6 months. We decided to go with AT & T CallVantage for a couple of reasons (however we would recommend 3 or 4 different VoIP vendors) but have also heard good things about Vonage.
If you're really interested you should probably spend some time on dslreports. They have some very informed consumers there and have reviews of all of the providers that I've ever come across.
The biggest issue for us has been that we had some Quality of Service (a.k.a QoS) issues but once I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with them and rebooted our Telephone Adapter (a.k.a. TA) service has been pretty good. We use Road Runner Cable (standard, not the enhanced service) and since our RR has always been really dependable we have not experienced any major issues. Every once in awhile they push an update to the TA they don't tell us about but a quick reboot when we're not able to make a call and we're good to go (this has happened twice in 6 months). My total bill with taxes is $36 which includes unlimited local and long distance.
Quote:
Also, additional taxes are being added to Vonage and other VOIP telephone providers. My $14.99 monthly bill is up to about $17.00. This is still a bargain compared to the $36 or so the telephone cost through Verizon.
GeoUSA, this is the Basic 500 plan correct? Or did you get some special promo for their unlimited local and long distance?
Author: creditcardguru
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:06 pm
Post subject: vonage
I remember reading a while back that it is good, but since it is new still has problems, so I wouldnt make it your primary phone, I remember reading something about 911 not working and the possibility over time that since this is new tapping might be a problem, since it goes over the Internet.
_________________
I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:29 pm
Post subject: Vonage Phone Service
CreditCardGuru wrote:
I remember reading a while back that it is good, but since it is new still has problems, so I wouldnt make it your primary phone, I remember reading something about 911 not working and the possibility over time that since this is new tapping might be a problem, since it goes over the Internet.
Actually the 911 does forward to the closest 'emergency' center not a 911 operator. This means that it might forward you to the firehouse that doesn't know they have an incoming 911 call so they're not quite as equipped as a 'true' 911 operator.
We've trained the kids that if they ever need to call 911 to use our cell phones instead. It just comes down to what you are familiar with.
Author: CreditCardGuru
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:30 pm
Post subject: vonage
A little bit about Vonage and all those Unlimited calling things....they are VoIP...here's a link at the FCC where you can get info about it.
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
_________________
I'm the Credit Card Guru, YOU BET
Author: nixuzer
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 10:09 pm
Post subject: vonage
CreditCardGuru wrote:
A little bit about Vonage and all those Unlimited calling things....they are VoIP...here's a link at the FCC where you can get info about it.
http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
Great link to teach some of the basics, there is a couple of small errors but nothing earth shattering. One example is the diagram shows the Phone Adapter (a.k.a. Telephone Adapter or TA) connecting directly to the internet. It actually connects to your High-Speed Internet Modem using a standard network cable and then out to the internet. Also your computer and phone connect to the TA (although the TA has different jacks for each). There are other 'built-in' advantages like all of the TAs I've seen has a built in firewall (to keep the bad, bad computer geeks out) and the wired models are usually free with sign-up. So you get a $40-$80 piece of equipment for free and it allows you to hook up 2-4 computers in addition to your phone.
Author: Iris
Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 5:58 pm
Post subject: Re: Vonage Phone Service
I haven't used vonage, but I've been using SunRocket for about three months now, without any significant problems.
$199/yr for free unlimited long distance to US and Canada, unlimited usage, includes callerid, call waiting, voicemail and all other features Ma Bell likes to charge extra for.
I also found an offer code for a set of two free Uniden cordless phones
posted by CardRatings.com at 12:11 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home