AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 09:38AM:
AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Is this well known? I haven't received the official letter yet but an AT&T rep on the phone confirmed that callvantage is being discontinued in a few weeks and that we need to make new arrangements! %$%#$@!!@#$@#$$$#
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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scots @ 9th Feb 10:28AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
AT&T stopped taking new orders for CallVantage several months ago, but has made no announcement that the service is being completely discontinued that I'm aware of. If it's being discontinued this month, they're not giving very much time to allow people to port out their numbers and whatnot.
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 10:47AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Yea i knew that they weren't taking new orders and therefore the bell was starting to toll (subtle pun intended) but I didn't know it was official until today. I wonder how many people know and if anyone has actually received the termination letter yet?
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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scots @ 9th Feb 11:03AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well, your post here is the first I've heard about it. I haven't received a letter, e-mail, or anything else from AT&T saying that they're discontinuing CallVantage.
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 11:30AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well I called AT&T this morning at 866-596-8464 and talked to billing because i have 2 lines and wanted to cancel the 2nd line (fax machine) because i just bought magic jack for the fax line (and happily magic jack works with my fax) and was told by the biing rep that I would be getting a letter soon announcing the end of service. She actually couldn't cancel my 2nd line b/c of this pending end of service. I am in NYC but she said this was going to be nationwide.
Would you like to call them and see if you can confirm as well?
--
JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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anon @ 9th Feb 11:34AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
yes it is true. I called this morning to discuss service changes and they apparently stopped adding new customers. The notices are supposed to go out in the near future about termination of service but sounds more like mid year before or so before service is terminated.
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scots @ 9th Feb 11:47AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I have 2 lines with CV. I'm currently in the middle of waiting for one of the lines to port out to another provider. It's been about 2 weeks since I started the port process. Hadn't made a decision as to what I was going to do with the other line, but I guess it'll be going away. Wonder if they're going to have some type of replacement for CV? It's too bad they're killing it off, as it really is an excellent service. I never had any problems with it, and the voice quality was very good.
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 12:04PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I don't really like my choices but I'm going with a bundled package with time warner (already provide net and TV). The only good thing is that phone service wont be disrupted when their crappy internet dies, lol, as it is unaffected oddly by internet service (even though its going through the net, makes no sense)
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Annmarie @ 9th Feb 01:08PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Oh crud ! I knew it was too good to be true. CV was absolutely perfect for our home since we rarely use the phone. I loved having such a low phone bill with no contract.
Now I am going to have to look into either Optimum Voice or Vonage.
I already have Cablevision for my internet and television services so I may be able to work out the discounted "Triple Play" package with them though I was not all that thrilled with the voice quality having used their VoIP at a couple of friend's homes who use their service.
I did recently get them to reduce my cable bill when I was planning on changing to FIOS and retained them instead so maybe I can do something with the price.
Still cruddy ! I hot wired my whole house with CV for 19.99 since I was already a cell customer.
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 01:30PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I feel your pain Annmarie! I won't go with vonage because a) they've been having problems and b) i'm not willing to go with a company that offers VOIP as its only product - if that product gets in trouble they have nothing else. i want a company that will be around a LONG time but i fear we have not seen the end of the voip shakedown.
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Fisamo @ 9th Feb 07:38PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I guess we can't be too surprised that the service is being tanked. :( I'm very disappointed, because it has worked extremely well for my family, and I hate to see it go.
Sounds like it may be worth a call to see what the timing of the disconnect is... :(
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Fisamo @ 9th Feb 08:31PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Oddly enough, I was able to add a Simple Reach number to my account, and it looked like I would be able to add a 2nd line. (I didn't go through with the additional line order--seemed like it would be more of a hassle to get rid of, especially given the earlier post in the thread.) One would think that if they were discontinuing service within a few weeks (or even a few months) that they'd disable ordering of new numbers. That's not to say that I think the OP is lying, just that one would think ATT would disable the ordering of any new numbers for the service.
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JAXx @ 9th Feb 10:40PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
It seems very discombobulated. I talked to tech support today and they had no idea that it was being discontinued and I called billing back a second time and they confirmed that it was being canceled.
You don't have to take my word for it, call AT&T at 866-596-8464 and go to billing and ask them yourselves.
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Fisamo @ 10th Feb 06:47AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
It's not an issue of questioning your word. The main concern I had was that one post (yours) indicated that it would be canceled within weeks, and another (the anon poster above) indicated it was more like 6 months. While I'm not happy with either of them, I need to know whether (or when) I should be getting a port started...
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Mediocrates @ 10th Feb 08:20AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
What do you supposed this means for corporate customers?
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TxPres @ 10th Feb 08:33AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :
The main concern I had *** indicated that it would be canceled within weeks, and another *** indicated it was more like 6 months. While I'm not happy with either of them, I need to know whether (or when) I should be getting a port started...
I agree! If it is going away soon, I need to start my port ASAP. If we have several months, then I have more time to consider the alternatives.
If anyone finds out "when" please let us know. The CSR I talked to did not know anything other than it was going away.
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JAXx @ 10th Feb 09:05AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Until we actually get the official letter I think we're just speculating on the cut off time. When i quoted the billing rep as saying "a few weeks" I think its fair to also say that she may not really know.
I suggest we lobby BBR to contact AT&T at the highest possible level for more info. I am going to email Kurt Bode who runs the news section of BBR.
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Annmarie @ 10th Feb 09:34AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I am afraid to even call AT&T - I don't want to know. I was contemplating putting in a second line next month and now this bit of news.
Again, I knew it was too good to be true especially once they stopped accepting residential customer installs.
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JAXx @ 10th Feb 09:56AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Annmarie
Yes it would seem a poor time to be adding a line with them even if they allow it.
And i'm not much into pushing alternatives given that BBR users tend to realize that each person's experience tends to vary by region, personal taste etc, but having said that and *if* your 2nd line was of secondary importance you may want to look at magic jack (www.magicjack.com).
I just got one as a second line replacement (this is how I found out about AT&T because i called them to cancel my second line) and i'm using it for my fax machine and as a backup to my main line.
The good:
- It's super easy, you can buy one at radio shack and have a dialtone 60 seconds after plugging it into a usb port on your computer.
- It's cheap. $39.95 buys the device and 1 year of service. Additional years cost $19.95/year or as low as about $11/year if you buy 5 years of service.
- Unlimited local and LD service.
The Bad:
- It only works when your computer is awake. Incoming calls will go to voicemail however when your comp is asleep and voice messages are emailed to you as well as being available from any phone.
- Call quality seems good but not perfect. As an example if your comp is using a lot of bandwidth i've found calls get a bit choppy.
- When my comp woke up this morning I had to unplug and replug MJ to restore service.
- You can't port an existing phone number - yet, but you can pick from a lot of area codes and exchanges.
The neutral:
- It is not a phone itself, but a bridge to a dialtone. You either plug a corded or cordless phone(s) into it or if traveling use a laptops built in mic/speakers or a external headset.
Personally I would not use it as a primary line but as a spare line its hard to beat the price and ease of use.
**How's that for not pushing a product!!??** =:-)
--
JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Fisamo @ 10th Feb 11:00AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I did call AT&T this morning to see if I could get some more information. The CSR I spoke with was very friendly and apologetic that the service was going away (kind of sad, herself, it appeared). The important thing, though, was that she seemed to have the best explanation regarding what to expect as the service is decomissioned.
According to the CSR who took my call, no 'impending disconnect' letters have yet been sent out by AT&T. They plan to send the letters out in waves over the next several months (may take more than a year). The letters will contain details regarding the timing of the subject account's latest termination date. [I'd expect them to also include (when applicable) some kind of carrot to convert to U-Verse Voice or AT&T POTS.] She also indicated that it was her understanding that users would have 60 days from the mailing date of their letter to move their service to another provider.
With this information, since I do prefer the CallVantage service, I intend to hold on until the bitter end. :) When I have to, I'll port to another VoIP provider. Two providers that have my attention are Voicepulse and Voipo. Voicepulse, because they've been around 'forever' and they have a solid feature set and solid reputation, Voipo because as a Voipo beta tester, I've had good experiences with them. With Voipo, I recognize that they're early into their post-launch phase of existence. That, to me, means that there will be occasional service hiccups (as detailed in the »VOIP Tech Chat forum). However, their response to the issues that have come up has been impressive, to say the least. I just hope they can develop their Voipo Connect (similar to CV's Control-by-Phone) feature before AT&T sends me the disconnect letter. That's one feature voicepulse does not have, and it's a clear differentiator for me.
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JAXx @ 10th Feb 11:52AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that AT&T is going to take time with this. I have elected to cut my losses and go and i'm going with a certain reluctance to time warner which currently gives me internet and tv. The only thing I like about TWC's VOIP is that the phone doesn't die when the modem dies or internet is lost and since they do have outages it will be helpful to still have a working phone.
My entire building had a 4 day outage recently that took 4 days to fix b/c TWC didn't admit it was a building problem. Ultimately after it was fixed we all sent letters to a VP for consumer relations and got a week credit and a month free of HBO and Showtime. Better than nothing and proof that an actual written letter on paper sent to the right place can have results.
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Fisamo @ 10th Feb 12:41PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by JAXx :
The only thing I like about TWC's VOIP is that the phone doesn't die when the modem dies or internet is lost and since they do have outages it will be helpful to still have a working phone.
Are you sure about that? I suppose it depends on the nature of the outage--obviously, if a cable is cut, all three services will die on you. I also have broadband over TWC's network (though I'm officially an Earthlink customer), and I almost never have an outage. OTOH, my neighbor has TWCDP, and they've had a few troubles. One of the more irritating things about TWCDP (as I understand it) is that there is no 'safe forward number' feature. I'd go with a provider that offers that--off the top of my head, I can think of 4, all of which begin with V: Vonage, VoicePulse, ViaTalk, VOIPo. :) Actually, if you were to get Verizon's HUB service (not femtocell), that also has 'backup number' capability. The obvious downsides of that service are price ($35/mo) and the fact that you can only use their device--no analog telephones.
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NY Tel @ 10th Feb 12:45PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :said by JAXx :
The only thing I like about TWC's VOIP is that the phone doesn't die when the modem dies or internet is lost and since they do have outages it will be helpful to still have a working phone.
Are you sure about that? I suppose it depends on the nature of the outage--obviously, if a cable is cut, all three services will die on you. I also have broadband over TWC's network (though I'm officially an Earthlink customer), and I almost never have an outage. OTOH, my neighbor has TWCDP, and they've had a few troubles. One of the more irritating things about TWCDP (as I understand it) is that there is no 'safe forward number' feature. I'd go with a provider that offers that--off the top of my head, I can think of 4, all of which begin with V: Vonage, VoicePulse, ViaTalk, VOIPo. :) Actually, if you were to get Verizon's HUB service (not femtocell), that also has 'backup number' capability. The obvious downsides of that service are price ($35/mo) and the fact that you can only use their device--no analog telephones.
Yeah the HUB is a good deal if you specifically have a VZW account and are not looking to get reliable service for a low price point.
Additional handsets are 79.99.
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nrf @ 10th Feb 12:52PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
yes, if twc's cable and internet are out their phones don't work either. I get this when my neighbor (who has a different part of the power grid) has a power outage. they don't have battery power for any of these services.
from my point of view, the minimum I would need in a replacement for CV would be that calls could be automatically re-routed to my cell if there is such an outage.
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clipman @ 10th Feb 01:47PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Since we still have four lines with dial-tone, we switched a few months ago to a company called COMPOINT »www.compoint.com and I have to say I am impressed. There is no monthly fee, super low rates and one second billing increments (apparently no one else does 1 sec. billing), no contracts, no equipment, no pin numbers to dial - it's just direct-dial long distance, by the second, plain and simple. We kept all our old phone numbers and they bill us electronically. The quality has been excellent and we get exactly the same low rates calling internationally from our cell phones too. Our AT&T bill was way higher and even Vonage with 4 lines was more expensive. We call anytime to France, Germany, China and more for $0.048 per minute. If we only talk for 20 seconds, we only pay for 20 seconds = less than 2 cents.
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scots @ 10th Feb 02:19PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Compoint is just a long distance carrier service. You choose them to handle your long distance calls in place of AT&T or whoever. You still need some type of phone line to use with Compoint. Not exactly sure what this has to do with CallVantage going away or with VoIP.
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JAXx @ 10th Feb 02:32PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well i'm not sure about anything except death and taxes but the TWC rep told me that so long as their is not a power outage the phones will continue to work even if the modem is offline. She said that the phone was a different system than the internet. I can't explain it and will see if this is true, and i am having to get a new modem.
I will miss not having a safe forward feature especially if its not true that the phone will work even when the net is down. I do have 60 days to decide if I like the service.
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JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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clipman @ 10th Feb 02:46PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
It was just that the price with COMPOINT is completely comparable to Vonage and with four phones lines and the associated billing and service hassles we had with AT&T's CallVantage it costs only slightly more than free international long distance. We get six lines with dial-tone along with our T-1 line for $360 month.
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nrf @ 10th Feb 03:00PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by JAXx :
so long as their is not a power outage the phones will continue to work even if the modem is offline.
in my years of experience with Adelphia and then TWC, the power outage or total failure is the most likely thing to go wrong, whether it is power outage at their end or anywhere in between. Having internet lost but cable tv still working is very rare (since they fixed my drop.) You may have enough experience to know how often that is for your area, and a failover number feature can be helpful to eliminated impact totally.
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Fisamo @ 10th Feb 03:14PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well, I won't accuse the TWC rep of blowing smoke, either, but whether or not phone works when the cable or internet is out does depend on the reason for the failure in the other system(s). If you have a building wiring problem, for example, (ie. you have NO TV service) chances are, you won't have phone either. If your wiring problem is such that you have degraded service, you might have one, two, or all three services at less-than-optimal performance.
It is true that any 3rd party VoIP solution runs off your internet connection. So, use of a 3rd party VoIP system reduces your available bandwidth, would apply against caps (if applicable to your account), etc. Without knowing TWC's system inside-out, I can't comment on why a connection to the internet would be failing without taking down the phone or how often such a scenario would occur.
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bshelly @ 10th Feb 03:30PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Wow, I have my old POTS line being transferred from AT&T (Illinois Bell) to CV this Thursday as my second line.
Can I cancel the switchover and keep my POTS for now or is it too late? AT&T Told me that POTS disconnection is scheduled for 2/12.
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Fisamo @ 10th Feb 04:48PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
You can always call customer service and ask. They'd be the best source of that kind of information.
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JAXx @ 10th Feb 07:49PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Why would they let you convert when CV isn't taking new customers?
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bshelly @ 10th Feb 10:07PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I've had CV for about a year and a half and am just now adding my old POTS line as my second CV line. They are still allowing the addition of a 2nd line, but now that I read this, I don't understand why.
I just signed up for Voipo (»www.voipo.com) and it looks like it is going to be the best alternative to AT&T CallVantage.
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NY Tel @ 10th Feb 11:49PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by bshelly :I've had CV for about a year and a half and am just now adding my old POTS line as my second CV line. They are still allowing the addition of a 2nd line, but now that I read this, I don't understand why.
I just signed up for Voipo (»
www.voipo.com) and it looks like it is going to be the best alternative to AT&T CallVantage.
Remember Lilly Tomlin's Parody of the Phone company as Ernestine the Operator?
The Phone company tag line was:
"We Don't Care, We Don't Have To, We're The Phone Company" :p
Even though this is the new at&t, some things just never change.
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pleekmo @ 11th Feb 03:12AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by bshelly :
"We Don't Care, We Don't Have To, We're The Phone Company" :p
Even though this is the new at&t, some things just never change.
"Meet the new Bell.
Same as the old Bell."
--
HCN: Because you deserve a rest!
Proud member of the Free Omelas Liberation Front.
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JAXx @ 11th Feb 10:37AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Ask not for whom the bells tolls, it tolls for thee. =:-)
And to nrf, where i live we basically never have power outages (NYC) although when we have them they are doozies, but we often have little internet outages that dont affect TV reception.....
--
JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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TomMac @ 11th Feb 04:56PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
OH POO! Just when I was starting to like it and all the great features. I guess I will hold on until the bitter end.
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HardCoder @ 13th Feb 01:38PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well, I'm now going cell only. I really enjoyed having CV, it offered much better voice quality than Vonage, Viatalk, Sunrocket, and even Voipo. And it was always up. With VZW, we are getting Friends & Family for free calling to 10 out of network numbers. This will be plenty for us, and we won't need an AYCE VOIP provider anymore.
Sad to see it go. It will be interesting to see the replacement.
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NY Tel @ 13th Feb 01:48PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by HardCoder :
Well, I'm now going cell only. I really enjoyed having CV, it offered much better voice quality than Vonage, Viatalk, Sunrocket, and even Voipo. And it was always up. With VZW, we are getting Friends & Family for free calling to 10 out of network numbers. This will be plenty for us, and we won't need an AYCE VOIP provider anymore.
Sad to see it go. It will be interesting to see the replacement.
I think what you are doing is what a lot of people will start to do. Go Cell only, a lot of my friends have already started the process.
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NetFixer @ 19th Feb 09:02AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :
According to the CSR who took my call, no 'impending disconnect' letters have yet been sent out by AT&T. They plan to send the letters out in waves over the next several months (may take more than a year). The letters will contain details regarding the timing of the subject account's latest termination date. [I'd expect them to also include (when applicable) some kind of carrot to convert to U-Verse Voice or AT&T POTS.] She also indicated that it was her understanding that users would have 60 days from the mailing date of their letter to move their service to another provider.
I hope that they at least wait until AT&T Wireless officially releases their femtocell service, because I doubt that I will live long enough to see U-Verse at my location. If AT&T actually offers a reasonably priced femtocell service with un-metered usage, that would be the ideal replacement for CallVantage for me.
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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PX Eliezer @ 19th Feb 09:58PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
In any event, they are doing a classy job compared to the "drop dead turkey" method from Verizon VoiceWing.
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darbacour @ 20th Feb 05:05AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by JAXx :
I don't really like my choices but I'm going with a bundled package with time warner (already provide net and TV). The only good thing is that phone service wont be disrupted when their crappy internet dies, lol, as it is unaffected oddly by internet service (even though its going through the net, makes no sense)
TW HSI beyond sux, but the phone service is superior to CallVantage- Just recently ported and cancelled everything due to WOrthLESS RoadRunner. Trying to get back to TW... after Vonage took my number & almost $70 to NOT port it.
I really liked the TW phone service ... AFTER I dumped worthless RoadRunner :-)
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Annmarie @ 20th Feb 08:24AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Has anyone received an official disconnect letter from CV yet?
I haven't and am wondering if anyone who got/gets one can post here so we know the deal.
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JAXx @ 20th Feb 08:36AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
OK so i got TW phone hooked up yesterday and:
- pissed to find out that voice mail is $3.95 EXTRA per month and no one told me that when i signed up. I'll be writing yet another letter to the VP of customer relations.
- the porting was a breeze and the phone quality itself is very good.
In a day or so caller ID info will display on televisions, a cute little bonus if it works.
I cannot get the net to flow through any of my routers and of course TW won't help with that so all my computers are currently going through a bridge which works except that my vista machine once again (this happened once before) doesn't seem to want to be able to be on the network at the same time as one of the macs.
--
JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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Fisamo @ 20th Feb 11:40AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Annmarie :
Has anyone received an official disconnect letter from CV yet?
I haven't and am wondering if anyone who got/gets one can post here so we know the deal.
I was wondering the same thing. At this point, I'm holding out until I hear that my line will be affected. If the rep I had spoken with is correct about the 60-day timeframe from notification to disconnection, I will have plenty of time for number porting, etc., after receiving the notice.
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sonarman @ 20th Feb 12:38PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Annmarie :
Has anyone received an official disconnect letter from CV yet?
I haven't and am wondering if anyone who got/gets one can post here so we know the deal.
I called and I was told it is rolling out by area. It will continue until the early summer
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Mediocrates @ 21st Feb 08:25AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Does this include high volume corporate customers?
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jduffy @ 21st Feb 08:54AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
So what about people who don't live in Uverse or AT&T served areas? I guess we're just screwed. I went with AT&T because the service is great and I thought they were reliable...as in not going to close up shop. They fooled me. If this happens, never again will I be an AT&T customer. No cell...nothing. This is a terrible way to treat loyal customers...just cut 'em off. Could help Vonage though.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.
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TomMac @ 21st Feb 12:16PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
It appears that CallVantage VOIP is a dying product or it was not profitable enough to continue. Only the new owners of AT&T can tell you that. Business is business.
There are other good VOIP providers waiting and willing to take your money. Some are probably just as good as or better than the old AT&T.
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nrf @ 21st Feb 01:44PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
anyone have pointers to the definitive comparison site for choosing a new provider?
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PX Eliezer @ 21st Feb 02:19PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by nrf :
anyone have pointers to the definitive comparison site for choosing a new provider?
»/gbu
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NY Tel @ 21st Feb 05:15PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by nrf :
anyone have pointers to the definitive comparison site for choosing a new provider?
Did you take a look at VoicePulse? Voipo?
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Fisamo @ 21st Feb 09:11PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by NY Tel :said by nrf :
anyone have pointers to the definitive comparison site for choosing a new provider?
Did you take a look at VoicePulse? Voipo?
You might consider adding QuantumVoice to the list. I say that not from experience, but a combination of little press (as in, no news is good news) and that the little press I've seen has been good.
Edit to add: It seems to be pretty much a foregone conclusion that this will happen. I do wonder what ATT is telling their corporate customers. One would think they'd have a comparable VoIP product to switch those accounts to rather than lose them.
As for leaving AT&T forever: It's certainly your prerogative. Just keep in mind that the AT&T you first got service from isn't the same at&t that's running the show now. Also, there is plenty of notice of the 'impending doom' (all customers will get at least 60 days, apparently). All of these factors don't make me like the fact that at&t is killing off CV--it's been a great product. But I also won't let this experience cause me to never consider their products in the future. (How much of a factor it is will depend on circumstances...)
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TomMac @ 21st Feb 09:26PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
jduffy is in a somewhat precarious situation. If he lives in the Cincinnati area he is served by Cincinnati Bell.
I would venture to guess that we will get 30 days notice and not 60 days.
:huh:
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PX Eliezer @ 21st Feb 09:45PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :
You might consider adding QuantumVoice to the list. I say that not from experience, but a combination of little press (as in, no news is good news) and that the little press I've seen has been good.
Reviews of QV are here:
»User reviews - QuantumVoice
As well, IMHO, folks can't go far wrong choosing one of the top Voip providers on the GBU list:
»/gbu
Also, if folks don't already, they should sometimes read the main Voip forum in addition to the AT&T/CV forum:
»VOIP Tech Chat
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nrf @ 22nd Feb 08:12AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
thanks for all the suggestions. I had used some of the review sections but the gbu (which I was not aware of) seems to be a great place to start.
also, forums for a product can be very telling. I have at times purchased hardware that I could have avoided had I read the current forums at the manufacturer site :(
nrf
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jduffy @ 22nd Feb 09:27AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Yup, Cincinnati Bell a company with so much debt from the Broadwing debacle that it cannot afford to do anything innovative like offering VOIP to compete with Road Runner locally. No money to upgrade their network to offer video to compete against cable. Cincinnati Bell, a company stuck in the 1980s.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.
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PX Eliezer @ 22nd Feb 10:05AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
True.
Very unfortunate, they used to be very innovative.
Cincinnati Bell and also SNET (Connecticut) were two Bell companies that were NOT fully owned by the old ATT/BellSystem. So they were free to try other things.
Now CinBell is poor, and SNET was sucked up by SBC and now the resurrected ATT.
Sad.
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TomMac @ 22nd Feb 10:20AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by nrf :
thanks for all the suggestions. I had used some of the review sections but the gbu (which I was not aware of) seems to be a great place to start.
also, forums for a product can be very telling. I have at times purchased hardware that I could have avoided had I read the current forums at the manufacturer site :(
nrf
A friend of mine has CallVantage and has been doing some research looking for a new VOIP provider. Both of us feel that some of the VOIP review websites do not appear to be objective. They review the same small newer providers. In fact some of the reviews appear to be written by the same author. Looks a little fishy.
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Fisamo @ 22nd Feb 04:04PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Thanks for the links--I probably should have included them.
One thing to remember is that with all providers YMMV. CV has been excellent for me and for most others posting in this thread. However, there have also been horror stories, and I'm not including those that include the question, "What's broadband?"... :uhh:
Without posting lengthy reviews, I'd tend to point people toward the following three providers (assuming all customer requirements are met) - with short explanation:
•Voicepulse - Robust feature set, been around for a LONG time, have a very solid reputation, offer a low-cost "local" plan that can save a bundle if most of your calls are within your own area code (or overlay).
•Quantumvoice - as mentioned above, most press is good, reviews are generally good. They offer some low-cost plans (more restricted), as the least expensive 'local unlimited with bucket of LD minutes' plan is $20/mo.
•VOIPo - Yes, they're the new provider on the scene. As such, they are adjusting to the amount of traffic running on their systems and building procedures for customer service, etc. At this time, you can expect them to have some flaky issues, but based on my experience in their Beta program, they'll be rock solid once these issues are worked out. So far, customer service is outstanding, which speaks volumes.
That is not to say that any provider I didn't mention is 'bad' just (generally) far less mainstream (and may require more of the customer's time in the 'phone repair guy' role). Obviously, Vonage does not fit that bill, and I found their service to be 'good' when I had it 4 years ago (for a few months). However, they did opt to go with outsourced CSRs, and last I heard, they're still about as difficult to cancel as AOL. :o (or should I say :mad: ?)
Bottom line, though--these are my opinions, about half based on experience, half based on BBR forum traffic. The other thing to consider is that there's no need to switch until you get notice from AT&T (IMO). I predict that sufficient notice will be given, and if my account is one of the later to be shut down, perhaps Voipo will have their system kinks worked out, or perhaps I'll want to choose Voicepulse or QV. For me, those three are the most likely candidates to 'take over' my main line when CV pulls the plug on me, so no need for me to 'rush away' just yet. (However, I may sign up for test accounts with VP and QV so my switch decision is an informed one.)
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PX Eliezer @ 22nd Feb 05:52PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by TomMac :
Both of us feel that some of the VOIP review websites do not appear to be objective. They review the same small newer providers. In fact some of the reviews appear to be written by the same author. Looks a little fishy.
You are absolutely right about that.
That's why I suggested the GBU list, which (I hope you realize) is run by the same people who run the website you are currently reading (DSL Reports/Broadband Reports).
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PX Eliezer @ 22nd Feb 07:27PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I'd like to additionally suggest CallCentric.
Very solid outfit, great service and support.
You select inbound and outbound separately, for each you have a choice of PAYG or flat-rate.
You do supply your own adapter (ATA) or IP Phone.
Only downside is that they don't support simulring or caller name (CNAM). But you can program your own caller name directory .
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Fisamo @ 22nd Feb 10:44PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I've not used their service. As with QV, most of the CallCentric press I've heard has also been good. My main reservation in recommending them for the 'average' CV user is the concern over needing to play 'telephone repair guy' too much, even if JUST at time of setup (buy own equipment, figure out where to put in username/password for BYOD, not sure of CallCentric's support when something bad happens, etc.) Yes, they'd likely make a great choice for a do-it-yourselfer like many who read these forums. Just not necessarily the best choice for those looking for 'plug and play'.
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PX Eliezer @ 22nd Feb 11:51PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :
....Just not necessarily the best choice for those looking for 'plug and play'.
I agree with that entirely.
But for those who are considering the BYOD option, they are a really good provider.
Great support, and lots of configuration info available for common ATA's such as a Linksys PAP2T or Grandstream Handytone 286/486.
Just another option for folks to consider.
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jduffy @ 23rd Feb 09:52AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I went with AT&T for stability with the main concern being loss of my established numbers IF a voip company went out of business. I went through the SunRocket scare (say it coming got out 2 months before the crash and burn), Vonage (with all the patent infringement scares), and now we have Verizon who is bailing on VoiceWing and AT&T who is rumored to be bailing on CallVantage.
So where to go now? Too many of these VOIP companies are questionable. Are they going to be around? They are private so we cannot see their financial situation. So what to do?
CV has worked wonderfully for me. I love it, it just works.
Looking at alternatives. Net2phone, public but unprofitable. ViaTalk, another nightmare waiting to happen. Teleblend, are you kidding - the son of SunRocket, Packet8, public, profitable but poor ratings by users. Then there is a bunch of others with questionable future existence.
Where to go from here?
I like the new Verizon service, but the $200 phone cannot be connected to the rest of the home wiring! How stupid. T-Mobile has a nice offering, but don't have T-Mobile phones and not interested in switching from Verizon Wireless......UGH! What to do, what to do?
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.
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nrf @ 23rd Feb 10:26AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
If even AT&T can't be counted on, I guess we need the mindset that nothing is permanent. Once I got my roadrunner line to be rock solid, all of my Callvantage issues went away. I guess the actual notice will be like the other shoe dropping. In the mean time I'll just enjoy the service which is flawless (2 lines) and survey the market once I get the notice.
I am sure this community will provide much assistance once I am in 'motivated hunter' mode...
thanks to all!
nrf
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Fisamo @ 23rd Feb 11:06AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
That's right where I am... :)
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abward @ 23rd Feb 02:34PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I will stick in my $.02 worth...
I have had CallVantage for my work phone over 2 years. I have had Vonage for my home phone for 1 year.
I just hooked up VOIPo to replace my home Vonage line. I initially got a Grandstream adapter and had some problems. VOIPo replaced it with a Linksys PAP2T. With the PAP2T, I have so far not had any problems and the sound quality is much better than the Vonage adapter, and slightly better than the CallVantage. Stay away from the Grandstream adapter, at least until they get the problems with it worked out.
So (if) when my CallVantage line gets axed, I will likely go with another VOIPo line.
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PX Eliezer @ 23rd Feb 07:27PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by jduffy :
I went with AT&T for stability with the main concern being loss of my established numbers IF a voip company went out of business.....
Hate to be a debbie downer, but stability in today's world is a rare commodity.
Today's ATT is not really ATT. The management is from SBC and they're the guys who decided to phase out CV.
You talk about private vs. public companies. Public companies! Such as Merrill Lynch, GM, Bank of America?!
If you want to split your bets after you need to leave CV, put some of your business with VOIPo, and some with CallCentric. Consider VoicePulse, too.
But of course, what about a backup ISP? Backup electric supply?
So you can't drive yourself crazy. Just try to make the best decisions at the time, and move on.
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NY Tel @ 23rd Feb 07:29PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I'm waiting for Citicorp to start a voip service, or should I hold out for that Sip by AIG offering........ :o
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jduffy @ 24th Feb 11:36AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I decided to move both of my lines to Time Warner cable. The same price as AT&T with the 2 lines. Voice mail is included (apparently in some TW markets they charge extra for VM, but not in my market). Decided to not wait for AT&T to send me cancellation notice. The only complaint I had with AT&T is having the dial the area code for local calls. It was not that big of a deal, but the wife did not like it. The other issue with that, is when someone called into our phone, and only seven digits displayed in the CID, you could not tell it to re-dial the number. You had to do it manually. Other than that, the service has been great and trouble free. I'll miss CV. Too bad AT&T management in their infinite wisdom is shutting down this great service.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.
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NY Tel @ 24th Feb 07:42PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by jduffy :
I'll miss CV. Too bad AT&T management in their infinite wisdom is shutting down this great service.
Somehow I think the words "wisdom" and "management" when referring to AT&T just don't flow....... :p
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CallVtgGuy @ 25th Feb 09:54AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
While I will check with CV on this, anyone know what the process is for those who signed-up less than one year ago, and want to move now to another VOIP provider?
I seem to recall a termination fee of $59 if you cancel in the first year (although there was some mitigating language regarding the return of the TA to avoid this fee).
I would prefer to move to another provider sooner rather than later (to take advantage of current promos) but don't want to get into a spat over termination fees (I am glad to return the TA).
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Annmarie @ 25th Feb 11:18AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Hate to ask this again but we are getting very close to the end of Feb.
No matter what customer service said has anyone received a letter of termination yet?
Damn! I knew 19.99 a month was too good to be true. :(
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scots @ 25th Feb 11:52AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
No letter or e-mail here. I ported one of my lines out to ooma. Going to keep the other line with CV until they kick me out.
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CallVtgGuy @ 25th Feb 02:08PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I really want to move to ooma, but prefer the coming Ooma "Telo" system rather than the current hub/scout offering.
ooma says release is to be "first half 2009" but even if the rollout is on time, that could still be 4 months away.
I probably will be choosing callcentric or Voipo (as others have suggested here).
Hey anyone know if Ooma needs a beta tester for ooma Telo? :-)
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TxPres @ 26th Feb 07:52AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Hated to leave CV, but with them shutting down leaves me little choice.
I ported my number over to T-Mobile@Home since I have my cell phone service with them. The @Home service is $10 per month. Cheaper than CV but it does not have the extras that CV had or that most of the other VOIP providers have. Also locks me in on a 2 Yr contract. Port took 6 working days.
For the price it looks like a good deal.
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scots @ 26th Feb 01:21PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I'd love to have the Telo also. I didn't find out about it until after I had signed up for ooma.
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nrf @ 26th Feb 02:44PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
just to be sure, is this thread generating a mass exodus from CV which will lead to its demise, or is it really and truly going away? does anyone have any hard evidence?
nrf
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Fisamo @ 26th Feb 04:31PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I called AT&T and spoke with a CSR who confirmed that the service would be discontinued. Rather than jump ship right away, though, I'm going to wait until I am given a countdown. :)
See this post: »Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
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nrf @ 26th Feb 06:43PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I was raised to believe that just because you read it on the internet doesn't make it true.
Curiously, when I called in I was told they were just not accepting new customers. (I guess that is the first step in a downward spiral). yet reading this thread there is anecdotal evidence that they did accept some new customers.
"inquiring minds want to know". what is the real scoop?
I for one am going to hang on to my service as long as I am able, I have no complaints and dread the thought of starting over with another vendor 'voluntarily'.
nrf
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Fisamo @ 26th Feb 06:55PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Heh.. Understandable. I don't know if they took any new non-Corporate-account customers, but they do seem to still be allowing people to sign up with 2nd lines, additional users, virtual numbers, etc.
In any case, I'm also holding out, because this service works for me. Why 'fix' what isn't broken, just because of the rumor (even if verified)? When the fat lady starts singing about my account, I'll start the porting process. ;)
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NY Tel @ 26th Feb 06:56PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I would hang on to the bitter end If I were you. How bad could it be to port at the last minute. Think of how good your service will be when the load lessens on their network after all of the cancellations.
I had to give mine up because my "new" employer would no longer pay for mine and gave me an IP phone on their network.
Of course after 4 months there, they decided they would also no longer pay for me and I got laid off. :mad:
I have Voipo now and it fits my budget currently.
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CallVtgGuy @ 26th Feb 07:08PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I suppose its all mildly anecdotal at this point. I emailed support to inquire about customers who had the service less than a year and wanted to leave before "official" contact from CV (some contractual language at signup requiring 1 year of service or a potential termination fee -- I believe to compensate for the free TA).
CV support stated clearly "There are no disconnect or penalty fees if you choose to transfer your line to another provider or cancel your service."
I doubt AT&T would waive those term fees if they intended CV to be a viable service going forward.
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FrankD1 @ 27th Feb 01:30PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by CallVtgGuy :
I suppose its all mildly anecdotal at this point. I emailed support to inquire about customers who had the service less than a year and wanted to leave before "official" contact from CV (some contractual language at signup requiring 1 year of service or a potential termination fee -- I believe to compensate for the free TA).
CV support stated clearly "There are no disconnect or penalty fees if you choose to transfer your line to another provider or cancel your service."
I doubt AT&T would waive those term fees if they intended CV to be a viable service going forward.
FWIW, I just ported out of CV, and received the following email from them. It's altogether possible they won't act on it (just an automated form letter they didn't bother to change once they started rolling up the welcome mat).
Dear Mr X:
As requested on 02/27/2009, AT&T CallVantage (R) Service is in the process of disconnecting your service. You will not be able to place or receive calls using the AT&T CallVantage Service. If you have not done so already, you should immediately arrange for service with an alternate phone service provider.
If you have been on the service for less than one year, you will receive a Fed Ex package in approximately 2-5 business days with a prepaid postal Return label and letter explaining the instructions for returning the Telephone Adapter (TA). We ask that you use this label to return your TA to us.
If we receive your TA within 16 days of 02/27/2009, you will receive a refund of the final amount you paid AT&T for the adapter (after any promotions on your original TA order were applied). If we do NOT receive your TA within 16 business days of 02/27/2009, you will be assessed a one-time service disconnect fee as described when you signed up for the service.
Sincerely,
AT&T CallVantage Service Team
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Fisamo @ 27th Feb 07:08PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Gotta agree with FrankD1 here. On the bright side, AT&T does send a prepaid Fedex label for the canceling customer. I'd say that if you receive one of them, just pack up your ATA and send it back. No cost to you. :)
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StuFL @ 28th Feb 10:37AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV.
My primary number is one that I ported in 4 years ago. It is from the area I used to live (but is a toll call from where I am now). I also have a simple reach number from my local area that is well known.
When I have to leave CV, will they let me take the simple reach number also? If the easy response in no, can anyone direct me to an escalation process to keep it.
Thanks.
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Fisamo @ 28th Feb 11:22AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Past history is that they don't allow port-outs of Simple Reach numbers. You should be able to keep your primary line, but that may depend somewhat on the carrier you intend to port use next. (Obviously, if you want to port to POTS, you won't be able to keep your number without paying an arm and a leg.) You can always try to initiate a port of the Simple Reach number--nothing lost in trying. See what the 'winning carrier' does when the port is rejected and what they are told. That may give more clues on how to proceed. That approach has not worked in the past, but I don't know of a better one. :huh:
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TomMac @ 28th Feb 05:09PM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
Keep it until it they tell us it is going away. Then drop it like a hot potato!
:)
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jduffy @ 7th Mar 08:54AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
Ported my numbers out yesterday to Time Warner. Went OK. Called AT&T after numbers ported to cancel service. When she asked why I told you because AT&T was shutting down the CV service. She stammered around quite a bit and said she did not have anything official. She said account would be automatically closed when the numbers ported. Yeah, I don't trust that. AT&T person also said I would get an email as soon as numbers ported. So that has not happened yet. I will give it until Monday and if no email, then I will call the cancel again.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.
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NY Tel @ 7th Mar 09:03AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
AT&T is very good about canceling once a number is ported.
You eventually get an e-mail and you get the box to return the TA if you have had it less than a year etc.
I even got a credit for a partial month from them.
I was sad to cancel but my employer was paying for it and then they decided not to be my employer anymore, it was an easy conclusion. :mad:
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Fisamo @ 7th Mar 09:46AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
And with nothing official, I'm staying put. :)
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Annmarie @ 7th Mar 10:22AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
said by Fisamo :
And with nothing official, I'm staying put. :)
Same here. I am waiting until someone posts that they have received an official letter from CV and then I am going to still wait until the last minute.
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TxPres @ 8th Mar 11:09AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
said by NY Tel :
AT&T is very good about canceling once a number is ported.
You eventually get an e-mail and you get the box to return the TA if you have had it less than a year etc.
When I ported out my number and ATT closed my account, they sent me a FedEx prepaid return label for me to return the TA, even though I had been on ATT CV for well over 2 years!.
Since I had no use for the TA, I sent it back.
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rsmith7 @ 9th Mar 08:37PM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
No lable for me. I guess they really wanted your equipment back.
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jonathanlord @ 9th Mar 09:20PM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
I agree 100%, if the service is still working, why change a good thing. Until AT&T tells me personally, as a customer, that they are shutting CV down, then I am staying put. I have tried a few VOIP services over the years and CV by far has been the most reliable with the best customer service.
For all we know the posts (about CV going away imminently)in this discussion are from people who is just trying to drive business away from AT&T !!!
Heck even if someone post that they got an official letter from AT&T, why take that at face value, wait until AT&T tells you directly. How do you know that the poster is telling the truth??
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NetFixer @ 9th Mar 10:08PM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
said by jonathanlord :
For all we know the posts (about CV going away imminently)in this discussion are from people who is just trying to drive business away from AT&T !!!
Heck even if someone post that they got an official letter from AT&T, why take that at face value, wait until AT&T tells you directly. How do you know that the poster is telling the truth??
Trust No One!!!
Fox Mulder would be proud. ;)
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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Fisamo @ 10th Mar 09:37AM:
Re: Can someone advise me on porting out my number from CV
Well, I did get 'unofficial' word from an ATTCV CSR when I called to ask about it. See my earlier post in the thread. That said, the information I got was that the process they're considering is slow and orderly--dropping customers over a 1 year + span. IMO, it makes sense to shop now so you know where you'll go when you get your letter (I do think it's safe to assume they're coming eventually). OTOH, I don't think anyone's number is in jeopardy if they wait to leave AT&T until they get formal notification of a disconnect...
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chakotay2 @ 2nd Apr 11:21PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Can anyone show a copy of a letter they got? I am pretty skeptical of this rumor... Techs I have talked to said they are not ending service except perhaps in AT&T controlled areas where they compete with themselves.
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nrf @ 3rd Apr 06:22AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
As I said before a rumor can be making it a reality. However, you can see for yourself that it will no longer let you add the softphone service to an existing account. I am just hoping it takes a long time before they do start booting people from the service as the prospects of going through all the pains of a new service are upsetting.
FWIW I only achieved this satisfaction by leaning on my ISP for a long time, getting my 3rd model of TA from CV, and carefully setting my router config. And I would rather not go back to "I can hear them but they can't hear me" etc. while stabilizing a new provider...
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Fisamo @ 3rd Apr 03:28PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by nrf :
As I said before a rumor can be making it a reality. However, you can see for yourself that it will no longer let you add the softphone service to an existing account. I am just hoping it takes a long time before they do start booting people from the service as the prospects of going through all the pains of a new service are upsetting.
I was able to get to the 'confirm E911 address' screen when attempting to add a softphone to my account, and I was able to choose a Simple Reach number. I didn't complete either process, because I don't need either of those features.
See my post (last one on the first page of this thread) in which I spoke with someone at ATT. To me, it's reasonable to conclude that the service will be decomissioned, just not sure when. As I've said, I'm hanging on until the bitter end. :D
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Mediocrates @ 14th Apr 07:50AM:
AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
I am of a large corporate customer and we rec'd a corporate email this morning that our company will discontinue CV soon. We are to be told starting the end of June, the particular details. It seems now, at least that we will be left on our own as to what will replace it and whatever it is, one imagines within some max dollar amount, is left up to us.
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Annmarie @ 14th Apr 09:10AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
Just to clarify - did your company receive a letter from CV that then prompted your corp to send out that e mail of the discontinuation or is your corp deciding this on their own?
I am holding out until the last minute but I do want to research what else is available in my area so I am trying to get a feel as to when this is all going to happen.
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NY Tel @ 14th Apr 11:11AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by Annmarie :
Just to clarify - did your company receive a letter from CV that then prompted your corp to send out that e mail of the discontinuation or is your corp deciding this on their own?
I am holding out until the last minute but I do want to research what else is available in my area so I am trying to get a feel as to when this is all going to happen.
Probably what a lot of companies are doing to cut costs:
Discontinue the company provided offering, tell you here is 20 dollars, now go and get connectivity and don't come back to us for more money.
A friend of mine had her company cut off all home office land line/voip money and told them here is 60 dollars a month for your cell phone, and don't come back to us for more.
250,000 employees worldwide - big company. You can imagine the savings.
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Mediocrates @ 15th Apr 08:28AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Our home office broadband allowance was cut to zero. I have no idea as to the particulars of how CV is being discontinued or who drove that decision. I've got to say I really won't be sad to see it go.
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MyDogHsFleas @ 17th Apr 12:17PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by Annmarie :
Just to clarify - did your company receive a letter from CV that then prompted your corp to send out that e mail of the discontinuation or is your corp deciding this on their own?
I am holding out until the last minute but I do want to research what else is available in my area so I am trying to get a feel as to when this is all going to happen.
Are you retail or is this a corporate CallVantage service?
If corporate, I suggest asking the manager in charge of this at your company.
My best guess for your really being pushed to disconnect CV is late 3rd quarter into 4th quarter. But that is completely a guess.
I am working for the same company as Mediocrates, I don't have a problem telling you who it is but I don't want to "out" him if he has a problem with it.
It was a letter from the company. I assume it was prompted by AT&T's phaseout of CV. They are not taking new retail customers for some time now. I would assume that AT&T is winding down all their corporate customers, and at some point they'll need to disconnect their retail customers as well.
The company is as of May 1 reimbursing zero dollars for home-based workers for Internet connections, and their guideline is no more than $40/month for work-at-home phone service. If you want to use a cellphone for home office, you can get up to $40 reimbursed on your plan.
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Annmarie @ 17th Apr 12:31PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
I am just a regular house hold CV customer who loves the 19.99 phone bill. :)
I have yet to receive any sort of notification from AT&T and was wondering who here has gotten the official word on the discontinuation of home service.
A letter, an e mail, or anything but a comment from a customer service rep?
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NY Tel @ 17th Apr 12:44PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by MyDogHsFleas :said by Annmarie :
Just to clarify - did your company receive a letter from CV that then prompted your corp to send out that e mail of the discontinuation or is your corp deciding this on their own?
I am holding out until the last minute but I do want to research what else is available in my area so I am trying to get a feel as to when this is all going to happen.
I am working for the same company as Mediocrates, I don't have a problem telling you who it is but I don't want to "out" him if he has a problem with it.
HINT:
They made the "Selectric Typewriter" and most recently the ThinkPad....... :p
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avd706 @ 17th Apr 12:54PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by NY Tel :
HINT:
They made the "Selectric Typewriter" and most recently the ThinkPad....... :p
Leveno makes typewriters???? $fontbg j/k $Fontbg
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MyDogHsFleas @ 17th Apr 08:53PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by NY Tel :
HINT:
They made the "Selectric Typewriter" and most recently the ThinkPad....... :p
lol
if that's what you know IBM for we're not very good at marketing.
#1 in servers, #1 in enterprise middleware, biggest contributor to open source outside of Red Hat, in the leadership quadrant of every key Gartner category, ....
btw the ThinkPad is now Lenovo -- IBM doesn't do PCs any more.
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NY Tel @ 17th Apr 09:06PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by MyDogHsFleas :said by NY Tel :
HINT:
They made the "Selectric Typewriter" and most recently the ThinkPad....... :p
lol
if that's what you know IBM for we're not very good at marketing.
#1 in servers, #1 in enterprise middleware, biggest contributor to open source outside of Red Hat, in the leadership quadrant of every key Gartner category, ....
btw the ThinkPad is now Lenovo -- IBM doesn't do PCs any more.
I am very aware of the company product line, I work for a large MSP in NY and we are an IBM delivery partner. We maintain a lot of iSeries systems, among many other things.
I was kind of sad when Lenovo took the Pad....some of my best machines were IBM.
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framemainer @ 18th Apr 09:15AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
I, too, work for this unnamed company.
The letter about home phone service was not just listing CV. It listed two other provider/services (one AT&T, one not). It covered the elimination of corporate bill payment. I get reimbursed for my CV bills (due to 2-line plan never getting corporate payment), and will continue to do that (about $22 per month, quite a bit less than the $40 limit).
I a getting a replacement for my D-Link DVG-5102S which was part of my home office melting down last week. (TA Lan stats have 6460 packets sent, 5000 dropped, and I get a sort of hum/static a few minutes into calls, which are then dropped.) I'm still wondering how the TA can apparently cause my Linksys WRT54-GL with Tomato to keep disconnecting/connecting, but that's an unanswered post in the Linksys forum. The big clue for the TA demise was it failed on DSL behind one router, and then on cable behind another router.
I mention my TA failure because the AT&T tech rep who ordered my new TA said that her opinion is that the CV demise is still in rumor stages.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - actual 100% removal and dismantling of any AT&T telecom service takes a very long time. Remember the T once stood for telegraph - I think those old TWX circuits ran until 2006 (service went to Western Union in 1969, but I think AT&T maintained the TWX). Most former Bell companies still offer "measured service", but service reps might not know it exists - my monthly land line is less than $10 per month for 30 local calls (taxes and fees are more than the line charge!). How about rotary dial phones?
So, if you like CV, don't lose sleep over it going away.
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NY Tel @ 18th Apr 11:13AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by framemainer :
So, if you like CV, don't lose sleep over it going away.
Well I was driving down the road yesterday in Texas and look at the sign I passed :p :p
Control by Phone |
Gungerdin @ 18th Apr 11:14AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
Glad that i live in NY. ;)
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NY Tel @ 18th Apr 11:49AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by Gungerdin :
Glad that i live in NY. ;)
Not so fast! On my way home from Texas last night (yeah I drive really fast), I passed that motel just up the street from you and look what they had on the sign.
They spelled Callvantage and shutting wrong but it must be spreading... :p
Bellmore next? |
Fisamo @ 18th Apr 08:17PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
Whether 'rumor stage' or 'the letters go out next month' stage, I'm sticking around (without losing sleep) until my letter comes in. Even if they do shut down "soon" (whatever that means), I am confident that they will give sufficient notice for me to complete a port-out of my number, and that's my main need if they pull the plug. As to where I go... depends on what the landscape looks like when they do it. :)
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NY Tel @ 18th Apr 08:28PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by Fisamo :
..... As to where I go... depends on what the landscape looks like when they do it. :)
OOMA? :)
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djrobx @ 18th Apr 10:13PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I got a letter saying that service will be shutting down in 2009 but I don't have to do anything yet, and that I will be notified when I MUST select another provider.
--
AT&T U-Hearse
Your funeral. Delivered.
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NY Tel @ 19th Apr 08:36AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by djrobx :
I got a letter saying that service will be shutting down in 2009 but I don't have to do anything yet, and that I will be notified when I MUST select another provider.
Could you scan it and post it please (minus your personal info)...?
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Mediocrates @ 19th Apr 09:44AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Be that as it may, we're not being pushed, as far as I can tell now, to do ANYTHING in particular. By that I mean, whatever alternative we come up will simply be reimbursed up to some reasonable amount. Be it another VoIP, POTS, femtocell, smoke signals or telepathy.
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NY Tel @ 19th Apr 11:15AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Mediocrates :
Be that as it may, we're not being pushed, as far as I can tell now, to do ANYTHING in particular. By that I mean, whatever alternative we come up will simply be reimbursed up to some reasonable amount. Be it another VoIP, POTS, femtocell, smoke signals or telepathy.
Get a Boost Mobile unlimited phone ;)
You'll only go 10 dollars over the monthly allowance.
:)
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babylon5 @ 19th Apr 12:25PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
NY Tel and all,
Here is the letter that I received from AT&T regarding the discontinuance of AT&T CallVantage
Do you or anyone have any suggestions on alternative VoIPs
Thanks.
Babylon5
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Fisamo @ 19th Apr 03:59PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
:(
I'm very sad to see CallVantage disappearing. It's been a solid service for me, and I haven't once worried about my phone working. That's not to say there haven't been outages, but they have been few and far between.
I'll have to give it some more thought before I totally jump ship (meaning, which direction I'll jump)...
The least-established service I'd consider is Voipo, but with them, it's only because I participated in their Beta and have had service with them for 2+ years. OTOH, they're relatively new to the public and have had a pretty rough start. While they're likely to do very well in the long term (I say that because of excellent customer service primarily), now may not be the best time to switch to them.
Voicepulse is always a good choice--they've been around forever, and their customer service gets excellent reviews. Their $15/mo plan is pretty generous, too.
There's always Vonage. I'm not sure if I'd go back to them, one reason being that I'm less than thrilled with their customer service, and ... well, to me, they're the AOL of VoIP.
Then, there are the host of other options that are either rarely mentioned or mostly (only?) discussed in the »VOIP Tech Chat forum. (I hope nobody's offended over those I miss) : Future Nine, Phone Power, Ooma, MagicJack, Quantumvoice, Axvoice...
Note that for my primary phone service, Magicjack is a non-starter, as I will not have my phone dependent on a USB dongle hanging off a Windows PC. :o (An Asterisk server is another story altogether, though... :D )
It's a sad, sad day in VoIP land... :(
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PX Eliezer @ 19th Apr 05:24PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I'd also (and especially) look at CallCentric.
I'm coming up on a year with them, never a problem.
Also see:
»/gbu
»/reviews?slo=1&typ=voip
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NY Tel @ 19th Apr 06:48PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by babylon5 :
NY Tel and all,
Here is the letter that I received from AT&T regarding the discontinuance of AT&T CallVantage
Do you or anyone have any suggestions on alternative VoIPs
Thanks.
Babylon5
Thank you for posting this - it has ended a lot of speculation on everyone's part about who, what, when, where and why. Now we know it is true and those of you who still have CV can start a civilized search for a new provider. Fisamo makes a lot of very good points in his post above and just remember that everyone's experience with each voip provider is totally different.
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spepin @ 19th Apr 08:28PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
NY Tel and all,
Here is the letter that I received from AT&T regarding the discontinuance of AT&T CallVantage
Do you or anyone have any suggestions on alternative VoIPs
This is the same letter I just got... I came here looking to see which direction other residential VOIP users might be heading. Ive seen some interesting recommendations, so I'll keep my eyes open.
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NY Tel @ 19th Apr 09:17PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
The problem is that you often get answers from users of telephony who like to reccomend the carrier they are using for various reasons.
You will always find others who have bad luck with those same providers so getting an opinion here is usually a subjective one when it should be objective.
I think the "bad" few are well known and you should stay away from them.
I would stay away from really, really new start ups and try to go with more established firms that have a good rating here on DSL reports - at least there is some objectivity in most of the reviews.
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babylon5 @ 20th Apr 02:45AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Thank you all for providing guidance on choosing another VoIP provider. It is much appreciated.
Fisamo, I agree with you on Vonage. I also experience the same thing as you did on the customer service side and they are in my own opinion, the most expensive among the VoIP providers.
Babylon5
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MyDogHsFleas @ 20th Apr 09:27AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I have gone ahead and scheduled installation of a second U-verse Voice line for work-at-home, to replace my company-billed CallVantage line. I have been very pleased with my U-verse Voice for my home line, it's unlimited calling for $30/month and excellent quality. The second line is $15/month (which my company will pay) and shares the "unlimited" minutes. If you read the Terms & Conditions, they expect you to use less than 5000 minutes/month which will be no problem.
Surprisingly, they need to roll a truck to my house for the second line. I don't really understand why, but they insisted.
When I ordered on the Web, there was a $25 install charge. So I called in the order and asked that it be waived and they said "OK". I did the same thing with the initial install and their $95 install charge.
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 09:53AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I knew a guy who was the main technical/product contact for the original CallVantage. He has since left AT&T and 2 years ago he told me that CallVantage would be "rolled into" U-verse and eventually shut down. Guess he was not kidding.
So you are happy with the quality of the U-verse? Identical to CallVantage?
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MyDogHsFleas @ 20th Apr 10:06AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by NY Tel :
I knew a guy who was the main technical/product contact for the original CallVantage. He has since left AT&T and 2 years ago he told me that CallVantage would be "rolled into" U-verse and eventually shut down. Guess he was not kidding.
CV cannot be "rolled into" U-verse as CV works on anyone's ISP, and will work where U-verse is not available.
So you are happy with the quality of the U-verse? Identical to CallVantage?
Better.
To answer a question I got via IM: Yes you need to subscribe to U-verse to get U-verse Voice, and it's only available in some areas. The total cost for my first unlimited line in Austin, TX is $30 plus $3.66 in gov't fees/surcharges. They also charge state sales tax on top of that, but that may not apply in all states.
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 11:36AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by MyDogHsFleas :said by NY Tel :
I knew a guy who was the main technical/product contact for the original CallVantage. He has since left AT&T and 2 years ago he told me that CallVantage would be "rolled into" U-verse and eventually shut down. Guess he was not kidding.
CV cannot be "rolled into" U-verse as CV works on anyone's ISP, and will work where U-verse is not available.
So you are happy with the quality of the U-verse? Identical to CallVantage?
Better.
To answer a question I got via IM: Yes you need to subscribe to U-verse to get U-verse Voice, and it's only available in some areas. The total cost for my first unlimited line in Austin, TX is $30 plus $3.66 in gov't fees/surcharges. They also charge state sales tax on top of that, but that may not apply in all states.
By rolled into - he was using generic terminology to describe what was going to happen. So perhaps he should have used the term "replaced" but either way he knew what the company had planned.
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Gungerdin @ 20th Apr 02:27PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
It's all your fault! :p Today I received the same letter babylon5 had posted.
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 02:41PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Gungerdin :
It's all your fault! :p Today I received the same letter babylon5 had posted.
Just call me Typhoid Bobby. :p
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nrf @ 20th Apr 03:34PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
got mine too. I can see getting rid of it where there is an at&t product like uvers voice that is much more profitable, but it seems silly to get rid of it where there is no equivalent in the catalog.
but then business is rarely logical.
I will hang on to the very end...
nrf
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Gungerdin @ 20th Apr 03:40PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Same here, you would think there would be an option for us. My only option with them is pots!
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Fisamo @ 20th Apr 04:03PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Gungerdin :
Same here, you would think there would be an option for us. My only option with them is pots!
As for me, at this time. But then again, POTS isn't an option in my household... :)
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babylon5 @ 20th Apr 04:39PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Please excuse my ignorance, but what does POTS mean?
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 04:45PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Gungerdin :
Same here, you would think there would be an option for us. My only option with them is pots!
If you have POTS, get yourself a Google Voice account and use that for all outbound LD (totally free).
Use the POTS portion for inbound and whatever else. Don't even subscribe to an LD carrier.
Think about it....
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 04:46PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by babylon5 :
Please excuse my ignorance, but what does POTS mean?
Plain Old Telephone Service
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Fisamo @ 20th Apr 04:48PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
A few other disconnect tidbits for those who have not yet seen the letter...
If you attempt to type the link to »www.att.com/callvantage , you no longer get the "we're not taking new customers" page, but a summary of current VoIP products. (The only Residential one is Uverse Voice.)
If you go into your user portal and click on Account Management and Settings, there are two new links under the "Manage Features and Pricing" box. See attached, above.
Yep--CV is going away. :( |
babylon5 @ 20th Apr 06:11PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by PX Eliezer :I'd also (and especially) look at CallCentric.
I'm coming up on a year with them, never a problem.
Also see:
»
/gbu»
/reviews?slo=1&typ=voip PX Eliezer: I am currently browing CallCentric website and wanted to know if they have a toll-free number available
Also, if I were to choose this VoIP provider and any other provider that does not have its own forum, where do I go to communicate with other customers with the same VoIP provider.
Thanks.
Babylon5
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diver858 @ 20th Apr 06:34PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Received the snail mail from ATT CV today, so I am in the market for a replacement VoIP service for my home business.
We currently have a total of three VoIP lines, naked DSL and DirecTV - no Uverse or FIOS in our service area.
When CV stopped taking new customers, I ported one of the 3 numbers to PhonePower, cancelled a second one, and replaced it with PP's free cloned line. For the most part, we are satisfied with PP, but there is one CV feature that I have become dependent on for business travel - speed dialing. When away from the office, I can simply call the control by phone number, and dial international speed dial numbers at the low CV rate, and only use local mobile air time - an option not currently available on PP.
I looked at CallCentric, but was shocked by their international rates - like $0.11 per minute to the UK, versus $0.04 for CV.
Suggestions?
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anon @ 20th Apr 06:35PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Just got my letter today. Sad day =(
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babylon5 @ 20th Apr 06:49PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
One thing that I will miss with ATT CV is the ability to call the control number through my cell phone in order to make international long distance calls.
diver858: One of the VoIP providers that I am looking at is CallCentric & noticed that there is World Select plan priced at $29.95 Maybe you might consider this since there are quite a few countries covered by CallCentric.
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NetFixer @ 20th Apr 07:31PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Well, I got the Dear John letter from CallVantage today.
I will probably just inform my wife that the CV number that was primarily her private line is disappearing, and she will need to tell her doctors, hair dressers, friends, cousins, etc to call her on her cell phone. I guess if she complains enough about wanting to use a traditional deskset type phone, I can get a bluetooth to rj-11 adaptor.
My primary CV number which I use for business will probably be ported to an additional line in my AT&T Wireless account. I just hope that AT&T Wireless hurries up and releases their MicroCell service before my reserve supply of roll-over minutes get used up and I am forced to change to a higher usage (AKA more expensive) plan.
It was a nice ride while it lasted. :hmm:
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 08:14PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Razzy92834 :
Just got my letter today. Sad day =(
My neighbor (next door) just got the letter today.
They will probably go with VoicePulse based on their usage which is primarily all within LATA 132 (KaPoopsie NY to Montauk Point, Long Island). They use very little LD so I am recommending the 14.99 a month free regional and 200 minutes LD plan. They have Cells for everything else.
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Annmarie @ 20th Apr 09:35PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I got the letter today !!! I am still holding out until the last minute - or at the very least the next letter. :(
I have no solid plan to replace CV except maybe Optimum Voice. Since I have the other two services from Cablevision I guess I will see if this can work into the triple play 99. mo deal.
Look at the quote on VoicePulse homepage: »www.voicepulse.com/
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 10:05PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Annmarie :I got the letter today !!! I am still holding out until the last minute - or at the very least the next letter. :(
I have no solid plan to replace CV except maybe Optimum Voice. Since I have the other two services from Cablevision I guess I will see if this can work into the triple play 99. mo deal.
Look at the quote on VoicePulse homepage: »
www.voicepulse.com/ If you have Cablevision and can get the triple play pricing, you would be getting a good deal. My friend has CV, his triple play expired and they WOULD NOT extend the price so just keep that in mind.
I like the Voicepulse 200 plan because it allows free unlimited calling within the LATA and 200 LD minutes (with a cell) is a good combo.
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ricep5 @ 20th Apr 10:20PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I too recv'd my letter today. After 4 years of service!
Choices? They have U-Verse here and I already have AT&T DSL and Comcast HSI, so I can;
-either port the # to Comcast Voice
-Look at a complete U-Verse port
-locate another VOIP provider
-lose the number
-port to a traditional service (cell/Pots)
Is it possible to have AT&T unlock my TA so I can pair it with an alternative SIP service? Technically if they end the contract I can do what ever I want with it.
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mprogers @ 20th Apr 10:33PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I also called to check, and did not get a definitive date, but the advance notice I received (not actual cancellation notice, as the rep pointed out) suggested that I could move to U-verse VOIP.
The problem is that the new AT&T (SBC's in charge) does not cover the same areas as the old AT&T and will not serve me "The new AT&T does not cover NH". "But it's voip! Can't I get service from U-verse via my cable provider?" "No, the new AT&T does not cover NH."
A few rounds of that and the tone was degenerating, with the rep saying "You can take your lines..." and me completing "...and stuff them!" Fade to dial tone.
In other words, just like Verizon FIOS, unless you are covered by their internet service, they won't offer you VOIP service :(
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NY Tel @ 20th Apr 10:33PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Paperweight. AT&T does not unlock their devices. I have a collection of their TA's in my garage.
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rsa0 @ 21st Apr 12:03AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Got the letter today...it's official. 8 weeks from this letter. I have a D-link ATA. Does any one knows if the box is locked ?
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framemainer @ 21st Apr 04:43AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by diver858 :
I looked at CallCentric, but was shocked by their international rates - like $0.11 per minute to the UK, versus $0.04 for CV.
I think you are looking at the wrong UK rate at Callcentric. Their "UK Proper" is $0.0198. I can only wonder at what's meant by "UK local" at $0.11.
Based on my reading of their comprehensive country rate list, I think Callcentric buys bulk service from AT&T or an AT&T reseller (Some countries are only U.S.-accessible by AT&T, and that may be why some cheap VOIP services do not have those countries.) - so, their international rates look okay to me.
And, my home phone bill on CV has thousands of dollars of international per year - so, if they really do disconnect me from CV, I'll be trying Callcentric first.
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NetFixer @ 21st Apr 05:00AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by rsa0 :
Got the letter today...it's official. 8 weeks from this letter.
I did not notice any specific time frame mentioned in the Dear John letter I got.
I did however notice this on the on-line Disconnecting your Service FAQ:
AT&T CallVantage®
Disconnecting Your Service
What are the various mediums you are using to reach out to these customers?
A combination of direct mail, e-mail and voicemail for 60 days.
That would seem to imply pretty close to an 8 week shutdown date.
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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Annmarie @ 21st Apr 09:14AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
A few months back I called Cablevision and after much tooth pulling I had my actual Cablevision TV bill reduced to 29.99 a month for being such a loyal customer since 1997 and for not changing over to FIOS or DirectTV which we already have BTW - must get the Raider games.
Anyhow I was looking into the VoicePulse service you noted and it really seems like a good deal to me. I think the 200 LD minutes is doable. I will have to review my past CV bills but Fla is the only place I call on a regular basis that I can think of right now and the local calls include many of the surrounding area codes.
Do they send a TA like AT&T did? I sort of wired my home so all the phones that are plugged into jacks have the service. I used the instructions from the CV website so it was not illegal or anything. Took just 15 minutes. :)
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NY Tel @ 21st Apr 09:45AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Yes there is a Terminal adapter that they offer and when you go to the web site and try to sign up, they offer about 3 different TA options, rent, buy etc.
I tried it and the local plan includes all of the LATA 132 codes, 212 646 914 917 845 516 631 718 347 (I may have left out a newer one but it is included.)
Also, I believe that (according to Fisamo) you have to sign up with a temp number at first, establish service and THEN port your number.
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Fisamo @ 21st Apr 12:37PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
The only ATA you can 'borrow' out of the list on the VoicePulse website is the PAP2T. (You'd see this as you attempt to sign up.) Once you have their device, it's simply a matter of swapping out the modular plugs from the CallVantage ATA to the VoicePulse ATA.
If you go with them, you will want a temp #, and you should be able to port in with no difficulties. One interesting that I've noticed with voicepulse is that your number is independent of your username (and your SIP username, for the technically inclined). What this means in terms of porting is that when they change your number from the temp# to the ported-in#, you do NOT have to reboot your adapter, you do NOT have to re-create your phonebook, etc. Very nicely done on their part, I'd say. :)
My biggest gripes with VP are that they don't have the dial-in control panel, which I use all the time to turn Locate Me on and off, and they use the "Comedian Mail" (Asterisk default) platform for voicemail. Otherwise, they should fit my bill perfectly.
I've also seriously considered Voipo, but for right now, I'm thinking that I'll keep my line with them as secondary at this time. It's good having more than one line into the house, and it will be more important as my girls get to the teen years (which thankfully is still a few years out). :)
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babylon5 @ 21st Apr 01:51PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
To all,
A friend of mine forwarded to me a link to company called ACN. I briefly looked at the price package, and it is the same as Vonage. Has anyone heard about this company before?
Thanks.
Babylon5
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anon @ 21st Apr 02:20PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
does anyone know what the actual comparison between CV and UV? In my dear john letter yesterday it said something about UV. i want to make sure i can port the number and have all the same features.
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babylon5 @ 21st Apr 02:35PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Jessop :
does anyone know what the actual comparison between CV and UV? In my dear john letter yesterday it said something about UV. i want to make sure i can port the number and have all the same features.
Jessop, check out PX Eliezer post on this same thread:
»AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
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Fisamo @ 21st Apr 02:54PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Jessop :
does anyone know what the actual comparison between CV and UV? In my dear john letter yesterday it said something about UV. i want to make sure i can port the number and have all the same features.
Check out this link: »https://uma.att.com/assets/files/voice_c···ion.html
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NY Tel @ 21st Apr 02:57PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by babylon5 :
To all,
A friend of mine forwarded to me a link to company called ACN. I briefly looked at the price package, and it is the same as Vonage. Has anyone heard about this company before?
Thanks.
Babylon5
I would continue to look if I were you.
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babylon5 @ 21st Apr 03:04PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by NY Tel :
I would continue to look if I were you.
Thanks for confirming my "gut" feeling.
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docchat @ 21st Apr 03:42PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
So does anyone know of a good alternative to ATT CV?? I esp like being able to access my CV account through my cell phone and being able to make calls to Canada through it using my CV acct.
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Fisamo @ 21st Apr 06:15PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I will miss this feature, as I don't know where to find it in a one-stop-shop VoIP provider. I will probably keep this feature by "cheating" -- I have an Asterisk system, and I already have a few inexpensive DIDs to forward to it. Now, I just have to figure out how to configure an IVR so I can easily dial in and enable/disable features like 'locate me' or 'hunting'. I've been putting some of that learning off, but now that the clock is officially ticking, I need to get going. :)
BTW, to get a 'locate me' replacement to work, I'll need to have my new provider (whoever it ends up being) always set to simulring a DID to the Asterisk system so that it can forward calls (locate me) when that feature is enabled. The Dial-in-dial-out feature just needs any DID with Asterisk (in my case, PBX-in-a-Flash).
Both ViaTalk and Voipo have indicated plans for some sort of feature where you can call in and adjust features/make calls, but ViaTalk's was clunky at best (only way to access it was by dialing your home number), and Voipo's hasn't yet materialized.
Before I forget, CallCentric does have a calling card type option. Note that you would be paying per minute when using it, though--not like CV where it's "billed against your plan" (meaning free domestic/Canada calls if you're on the unlimited plan).
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anon @ 21st Apr 09:04PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Jessop :
does anyone know what the actual comparison between CV and UV? In my dear john letter yesterday it said something about UV. i want to make sure i can port the number and have all the same features.
lET ME SAY THIS , I was talked into changing from ATT call vantage to ATT uverse voip last month . The web sight said they had a feature called Call transfer that will let you transfer a call to another number and hang up ,therefore you can be on the home phone and instead of hanging up and having to dial your cell phone to continue the call you can seamlessly move the call to the cell phone .
OK here is the real story . I asked them if the features were the same as ATT call vantage and they said Yes they were the same and in fact they had more and were very advanced compared to ATT callvantage . They Promised me that if I didnt like it They would give me back the call vantage account . ( mind you this was before the letter was sent by call vantage)) They even said they would give me a one hundred dollar credit to offset the 10 dollar a month higher price for a year (never seen that yet)
Two hours after they came and installed the battery back up I went to set up the features and found that , All of them are stripped down versions , the do not disturb feature Just produces a busy signal to the caller , instead of ((like CALLVANTAGE) giving them the option to ring thru if it is an emergency or leave a voice mail . You can unplug your phone or leave it off the hook to do that ???? and they charge you for it now???? ( I am disabled and my sister had to drive 70 miles to come check on me because The do not disturb gave a busy signal and she thought something bad must have happened )) Also you can not program any timers to turn on and off features .
When I called 3 hours later they said I would have to call call vantage to switch back . I called Callvantage and they said Sorry we are not taking new customers . ((my ta was still connected and I could still make calls from it )) the lady said there was a big secret that she was going to tell me ,,,they were porting all their customers to Uverse and closing down . When I asked her if I could get a couple of Business lines from uverse she said sure How many do you want !!!!!
I will be calling the uverse team that claims that they dont even know Callvantage and it must be old ATT ???? Ad I will be getting my 100dollars and porting over to a basic land line 14.00 and have call fowarding on it and pick out a voip provider for 10 or 15 dollars a month for unlimited USA calls anf transfer my number to that number . this will give me a basic Land line and all the features I want for less than the uverse .
If you like the att Callvantage features do not geT Uverse !!!!! ( I will add the tv and internet work very well but so did DSL and dish network when I had that
S B C BOUGHT OUT ATT AND SINCE THEN THE ATT EMPLOY ES HAVE INFILTRATED THE NICE SBC PEOPLE AND TURNED WHAT WAS A GREAT COMPANY INTO A COMPANY WITH AN ATTITUDE
WHAT A PRICE TO PAY TO ACQUIRER A WORLD WIDE RECOGNIZED NAME .
bY THE WAY MAGICJACK IS 20 DOLLARS A Y E A R WORKS GREAT ONLY YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER RUNNING FOR IT TO WORK BUT STILL FOR THE MONEY ITS A GREAT 2ND LINE AND IT WORKS ON YOUR LAPTOP AT ANY WIFI SPOT !!!
GOOD LUCK GUYS GLAD TO KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE ATT HAS SCAMMED AGAIN...
jOE vIG
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anon @ 21st Apr 09:13PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
hEY CAN SOMEONE SEND ME A COPY OF THAT CALLVANTAGE DEAR JOHN LETTER??????
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NetFixer @ 21st Apr 10:26PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by ATTNT4ME :
hEY CAN SOMEONE SEND ME A COPY OF THAT CALLVANTAGE DEAR JOHN LETTER??????
hEY CAN YOU SCROLL BACK TO A POST THAT WAS MADE A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO WHEREIN A COPY WAS UPLOADED??????
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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egcarter @ 22nd Apr 06:27PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by ATTNT4ME :
...snip...
S B C BOUGHT OUT ATT AND SINCE THEN THE ATT EMPLOY ES HAVE INFILTRATED THE NICE SBC PEOPLE AND TURNED WHAT WAS A GREAT COMPANY INTO A COMPANY WITH AN ATTITUDE
WHAT A PRICE TO PAY TO ACQUIRER A WORLD WIDE RECOGNIZED NAME .
...snip...
I think you got it backwards... The SBC people have infiltrated AT&T. Callvantage was developed by the REAL AT&T (at Bell Labs). The faux AT&T (post SBC acquisition) are winding down the superior Callvantage platform and are foisting UVerse (which was created by SBC) on their customers.
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anon @ 22nd Apr 09:57PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I received a letter yesterday that AT&T Call Vantage is going to discontinue their service...they did not give me the date they will discontinue but they said letter will be sent out soon for the end date.
I already got my magicjack and i am going with that...only thing i will miss is my number with AT&T CV because i cant port my number to MagicJack.
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MyDogHsFleas @ 22nd Apr 10:54PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by egcarter :
I think you got it backwards... The SBC people have infiltrated AT&T. Callvantage was developed by the REAL AT&T (at Bell Labs). The faux AT&T (post SBC acquisition) are winding down the superior Callvantage platform and are foisting UVerse (which was created by SBC) on their customers.
You are right about the origins of CV.
I have the opposite opinion. I struggled to get CV to work right, but once it did, it still was good but not great quality. U-verse phone has been excellent quality from day 1.
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egcarter @ 22nd Apr 11:47PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by MyDogHsFleas :
You are right about the origins of CV.
I have the opposite opinion. I struggled to get CV to work right, but once it did, it still was good but not great quality. U-verse phone has been excellent quality from day 1.
This Callvantage user (since 2004) has had nothing but flawless performance since Day One. (still have the ancient DLink TA, too).
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MyDogHsFleas @ 23rd Apr 09:57AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by egcarter :said by MyDogHsFleas :
You are right about the origins of CV.
I have the opposite opinion. I struggled to get CV to work right, but once it did, it still was good but not great quality. U-verse phone has been excellent quality from day 1.
This Callvantage user (since 2004) has had nothing but flawless performance since Day One. (still have the ancient DLink TA, too).
My struggles were more about figuring out that the ISP has a lot to do with the quality of service. I had to dump Road Runner and go to AT&T DSL to get any kind of CV service. There was no guidance, I had to spend a lot of time on the phone and switching services to make it work. Before the switch, calls would just go in the dumper, it was embarrassing as I was using it for work.
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NetFixer @ 23rd Apr 02:54PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by MyDogHsFleas :
My struggles were more about figuring out that the ISP has a lot to do with the quality of service. I had to dump Road Runner and go to AT&T DSL to get any kind of CV service. There was no guidance, I had to spend a lot of time on the phone and switching services to make it work. Before the switch, calls would just go in the dumper, it was embarrassing as I was using it for work.
A good rule of thumb is twisted pair or fiber == yes*, coax cable == no.
* IFITL is the exception to this rule, IFITL == no.
YMMV
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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diver858 @ 25th Apr 12:10AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I beg to differ - what ATA are you using? I have a DVG-5012S, and just accessed the admin setup panels by simply attaching a network cable to my laptop, entering the IP address provided on the bottom of the ATA, and leaving the admin password field blank - piece of cake.
I'll take some of those TA's off of your hands if you have no use for them...
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diver858 @ 25th Apr 12:12AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Any reason why Future Nine has not been suggested as an alternative? Other than being a small outfit, reviews look awesome, as does the pricing.
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PX Eliezer @ 25th Apr 12:32AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by babylon5 :said by PX Eliezer :I'd also (and especially) look at CallCentric.
I'm coming up on a year with them, never a problem.
Also see:
»
/gbu»
/reviews?slo=1&typ=voip PX Eliezer: I am currently browing CallCentric website and wanted to know if they have a toll-free number available
Also, if I were to choose this VoIP provider and any other provider that does not have its own forum, where do I go to communicate with other customers with the same VoIP provider.
Thanks.
Babylon5
-----------------------------------
I think that I already answered you in another thread. But again: CallCentric's trouble ticket system (interacting with expert techs in NY) is far superior to a telephone support system from some other companies (talking to some kid in Bhutan reading from a script).
Also, CallCentric users really don't need to be on forums very often, as the thing just WORKS. But if you feel the need to forumize, you go to the MAIN Voip forum, where Voipers from ALL the important companies can come together.
»VOIP Tech Chat
(There is a separate little forum for CallCentric, but virtually nobody uses it).
Frankly, I have never been a fan of these separate little forums for Vonage and ATT CallVantage. It's like Ohio running its own post office department, or Oklahoma running its own Navy.
I've been surprised in recent months that some people who were on the Vonage forum or the ATT CallVantage forum didn't even know that the main Voip forum existed. For that matter, some of them seemed unaware that other Voip providers existed. I may be wrong, and I may get flamed for saying that, but that's how it looked to me.
Good luck with your decisions.
--------------------------
PS: As I have also said elsewhere, outfits like CallCentric assume that the customer has some minimal level of boffining, and the customer supplies the ATA and such.
Folks who prefer full-service gas will be happier with Voip providers like VoicePulse, VOIPo, or PhonePower, where the company controls everything.
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NetFixer @ 25th Apr 02:48AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by diver858 :
I beg to differ - what ATA are you using? I have a DVG-5012S, and just accessed the admin setup panels by simply attaching a network cable to my laptop, entering the IP address provided on the bottom of the ATA, and leaving the admin password field blank - piece of cake.
I'll take some of those TA's off of your hands if you have no use for them...
I assume that you mean a DVG-5102S? If so, what you describe doing, everyone knows about and you likely only have access to the standard router functions. If you are saying that somehow you now have admin access to the ATA features in the DVG-5102S, how about posting some screen shots to prove it (as well as explicit instructions describing how you got there).
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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Fisamo @ 25th Apr 06:53AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Future Nine looks good from reviews, etc. My main concerns with them are their size (essentially a one-man show), lack of "HR redundancy". In other words, if nitzan goes 'down' they're in trouble. :) (No, I don't wish that on nitzan!)
FWIW, I did include Future Nine in the poll thread, but I noticed that I did forget Phone Power. :huh:
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TomMac @ 25th Apr 09:59AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
A friend just switched to Lingo. I know at one time there was a problem with them SPAMING the forums. I could not find a lot of information on them. At one time Clark Howard did recommend them.
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PX Eliezer @ 25th Apr 10:56AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Lingo is owned by Primus, a company that recently filed US Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
I think that there are better choices. :uhh:
-----------------------
Because I'm sure someone will point it out, the Lingo operating unit was not officially part of the Primus bankruptcy. But still....
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diver858 @ 25th Apr 11:58AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
screenshot of basic WAN function screen.
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NetFixer @ 25th Apr 01:05PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by diver858 :
screenshot of basic WAN function screen.
Can you tell me exactly where in that screenshot you think that you can configure the SIP parameters in order to use the DVG-5102S as a non-CallVantage ATA?
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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diver858 @ 25th Apr 01:17PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I did not have time to go through all of the screens - just confirmed that it was possible to get in without an admin password. Are you suggesting that none of the available options will provide access to the SIP parameters?
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NY Tel @ 25th Apr 01:52PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by diver858 :
I did not have time to go through all of the screens - just confirmed that it was possible to get in without an admin password. Are you suggesting that none of the available options will provide access to the SIP parameters?
Why do you think I have a boatload of them still in my garage? :)
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NetFixer @ 25th Apr 02:09PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by diver858 :
I did not have time to go through all of the screens - just confirmed that it was possible to get in without an admin password. Are you suggesting that none of the available options will provide access to the SIP parameters?
Actually, you are the one who suggested it was possible (although I don't think you knew that was what you were suggesting).
I am just asking you where/how it is done because to my knowledge the DVG-5102S was only produced for CallVantage, and it only uses remote provisioning from a CallVantage server. This is shown below in a screen capture from the D-Link on-line DVG-5102S emulator:
[att=1]
Don't bother looking for this screen on your DVG-5102S, it is extremely unlikely that you will find this screen on a real-world DVG-5102S as shipped by CallVantage. Even if you manually access Tools_Authkey.html or Tools_Prov_Info.html what you are likely to see is this:
[att=2]
--
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
»portscan.dcs-net.net
»nature-pics.com
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anon @ 26th Apr 01:11PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Folks I ordered ooma. You can get it on sale at amazon for $200 and never have to pay another monthly phone bill. Porting is supported but costs $40 bucks. It has received stellar reviews on Amazon and around the web. You can check it out at www.ooma.com. I should be getting mine on Monday and will see how it does but as far as I can tell this appears to be the slickest solution with best bang for the buck at least for me.
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MyDogHsFleas @ 26th Apr 11:37PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Ooma is like a Ponzi scheme. They have to keep signing up more and more new customers to keep paying to support their existing customers who expect free service for life.
In a year or so, you'll either get unbearably bad service, or it'll go completely belly up.
How long do you think this will retain Ashton Kutcher's attention?
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NY Tel @ 27th Apr 09:54AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by MyDogHsFleas :
Ooma is like a Ponzi scheme. They have to keep signing up more and more new customers to keep paying to support their existing customers who expect free service for life.
In a year or so, you'll either get unbearably bad service, or it'll go completely belly up.
How long do you think this will retain Ashton Kutcher's attention?
You beat me to it. Eventually, those who went with Ooma will find out they have been Punk'd..... :p
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anon @ 27th Apr 10:17AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
People have been saying the same thing about ooma since 2007 when the company started. Fact is, if you figure $25/mos for other voip provider and $200 for the box, you will have paid for the box with just 8 months of service. So IF (and thats a huge if) they were ever to go out of business in a year, I would have already recouped the cost of the device and saved my self $100 bucks over going with another VOIP provider.
For those that say this is a ponzi scheme, they do have a new business model which is to sell their "premium" service with additional bells and whistles for $99/year. Like I said, check out their website and reviews around the net before you start drawing conclusions.
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Fisamo @ 27th Apr 11:43AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by sidewinder33625 :
People have been saying the same thing about ooma since 2007 when the company started. Fact is, if you figure $25/mos for other voip provider and $200 for the box, you will have paid for the box with just 8 months of service. So IF (and thats a huge if) they were ever to go out of business in a year, I would have already recouped the cost of the device and saved my self $100 bucks over going with another VOIP provider.
For those that say this is a ponzi scheme, they do have a new business model which is to sell their "premium" service with additional bells and whistles for $99/year. Like I said, check out their website and reviews around the net before you start drawing conclusions.
Does this mean that ooma's tagline should be "Get a reasonable price for 8 months of service, if we last that long. If we're around for even longer, bonus for you!"
Sunrocket saved numerous people money while they were around, and some of their customers got excellent service. When they went under, though, all of their customers (a) were suddenly out phone service that they had PAID for, (b) had to unexpectedly find a new provider to take over their service, etc. Did they save enough for that hassle to be worthwhile? I'm sure some would say yes, others would say no. Had I gone with SR, I'd be in the latter camp (which is why I never went with SR).
Ooma will have to start collecting from all existing customers a recurring service charge or they won't be around in the long term. Not just this 'premium' service that they offer...
There will be tons of positive reviews until their users all get Punk'd.
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NY Tel @ 27th Apr 12:35PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Fisamo :said by sidewinder33625 :
People have been saying the same thing about ooma since 2007 when the company started. Fact is, if you figure $25/mos for other voip provider and $200 for the box, you will have paid for the box with just 8 months of service. So IF (and thats a huge if) they were ever to go out of business in a year, I would have already recouped the cost of the device and saved my self $100 bucks over going with another VOIP provider.
For those that say this is a ponzi scheme, they do have a new business model which is to sell their "premium" service with additional bells and whistles for $99/year. Like I said, check out their website and reviews around the net before you start drawing conclusions.
There will be tons of positive reviews until their users all get Punk'd.
Imagine how Bruce Willis feels about Ooma.... :o
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anon @ 27th Apr 09:33PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
No one is 100% safe from a company going out of business(SR) or for that matter discontinuing service(callvantage, voicewing). Everyone makes their choices and hopes for the best. Welcome to the world of VOIP folks.
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Fisamo @ 28th Apr 09:34AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I don't think anyone here disagrees with you. The open question is whether a provider appears viable and trustworthy enough to earn my business. Call me crazy, but I don't blindly trust anyone who promises me something for nothing.
Edit: If ooma proves their business model over time, I might trust them. I said the same about SR, but I never got the chance to try them out...
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nitzan @ 28th Apr 12:16PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
You know.. this kind of reminds me of the folks who ported their number from SunRocket to Vonics - only to have Vonics go out of business with no warning overnight.
Do the math and decide. But consider that unlike CV which gives you a head notice - other providers may not. The Vonics refugees had to wait weeks before their numbers have been ported to another provider - meanwhile the number was down. Price is not everything and if it's too good to be true - it probably isn't true in the long run. :)
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NY Tel @ 28th Apr 12:22PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by nitzan :
You know.. this kind of reminds me of the folks who ported their number from SunRocket to Vonics - only to have Vonics go out of business with no warning overnight.
Do the math and decide. But consider that unlike CV which gives you a head notice - other providers may not. The Vonics refugees had to wait weeks before their numbers have been ported to another provider - meanwhile the number was down. Price is not everything and if it's too good to be true - it probably isn't true in the long run. :)
This is a general comment and not directed at any one carrier/service provider:
Everyone should abandon the idea that the cheaper the better. There are SOME things in life that you have to make an assessment of and then make a business/safety decision on.
What will I get for $2.00 a month? Will my family be safe?
If my house is burning down, will the Fire Department know how to get to me etc...
It is only a bargain if you get value out of it. If it is cheap and does not work, you have essentially flushed money down the toilet.
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Mediocrates @ 28th Apr 01:21PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Yes and no. MCI Neighborhood POTS was THE MOST rock solid light-switch simple phone service I ever had (aside from Ma-Bell pre 1984). But at $78 per month it's simply not worth it.
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NY Tel @ 28th Apr 01:27PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
said by Mediocrates :
Yes and no. MCI Neighborhood POTS was THE MOST rock solid light-switch simple phone service I ever had (aside from Ma-Bell pre 1984). But at $78 per month it's simply not worth it.
See but that's where the ILECs go crazy in the opposite direction - they have the Methods and Procedures in place to provide reliable service as a cost higher than some of the voip providers and lower than what their overhead requires so they absolutely can provide quality service but their costs are higher, blah, blah....etc.
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Gizguy @ 29th Apr 09:14AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Here is the letter that I received earlier this month stating CallVantage service being discontinued in 2009. Per their website, uverse not available here in Georgia - at least where I live.
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JAXx @ 4th May 08:13AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Ooma may be like this this aviation company (I forget the name) that was trying to build the first "affordable" single engine jet for private use. The goal was 1 million planes, a HUGE number, and the biz model required that many for them to succeed. They took orders and they took lots of money from investors. They obtained FAA certification (basically by dodging and cheating) for planes that were delivered that completely failed to reach the specs promised with the promise that they'd get it fixed and *upgrade* everyone's planes at a future date (haha).
Many people bought in to this literally, giving them multiple 100K deposits for planes that would come sub par and for which they'd have to fork over the balance.
Flying magazine published an article saying the plane would never work as they claimed and that the biz model was wrong. The company pulled their advertising from Flying. People continued to by and the company continued to accept deposits right up to the day they called it quits. No refunds. That is part of the American Way and there will always be people to support it.
--
JAXx, aka Stephen
~ All my opinions are only my opinions and if anyone else shares them - it's chance ~
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docchat @ 25th May 11:38PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
Has anyone been able to find a reliable carrier with the same feature?? The Call By Cell Phone Access is great! And any final dates of termination been released? I am assuming they'll give us some notice of service termination once the date has been finalized
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EGeezer @ 27th May 12:10PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect soon
said by MyDogHsFleas :
if that's what you know IBM for we're not very good at marketing.
#1 in servers, #1 in enterprise middleware, biggest contributor to open source outside of Red Hat, in the leadership quadrant of every key Gartner category, ....
btw the ThinkPad is now Lenovo -- IBM doesn't do PCs any more.
Hey, don't knock the Selectric! I cut my teeth on typebar model Cs and Ds, then the Selectric, Mag Card Selectric typewriters and Selectric composers(the 65 pound watch) before becoming a Systems Engineer. :D
You guys keep on truckin' down there in Raleigh. I bought some more IBM last fall, and I love that pension check!
--
The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding. -- Justice Louis D. Brandeis
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dconklin @ 30th May 09:53AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
My number ported very smoothly to Verizon land line. I placed the order and 5 days later the Verizon tech showed up and connected the line. He called his porting group and the number was switched over in about 7 mins.
My Callvantage service however is still active and i can make outbound calls. How long does it normally take for them to close the Callvantage account once a port is complete? I tried to call customer service but they are closed over the weekend.
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Fisamo @ 30th May 10:47AM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
I would think within a business day or two your line would cut off. You might consider trying to log in to your control panel today or tomorrow--if it allows you to, you can always click on the 'disconnect service' link there. Just be absolutely sure your calls are properly hitting your Verizon line.
You might also visit »www.tnid.org to see which LEC controls your number. (If it confirms Verizon, no reason to not hit the disconnect link at CV.)
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NY Tel @ 30th May 12:44PM:
Re: AT&T Callvantage will disconnect in Feb
As fisamo suggested, what happens when you dial *** from the Still working Callvantage line? If it does not grant you access, it is disconnected.
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