[POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

[POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?
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Fisamo @ 19th Apr 09:33PM:
[POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

[mpoll]Which providers are you seriously considering for your VoIP service after ATTCV?,AxVoice,Cableco VoIP (Comcast Digital Voice, TWC Digital Phone, Optimum Voice, etc.),CallCentric,CallWithUs,Future Nine,Inphonex,MagicJack,Nuvio,Ooma,QuantumVoice,ViaTalk,Vitelity,VoicePulse,Voip.ms,Voipo,Vonage,Cell only,Back to POTS,Other (please reply and specify in your post)[/mpoll]

OK, that list got big pretty quickly. All providers are listed alphabetically, so BYOD (bring your own device) companies are mixed in with "disco" (device is supplied by COmpany), and some of these providers may work well with both options.

This is a multiple-choice poll, so feel free to check more than one box. Keep in mind that the poll will only be useful to others if you only check the providers you're seriously considering. Also, remember that once you hit "submit" you can't change your answer. If you want to reply in the thread with your rationale, it may help others wondering who they should consider.

To those using the poll to decide who should service your phone, do keep in mind that with all VoIP, YMMV (your mileage may vary). Do more research than simply reading this thread--the »/gbu list is helpful but not perfect (hint: review text is much more indicative than location on the gbu list). You will find a lot of helpful information in the »VOIP Tech Chat forum, and Google is also your friend.

I have to be honest--I have a little more research to do into some of the companies listed before I answer my own question! :)
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Fisamo @ 20th Apr 04:05PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

By the way, please select "Cableco VoIP" if you're switching to U-Verse. I know AT&T isn't a cableco, but I forgot to include Uverse in the choices, and I figure it fits better there than POTS or "other".
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rebus9 @ 20th Apr 09:48PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Definitely Vonage.

I've been a multi-line Vonage customer since October 2004. I needed an extra line and decided on ATT CV for diversity. If Vonage had an outage, I could still use the CV line.

Every time I've done business with AT&T, I've ended up sorry.
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NetFixer @ 20th Apr 10:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I will chose cell phone/other.

The "other" will be the AT&T Wireless MicroCell service if/when it is released for public usage. That should provide the same kind of unlimited usage over a broadband connection as CallVantage, Vonage, or any other VoIP service. If I feel the need to use a conventional deskset type of phone, there are bluetooth to rj-11 adaptors available for that.
--
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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rmrper @ 21st Apr 08:50AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Giving heavy consideration to VoicePulse right now. I have FIOS, but their new digital voice service isn't widely available yet and the price points I've heard mentioned are pretty close to their POTS pricing. I may investigate Sprint's microcell service since we already have cell service with them, but we'd want to keep our home phone number which I'm guessing means we'd need to add a line. So, that choice may not be cost effective.
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fxtr @ 21st Apr 07:22PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

One Call Vantage line has already been ported to FIOS. The second existing line will be replaced by the cell phone. I have slowly been going thru all my contacts and changing the Call Vanatage number to the FIOS number. I will miss CV.
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TomMac @ 21st Apr 08:45PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Since this appears to be a busy summer and who knows the time frame for the big disconnect I ordered U-verse today.

Very saddened to see CV die.
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Mediocrates @ 22nd Apr 01:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Airave Femtocell
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watts3000 @ 22nd Apr 03:30PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I can't see myself paying for uverse I'm all about the 3rd part voip providers
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MyDogHsFleas @ 22nd Apr 05:36PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

U-verse is $30/month for voice with free battery backup, and it runs off the same box as the Internet service (the RG) so no extra boxes, and the voice quality is excellent. Plus you have a single entity to deal with if things go wrong.

I think these advantages are worth the $5/month or so premium over 3rd party services.
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watts3000 @ 22nd Apr 08:12PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

So that's long distance and everything also did you factor in the fees and taxes
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Lenagainster @ 22nd Apr 09:22PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

My suggestion to everyone choosing another VoIP service, read, read, read. Don't depend on just the ratings on the gbu chart; they are biased beyond belief. Read as many reviews as you can find, from multiple sources. Consider also the dates they were written and weigh the most recent a bit heavier, as that reflects the current status of the service. Give more credence to actual users of the service, rather than organizations that review the service and regurgitate the specs. Go to the websites and carefully compare all the features. Make yourself some charts and spreadsheets to evaluate the providers. And then go sign up with VoicePulse. :>)
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planetdell @ 22nd Apr 10:05PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

AT&T wants to charge an installation fee of $149 if you just want to sign up with the phone service! What a rip for those of us who already have Call Vantage. I'm going with Vonage.
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MyDogHsFleas @ 22nd Apr 10:50PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by watts3000 :

So that's long distance and everything also did you factor in the fees and taxes

It's "unlimited" long distance for $30/month (the terms limit you to 5000 minutes/month which should be enough -- you'd have to average 3 hours/day on the phone to go over that)

All the services have fees and taxes added so that's really not a relevant comparison.
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watts3000 @ 23rd Apr 09:57AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

IMO taxes and fees are very relevant I looked at Charter there service was unlimited nation wide for 29.00 by time I add the taxes I'm looking at 39.00. I can get a voipo line for 18.00 that's a big difference in my mind. However, let us know how the uverse voice turns out it is a plus that you get the battery backup
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MyDogHsFleas @ 23rd Apr 09:59AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

What you'll find is that the big players charge what they should in taxes/fees. If the small players don't, they'll get caught by the authorities over time and will start charging them.
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watts3000 @ 23rd Apr 10:06AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

You may have a point there I wonder how voip is taxed. I thought it was taxed differently than a regular lan line. It has to be different because my callvantage bill had 3.00 in total taxes and fees a regular lan line has 10 to 15 in taxes. That is the main reason I decided to go to callcentric or voipo. Also I think that the voip that the cable companies put out carries the same taxes as a regular pots line. So do you need to get Uverse internet in order to get phone
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Fisamo @ 23rd Apr 11:29AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

A couple of comments overall:

First, before spending too much time researching providers, think about how you use your phone now and which features you "can't live without". Granted, it's harder to narrow down providers by those criteria today than it was an 2004, but you can still probably narrow your choices a fair bit. You may even be able to avoid the spreadsheet suggestion above. :)

The comments about reading reviews critically is key. Anyone can say, "Get this service. It's better than sliced bread." Chances are, someone else will say that the same provider is the worst business on the planet.

As for taxes and fees, the big difference between POTS and VoIP is the "Federal Subscriber Line charge" (if it's still called that), which is an UNFEE (not mandated, but the carriers are allowed by the FCC to collect it, so they do).

My point is, since we know it's coming, now is the time to look hard at the many offerings out there. If you're undecided, sign up with multiple providers (new number assigned by provider), and evaluate for a month or two. Then, port your number from CallVantage to the provider you like best.

The poll I created above is for information, and I hope it's used primarily to point people to providers they should investigate, not necessarily providers they should choose.
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watts3000 @ 23rd Apr 11:54AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Yes I agree I read a lot of reviews and got it down between callcentric and voipo. The thing I like about callcentric is you have more control since your TA is not locked however voipo seems to be plug and play like callvantage. I'm most likely going to order both and do a side by side
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garbageguts @ 23rd Apr 11:55AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I spoke with AT&T CV rep. today - we do not have to send back our CV ATA. In my case DVG-5102S. Unfortunately, CV will not unlock it for us. Is there any site with non CV firmware to download so we then can get our ATA back to factory settings? It would be nice if we could re-purpose the ATA.
Thank you in advance.
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Fisamo @ 23rd Apr 01:55PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I don't know why they won't unlock them, seeing as they don't want the devices back. However, such logic isn't likely to sway anyone over there...

I don't know if the 5102S was made for anyone other than AT&T. You'd have to ask the people at DLink, and I doubt they'd tell you. I'm guessing that you have a paperweight on your hands (once you disconnect from CallVantage).
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watts3000 @ 23rd Apr 02:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I called in about my WRT54GP2A-AT being unlocked and they refused to unlock mine. It does not matter though I'm going to buy a pap2 for callcentric
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Qmarker @ 23rd Apr 11:25PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm just plain angry with AT&T. When I had U-Verse installed there was no U-Voice available here in WI. Ergo, Callvantage was offered at a price of 19.99 permonth (ten dollar discount forever) if you had U-Verse installed.

Now, out of the clear blue sky, they want to give me the same thing but charge me 10.00 more. They won't recognize the discount they are currently giving me. It made me mad enough to shop elsewhere.

Not ony that, I've talked to at least 5 U-Verse people that have told me " I don't blame you and it is really not working all that well yet".

I'm going to do the Ooma thing after reading nearly 400 reviews over on Amazon.
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giffordj @ 24th Apr 01:43PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I switched to Phone Power, found out the server is less than 40 ms from me.

I hate to see AT&T go, but since I'm in a Verizon area, U-Verse was not an available option.
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nightwalker @ 24th Apr 03:35PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I just signed up for CallCentric, it had more of the 'advanced' features I needed:

1. Advanced call-filters based on time of day, including DND.

2. Free E-fax (inbound)

3. My choice of Codecs. I tried the Softphone for testing and the quality was excellent.

Just filled out the LNP documents, and will report how long it takes.
--
»www.reverse.net
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NetFixer @ 24th Apr 03:52PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I just yesterday started the porting process for my primary home business number to AT&T Wireless. It will be interesting to see how this goes since the number is officially owned by XO, was originally assigned to a Vonage account and subsequently ported to AT&T CallVantage.

It will also be interesting to see if my secondary personal CallVantage number will also be automatically disconnected and the entire account closed when the primary number ports. I tried to manually disconnect the secondary line (since I plan to just drop it) using the on-line script, but it warned that disconnecting one line would automatically disconnect both lines, so I aborted that process.

The only "problem" so far is that AT&T refused to waive their $29.99 new line activation fee even though this was a forced migration from another AT&T service. :(
--
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.
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Fisamo @ 24th Apr 04:10PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

That seems kind of lame that they wouldn't waive the fee... :( (Not all that surprising, though.)

Is the secondary line a 2nd line on your ATA, or is it an "Additional User"/"SimpleReach" number?

If you want to disconnect the second line and let it go away, you should be able to do so on the control panel (though you may have to call the TF number and have CS do it).

I suspect the Line 2 will simply go away, as I doubt you have login credentials for it on the website, right? Certainly never hurts to confirm after the primary line ports...
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NetFixer @ 24th Apr 04:40PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Fisamo :

That seems kind of lame that they wouldn't waive the fee... :( (Not all that surprising, though.)

Is the secondary line a 2nd line on your ATA, or is it an "Additional User"/"SimpleReach" number?

If you want to disconnect the second line and let it go away, you should be able to do so on the control panel (though you may have to call the TF number and have CS do it).

I suspect the Line 2 will simply go away, as I doubt you have login credentials for it on the website, right? Certainly never hurts to confirm after the primary line ports...

Well, this is AT&T as in "We don't care, we don't have to care..."

[att=1]

It is a full second line on the ATA, and it has a separate login for control panel access for call forwarding, voice mail, etc.

The website control panel script explicitly warned that the two lines were linked and could not be un-linked or disconnected separately. I think they are trying to tell us not to let the door hit us on the butt on the way out. ;)

Either the second line will disappear when the primary line ports, or it will be automatically promoted to primary, and I should then hopefully be able to disconnect it from the control panel script. I am trying to avoid voice contact with AT&T CallVantage because even though I know that their CSRs are not responsible for this mess, I am pissed off and would probably lose my cool if I got any kind of run-around.
--
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

Fisamo @ 24th Apr 06:57PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Fair enough. From what you said of the disconnect script, it sounds like the 2nd line will simply go away. That said, though, it's never a good idea to ASSume... :D
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nunya @ 25th Apr 12:16AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Upon reflection...
I originally had voted "Cell Only", but today I decided to port over to Vitelity.
I already have an Asterisk system for business use, I'm just going to add a trunk for my personal number (CallVantage). I'm going to sever ties early, I don't want to get caught in a rush.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
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NetFixer @ 25th Apr 03:02PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Well, despite the assurance I got from the AT&T Wireless CSR that there would be no problems with porting my number from AT&T CallVantage, I got an email today saying that there was indeed a problem.

[att=1]

I will fill out the form with the additional requested information (even though it will just be a repeat of the information I supplied the first time), but I suspect that I will need to just publish a new number on my web sites, update the imbedded contact information in my software, and print new business cards with a new number. This is the same crap I ran into several years ago when I tried to port a BellSouth number to Vonage, and at that time I eventually just had to give up the BellSouth number and accept a new Vonage/XO number (the one I am trying to port now).

It seems that AT&T likes to import other supplier's phone numbers, but when it comes time to export a number (even when it is an internal AT&T -> AT&T port) they dig in and refuse to do anything. :(
--
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

Fisamo @ 25th Apr 06:53PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

As irritating as the prospect sounds, have you considered porting to another provider for a short term? Perhaps an inexpensive TMO prepaid, or if a PAYGO VoIP provider can take the number without charging $25 for the port?
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NetFixer @ 25th Apr 11:31PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Why should I expect AT&T CallVantage to allow porting the number to an outside provider when it seems to be blocking what should be a simple intramural transfer to AT&T Wireless?

The problem is that AT&T CallVantage is apparently balking at releasing the number, not that AT&T Wireless is refusing to accept it.
--
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 @ 26th Apr 01:07AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by NetFixer :

Why should I expect AT&T CallVantage to allow porting the number to an outside provider when it seems to be blocking what should be a simple intramural transfer to AT&T Wireless?

The problem is that AT&T CallVantage is apparently balking at releasing the number, not that AT&T Wireless is refusing to accept it.

Here's why:

Maybe they figure that AT&T Wireless will not make any kind of protest or fuss.

Whereas if you ask CallCentric to get the number for you, or if you ask Nitzan Kon at FutureNine to get the number, they may fight hard on your behalf, and may make a stink if AT&T CallVantage won't release the number to them.

Just a thought.
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NetFixer @ 26th Apr 02:36AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by PX Eliezer :

Here's why:

Maybe they figure that AT&T Wireless will not make any kind of protest or fuss.

Whereas if you ask CallCentric to get the number for you, or if you ask Nitzan Kon at FutureNine to get the number, they may fight hard on your behalf, and may make a stink if AT&T CallVantage won't release the number to them.

Just a thought.

Actually, if I can't get the number ported to AT&T Wireless, I will probably give some serious thought to dumping AT&T for all my phone and data services.

Comcast has been bugging me to sign up for a business internet/phone package for quite some time, and I may just take them up on their offer. And since T-Mobile is finally implementing 3G service, I may just move my cell phone service to them.
--
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 @ 26th Apr 06:51AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

The odd thing here is that ATT is shutting down CallVantage. There's no reason for them to not release the number. If you're still primarily interested in keeping ATT for wireless, it may be worth a call to CV customer support or to push the port with ATTWS.

OTOH, since you don't seem committed to keeping ATTWS, it makes good sense to look at your alternatives. FWIW, how's Verizon wireless in your area? :D
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watts3000 @ 26th Apr 09:35AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

NetFixer I recommend tmobile for your cell needs I've been with them for 6 years and have had great service throughout.
Also I would agree with you on looking into Comcast a lot of small businesses in my area are starting to move to the cable companies for all there phone and data needs. Also in my case ATT can have their callvantage number every telemarketer in the universe has it any way so as of now I'm still trying to decide on callcentric, voipo, or voicepulse
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PX Eliezer @ 26th Apr 09:54AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I certainly agree that you might want to ditch those bums at ATT.

Nevertheless, if you want to fight for your number, this reference may come in handy:

»www.corp.att.com/lnp/handbook/lnp.html
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planetdell @ 26th Apr 10:02AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I don't see any comments on PhonePower. They seem to be rated pretty high on various web sites that show customer ratings/reviews. Any thoughts?
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PX Eliezer @ 26th Apr 10:51AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Many folks like them.

Have you looked at the reviews and resources on THIS website (that is, the site that you are currently ON ?!)

»User reviews - PHONE POWER

»/gbu

»[General] As Promised: Phone Power Uptime and Network Status

»[Other] Is Phone Power trust worthy enough to pay 200 in advance

»VOIP Tech Chat
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planetdell @ 26th Apr 11:24AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Yeh, I've looked at the reviews on THIS WEBSITE but they are older posts and I'm looking for fresh thoughts on THIS FORUM in light of the recent notice by callvantage.
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PX Eliezer @ 26th Apr 12:21PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Older posts ??!!

There are 7 reviews written or updated within the last few weeks!

»User reviews - PHONE POWER

Review by hack4fun
UPDATED: 2 days ago

Review by tgitech
UPDATED: 3 days ago

Review by Ndmand6
UPDATED: 6 days ago

Review by as10113
Posted: 8 days ago

Review by LeeOpines
UPDATED: 17 days ago

Review by galandy
Posted: 21 days ago

Review by valkyrie_mt
UPDATED: 22 days ago

Good luck to you.
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anon @ 26th Apr 01:22PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Definitely ooma. It has received stellar reviews on Amazon and elsewhere and its a no brainer for me. $200 bucks and no phone bill for life...what more do you want? Unless they go out of business of course...but hey thats a risk for any company that you don't pay monthly.
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Fisamo @ 26th Apr 03:04PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

My goof for not including Phone Power in the poll choices. :huh:

As for ooma, I won't deny that they've gotten some very positive reviews and that a $200 up-front payment for "lifetime" service sounds great. The obvious question that should be going through your mind before going with ooma is, "How can they afford to provide ongoing service to you if they're no longer taking your money?" If you either have an answer to that question that satisfies you or are willing to sign up without getting that question answered, by all means check them out. They're not a viable option for me for that very reason, but they may be for you.
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nunya @ 26th Apr 03:23PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

If you either have an answer to that question that satisfies you or are willing to sign up without getting that question answered, by all means check them out. They're not a viable option for me for that very reason, but they may be for you.

Two words: Sun Rocket
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
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frazierwa @ 26th Apr 07:12PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I understand that Sun Rocket is gone... but does that mean that all these providers will dry up and blow away? I assume that they have funding to take them through some reasonable period of time afterwhich they will have to fine tune their biz plan for the long haul. I just ordered Ooma to replace CV since they have a short ROI... but if the service is good I'll pay the monthly fee for the 'premiere' plan.

The majority of the Ooma reviews are good so I'll take a reasonable chance on them. I'd hate to dismiss all of them because they don't charge enough. I'd rather choose and spend my $$ and loyalty with the company with the right product and hope that they figure out how to survive. Even the 'biggest' players in the field who charge the highest monthly fees are on shaky financial ground.
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Fisamo @ 27th Apr 11:36AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by frazierwa :

I assume that they have funding to take them through some reasonable period of time afterwhich they will have to fine tune their biz plan for the long haul. I just ordered Ooma to replace CV since they have a short ROI... but if the service is good I'll pay the monthly fee for the 'premiere' plan.

The majority of the Ooma reviews are good so I'll take a reasonable chance on them. I'd hate to dismiss all of them because they don't charge enough. I'd rather choose and spend my $$ and loyalty with the company with the right product and hope that they figure out how to survive. Even the 'biggest' players in the field who charge the highest monthly fees are on shaky financial ground.

I'm glad that works for you and don't mean to criticize you for your decision. If you're comfortable with the 'risk factor' then go for it!

My problem is with people who encourage others to "Go OOMA!" while ignoring (or minimizing) the flaws in the business plan. Ooma markets "free service for life" (of the equipment, which you buy), and there's no reasonable expectation that such a model can be sustainable. Either they will have to start charging a recurring fee, or they'll be gone. Ongoing service costs money for them to provide. Period.

I just find it funny that there was a huge debate over the viability of Sunrocket simply because they gave away a free phone, sold ongoing service for $200/yr (then at $200/2 yrs) without any kind of early cancellation penalty. The ooma plan seems even worse for the service provider.

Yes, AT&T is doing away with CallVantage, even though they "should be around forever". Yes, we have to "scramble" to find a new provider to port our phone#'s away to. But, true to form, AT&T is giving plenty of notice, not pulling a 'vonics' or a 'sunrocket' and disappearing into the night.

I don't intend to steer people away from Ooma--I just want anyone considering that service to make an informed decision. If that means people who would otherwise have signed up with ooma end up going elsewhere, that's life.
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frazierwa @ 27th Apr 12:24PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I agree with your comments for the most part; but aren't all of the VoIP providers on the brink financially?

I think it's kind of ironic that my cellular service has evolved into the 'stable' service that provides me with the flexibility to assume more risk than I would otherwise with my landline service. Used to be the other way around.
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Fisamo @ 27th Apr 01:57PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

The VoIP providers I'm considering porting my number to are private companies, not public. (Guess that rules out Vonage... :D ) I know that Vonage has their issues, but I don't really know the financials of the others.

By "don't really know" I exclude comments made in public forums (even Voipo's customer forum is still a "public" forum in that non-employees are seeing what's posted there). One never hears about VoicePulse, but the service has been around for years at a sustainable price point (same $25/mo as CallVantage). I have no reason to believe anything (positive or negative) about their financials, except that they do charge enough money to recover their costs (and then some, I'm sure). Voipo is new, offering service at a deep discount (SR-esque pricing) right now, but all public statements made seem to indicate long-term viability. (Note the word 'seem'.)

My point is, I just don't see how ooma can propose to STAY in business of providing a service without continuing revenue from all subscribers. Even if they took the MagicJack route, the ad-driven revenue model doesn't appeal.
reply

NY Tel @ 27th Apr 03:15PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Fisamo :

My point is, I just don't see how ooma can propose to STAY in business of providing a service without continuing revenue from all subscribers. Even if they took the MagicJack route, the ad-driven revenue model doesn't appeal.

Exactly, look at what happened to Ooma and Ethan Hawke.... :p
reply

anon @ 27th Apr 03:59PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm not sure what I will do. I have been thinking about cancelling my callvantage line anyhow since I rarely use it to dial out but I don't want to loose the number for incoming calls nor do I want to replace any of my other numbers with the CV number.

I would like to port my CV number somewhere safe so that I can simply use call forwarding from a new provider to transfer anyone who calls that number to my cell phone.

Any recomendations? I don't want to spend a fortune but I also want a reliable provider.
reply

NY Tel @ 27th Apr 04:30PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Why not just port the number to your cell and give up your cell number,
or - open a 9.99 a month family share account with your cell provider and port the number to that phone.
reply

Fisamo @ 27th Apr 08:24PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

If any of your other numbers are on a VoIP line, you might be able to port it in as a virtual number. Granted, that doesn't sound like what you had in mind... ;)

Since you're not needing dialtone for this number, you might consider Voipo. They have a product that allows you to forward a number either to a PSTN (regular phone#) number or a SIP address. They don't advertise it heavily at this point, but you can go to the "chat" and ask the salesperson about porting a number into their "Local Express" service. You pay per minute for inbound calls, but the first 500 per month are covered in the cost of service.

I would assume that you could also go with a "pay-as-you-go" provider (like callctric, voip.ms, etc.) and set up forwarding in their control panel. Chances are, though, you'll pay per minute for incoming calls with that option.

The extra cell phone line might be your best bet.
reply

nitzan @ 28th Apr 02:47AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by frazierwa :

I agree with your comments for the most part; but aren't all of the VoIP providers on the brink financially?

Not really. Pretty much all private VoIP proiders are making a profit (although likely relatively small).

There's two "camps" to VoIP providers:

1. Public and semi-public companies - The ones who operate on borrowed/public funds in the hope of one day breaking even and making a profit. Those include Vonage, Ooma, VoiceStick, etc. Interesting characteristics: lots of managers, lots of employees, lots of liabilities. Keep on borrowing more and more money to fund "the dream". They will either break even or run out of cash eventually.

2. The ones who operate on private funds. Those include ViaTalk, VOIPo, Future Nine, etc. Interesting characteristics: a lot smaller, actually turn a profit (although small), almost no liabilities, few managers and employees. They tend to be concentrated around one individual. (Brendan for VT, Tim for VOIPo, me for FN, Sergey for CWU, etc.)

I'm honestly not sure where Callcentric fits into all of this. lol.
reply

rebus9 @ 28th Apr 09:17AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by NetFixer :

Well, despite the assurance I got from the AT&T Wireless CSR that there would be no problems with porting my number from AT&T CallVantage, I got an email today saying that there was indeed a problem.

It's bad enough I'm going to lose my SimpleReach number. It's printed on all my business cards and letterhead, and it's a different area code so my customers in the next county can call me via a local (to them) number.

But to lose my primary (business) number would be a nightmare because it's a very desirable number (xxx-xxx-2000) and all of my customers know it. Trying to notify more than 1,000 people (literally) of a number change will be miserable.

Has anyone else here been able to successfully port their CV number to a different provider?
reply

Fisamo @ 28th Apr 09:51AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have heard of successful ports out of CallVantage, but they were before the disconnect announcement letter. All I can suggest is to be persistent. :huh:
reply

nitzan @ 28th Apr 11:58AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by rebus9 :

Has anyone else here been able to successfully port their CV number to a different provider?

We have successfully ported out of CV recently - although I don't know about SimpleReach numbers - I heard CV rejects those ports - although with CV closing it may be portable.
reply

diver858 @ 28th Apr 12:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I am carefully considering several options to CV for my small, home-based business, as CV's level of support and features are a very good fit for my needs. Based on my review and analysis,

I find it surprising that so many people claim to be considering voipo. Compared to the other options available, the features are inferior, long distance is more expensive, and the "tentative" pricing shown in the knowledge base is more than what I currently pay CV - $21.99 per month. The introductory rate and free TA are attractive incentives, but there has to be something else generating all of the positive buzz.

What am I missing?
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Fisamo @ 28th Apr 01:28PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Voipo ran a long beta period and recruited several VoIP forum regulars here on BBR as participants. Throughout the beta, their uptime was excellent, and Tim (personally) was very responsive to feedback.

Since they've launched, they remain very responsive and knowledgeable when one needs to contact support. They did go through some serious hiccups in service reliability, but part of that was true burn-in "experience-testing" of their systems. As a result of those experiences, they've determined some things to discontinue (some of their database authentication through an extra layer of RADIUS servers, for example, as well as BYOD), etc.

Base pricing is a little less than Vonage, VoicePulse base pricing, below-the-line fee is flat, and for those customers (like me) who rarely call internationally, that pricing is not a factor.

In terms of features and usability (e.g. web control panel), I agree they could definitely use some improvement. I'm curious--what features do you find lacking?
reply

diver858 @ 28th Apr 01:42PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Two, in particular:

1. Something similar to CV Follow me - if VoIP line is busy, down or not answered after a specified number of rings, the call will be forwarded automatically to another number; in my case, a cell phone.
2. Ability to access speed dial numbers remotely. I use this feature to make international calls from my cell phone, using low VoIP international rates (plus local air time).

F9 offers a sequential ring feature, and callback and calling card features which offer equivalent capabilities.
reply

Mediocrates @ 28th Apr 06:53PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Is there any way to park my number and disconnect the service so that I can preserve the phone number as an inbound only and have all calls to that number routed to another number, say my cell phone? Because if I can 'keep' the old phone number and simply have a service route all the calls to it to another number that would be perfect.
reply

NY Tel @ 28th Apr 07:07PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Mediocrates :

Is there any way to park my number and disconnect the service so that I can preserve the phone number as an inbound only and have all calls to that number routed to another number, say my cell phone? Because if I can 'keep' the old phone number and simply have a service route all the calls to it to another number that would be perfect.

Why not port the number to your cell phone?
reply

nunya @ 28th Apr 08:06PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Is there any way to park my number and disconnect the service so that I can preserve the phone number as an inbound only and have all calls to that number routed to another number, say my cell phone? Because if I can 'keep' the old phone number and simply have a service route all the calls to it to another number that would be perfect.

There are a lot of services out there that can do this for you, but ultimately it is just a slightly higher cost to go with another full provider (at least from what I've found). If anyone knows of a low cost "forwarding" provider, they should chime in.

I'm doing something similar. I'm porting to Vitelity. The DID (my CV number) is $1.50 / month + $.0135 per minute. I have an asterisk system and other DID's and WATS numbers with Vitelity, so it's not a big deal. Their "failover" ppm is higher (I think around $.03 / min), so it is to your advantage to have a SIP / IAX router to take your calls.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
reply

nitzan @ 28th Apr 08:20PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Pretty much any PAYG provider would be good for this. See: »[General] VoIP providers with LNP Support
reply

Fisamo @ 28th Apr 08:31PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

One option for the service you describe is Voipo's "Express" service. As others have said, there are other providers out there, but Voipo's service is $36/yr (includes 1st 300 min/mo) with no additional fees. Since you would be wanting to port in to this service, you'd need to confirm with them (Live Chat) that it can be done and the process... The order form for this service does not indicate a port-in option.
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camattin @ 28th Apr 08:53PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I saw the question asked earlier, but based on no answers to it, I'm thinking the answer must be "no".

Is there anyway to reflash/reprogram the AT&T Dlink ATA to be used with another provider?

Thanks,
-Chris
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watts3000 @ 29th Apr 09:44AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I've been doing a lot of research on other providers and for some reason I'm not really sold on voipo. They are really new in the voip game and from what I've heard they have not really been in production phase for long. I keep reading good stuff about callcentric though
reply

schweb @ 29th Apr 11:52AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I've already begun the process to switch to Voicepulse. I've been using the service for a week with no problems and great call quality which are the two most important things to me.

I just submitted the forms to port my CV number to them so we'll see how that goes.
--
bryan | website
reply

camattin @ 29th Apr 12:23PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Wow... just had an interesting chat w/ Phonepower --

They'll let me sign up with a new number at my address, but they won't let me port my current number in with that very same address. Something tells me that their address verification databases aren't in sync or something.

How else can they promise E911 at my address for a new number but not the ported number?

Even better -- if I use a neighbor's address (but still plug in my current number), Phonepower let's me through the address verification page.

Argh!
reply

NY Tel @ 29th Apr 12:30PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by camattin :

Wow... just had an interesting chat w/ Phonepower --

They'll let me sign up with a new number at my address, but they won't let me port my current number in with that very same address. Something tells me that their address verification databases aren't in sync or something.

How else can they promise E911 at my address for a new number but not the ported number?

Even better -- if I use a neighbor's address (but still plug in my current number), Phonepower let's me through the address verification page.

Argh!

Time to keep looking for a new provider.....
reply

camattin @ 29th Apr 12:38PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I know.... I just wish I was done in my search!
reply

Fisamo @ 29th Apr 01:05PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Pretty likely a safe bet.
reply

NY Tel @ 29th Apr 01:12PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

My next door neighbor who had Voicewing (till the end of March) just switched to Voip Your Life....
He's happy so far.
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schweb @ 29th Apr 01:23PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

If Google Voice had number porting, I'd just use that and forward the calss wherever I wanted them to go.
--
bryan | website
reply

NY Tel @ 29th Apr 01:53PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by schweb :

If Google Voice had number porting, I'd just use that and forward the calls wherever I wanted them to go.

They claim they are going to soon.................... :)

I have 3 google voice accounts and they are great. As soon as they allow us to port our numbers, I too may consider that as my only option.
reply

watts3000 @ 29th Apr 01:59PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I did research on voicepulse also from what I can see they've been in business for around six years I would strongly consider them however they don't have numbers for my state. I most likely will give Vonage a try I know a few people who use them and say they have good call quality the one thing I don't like about vonage is the over seas call centers. Also if you do research on phone power you will find some negative reviews a lot of reviewers talk about the poor call quality.
reply

anon @ 30th Apr 12:57AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by nitzan :

said by frazierwa :

I agree with your comments for the most part; but aren't all of the VoIP providers on the brink financially?

I'd add that there's the 3rd category of private companies that have been around for a while (relatively) - so they seem to be making "some" money; but you rarely hear about them in the forums here. Such as (in no special order):
- Voipyourlife
- Globe7
- Lingo
- Hyperdog
- Broadvoice
- Net2phone
- Phonegnome
- Quantumvoice
- Tin Can Talk
among tons of others.

Also, Nitzan, I don't think I get your point... what do you mean you don't know where Callcentric falls into this?
reply

PX Eliezer @ 30th Apr 01:12AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Just a FYI:

Lingo is part of the large company Primus Telecommunications Group, which filed for bankruptcy last month. (Lingo didn't, but parent Primus did).

----------------------------------------

Of the other companies, interesting list. Hyperdog Digital is Canadian, and affiliated with a larger internet company, and they're not really that small.

Of the others, I think that Broadvoice, Phonegnome, and QuantumVoice are known to forum veterans.

Net2phone is widely known and used here in its home state of NJ.
reply

nitzan @ 30th Apr 01:16AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by flight791 :

Also, Nitzan, I don't think I get your point... what do you mean you don't know where Callcentric falls into this?

I didn't mean anything by it. I just don't know how large they actually are and whether they're privately or publicly funded. I've heard something about a UK parent company, but it's all fuzzy.
reply

PX Eliezer @ 30th Apr 03:09AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I think that the UK company, CallCentric Ltd., is not related at all.

In fact:

"Datapoint UK, Ltd. is a systems integrator for call centres and online customer services. It provides services in various areas, including education, consulting, infrastructure, applications, and support. The company was founded as CallCentric Limited in 1997 and changed its name to Datapoint UK, Ltd. in 2002. The company is based in Brentford, the United Kingdom".

»www.datapoint.com/about-us.aspx
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Fisamo @ 30th Apr 06:36AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Before you dismiss Voicepulse for lack of numbers in your area, hit up their sales team to see if they can assign a local number. About a month ago, NC numbers disappeared off their list, but I think that they can still assign them upon request...
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watts3000 @ 2nd May 10:41AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Guys I just ordered Vonage the voice quality is good however since I'm having 911 problems I will be canceling it Monday. I've placed some test 911 calls and my physical address is not showing up I also opened a ticket with Vonage I was told by support that my problem was corrected as of yesterday. I had callvantage for almost 5 years and e911 just worked. So now I'm going to test out callcentric if I have any problem after that I most likely will go with my cable company.
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Mediocrates @ 2nd May 07:47PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

how does one place a 'test' 911 call?
reply

watts3000 @ 2nd May 09:07PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I just called 911 and told them I had a voip phone and wanted to make sure my address was correct. I called the non emergeny line first to check an see if it was ok before I called
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Fisamo @ 3rd May 04:48PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by watts3000 :

I just called 911 and told them I had a voip phone and wanted to make sure my address was correct. I called the non emergeny line first to check an see if it was ok before I called

That's exactly how to do it. The critical step is to call the non-emergency line first. The Wake County dispatch has been friendly to every such call I've made (testing different VoIP providers, not intentionally wasting dispatchers' time).
reply

Flip1105 @ 4th May 10:01AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I switched to T-mobile at home voip. 10 bucks a month but requires a 2 year contract and a qualifying cell phone account. Telephone adapter/Router was 39 bucks with free over night shipping. Sounds as good as Callvantage as they give you a temp # when it is shipped out. Home number is still being ported over and should be completed in a few days.
reply

NY Tel @ 4th May 11:22AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Flip1105 :

I switched to T-mobile at home voip. 10 bucks a month but requires a 2 year contract and a qualifying cell phone account. Telephone adapter/Router was 39 bucks with free over night shipping. Sounds as good as Callvantage as they give you a temp # when it is shipped out. Home number is still being ported over and should be completed in a few days.

Yeah, If you have T-Mobile, that makes absolute sense to do that.
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BobLeBlau @ 4th May 11:34AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

UVerse has a $150 install fee, but I called and they waived it, then gave me a $100 rebate. I like that it has battery backup. My second choice was Vonage, but he customer service reviews scared me.
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Mediocrates @ 4th May 01:19PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

With Sprint Airave, the appliance is $100 but you can get them to waive that if you piss and moan that your cell service at home is poor or marginal.
reply

rebus9 @ 6th May 05:41PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by rebus9 :

Has anyone else here been able to successfully port their CV number to a different provider?

Answering my own question....

My CV number was successfully ported to Vonage in 8 days. Unfortunately (as we already knew) they were not able to grab the Simple Reach number, so that is gone forever. But at least I was able to save my primary number with zero hassles, and that's good news.
reply

camattin @ 7th May 01:30AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Ok... followup to my own post. After posting this I had an IM chat on here with the phonepower rep who monitors dslr. He had someone call me, we discussed the issue I was having and she offered a workaround that would work for everyone.

I placed my order that night (last Wednesday) and got my confirmation emails today that the port will go through! My ATA has shipped and should be here Monday.

No comment on the quality of service yet, of course, but I did want to relay here the service that Maggie provided me. She even called me tonight to let me know everything had gone through, just in case I hadn't gotten the emails yet.

I have played around in their control panel area and like what I've seen so far. Here's to hoping the service is as good as I'm hoping for! :)
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Dial_tone @ 8th May 01:58PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm disappointed about the change. My CV experience has been pretty flawless for 4 years now once I got past the first month.

I don't have U-verse option here and I don't like the smaller operations. I'll either go with my Cable company Cox.net or Vonage. I have never really read up on Vonage so I guess I better start.
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PX Eliezer @ 8th May 02:45PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

You may at least want to look at something like VoicePulse, which has been around for several years, provides you with the adapter just as you are currently used to, and has good reviews overall.

Depending on your calling needs you might save some bucks over Cox or Vonage.

---------------------

PS: You said you don't like smaller companies. But ATT is a HUGE company and that didn't work out either, did it?
reply

Flip1105 @ 12th May 08:16AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Update: My number was ported in 8 days with no issues. Sounds as good if not better then CallVantage. I did have to swap out the 1st router they sent me as it was defective. Tmobile customer service was very helpful and had a replacement the next day.
reply

anon @ 12th May 09:48PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Ordered Phone Power on April 26th, ported my Call Vantage number and am up and going today.
reply

BobLeBlau @ 18th May 12:10PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I am switching from att callvantage to att uverse. My appointment was Friday and no one showed up. 1 hour on the phone being transferred through 7 different departments and I finally found out they did not come because att had declined the phone number transfer to att. I said "Aren't you the same company? Shouldn't you approve phone number ports to each other?" They said "Well, we are different departments." Oh, that explains it.

They re-submitted and now I'll see if someone shows up in 2 weeks.
reply

anon @ 18th May 04:06PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

So who is waiting until they are forced out? The notice does not say the exact date when the service will end.
reply

NetFixer @ 18th May 04:14PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I had a problem with CallVantage initially refusing to port one of my numbers to AT&T Wireless. AT&T Wireless also resubmitted the port request twice through the normal process, and each time CallVantage refused to release the number. It required AT&T management intervention from the AT&T Wireless Port Administration Center to force CallVantage to release the number.
--
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 @ 18th May 06:59PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

This is astonishing.

The fact that it's the same frickin* company is a secondary issue.

IMHO the main issue is WHY would CV want to hoard the number? They KNOW they are closing down. It is as foolish as a dog chasing a car. What will the dog do with the car when he catches it?

Unbelievable.

----------------------------------

*I usually use more elegant words, but in this case it seems appropriate.
reply

NetFixer @ 18th May 07:54PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by PX Eliezer :

*I usually use more elegant words, but in this case it seems appropriate.

I think the current accepted elegant word to use is "fracking". ;)

I should also add that financial gain is probably the motive for delaying out porting of numbers. By delaying until after the end of the billing cycle, they were able to charge me for another month's service in advance. Even if they eventually send me a credit in 60 days (as I was told would happen when I called to complain) for the unused days, they will have had my money to use without paying any interest for its use.
--
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 @ 19th May 10:34AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I am waiting as long as possible and after doing some math I probably will try for Cablevision's Triple Play.
It will be a savings at least for the one year.

I do already have OOL and IO but will see if I can add the OV and still get the Triple Play.

If not then maybe their $200 cash back. I just received that offer in the mail.

FIOS is hitting our area big time so I don't see a problem.

I loved CV. Had it up and running including hot wiring the main phone box in under and hour.

I love getting the e mail that I have a message on voice mail.

The price was right too.
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NY Tel @ 19th May 10:41AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I think OptimumVoice does the e-mail thingy also. If you can get the price, it would be good. I have friends who have it and they say it works fine plus you get free directory assistance.
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dconklin @ 19th May 05:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have ported my CV line to my Verizon Landline which I keep for my home alarm anyhow:

Basic service $7.95 per month +$2.40 + for fixed call forwarding to my Google Voice account + taxes. comes to~$20 per month.

Eventually I hope to port the number to Google Voice if they ever offer that.
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sjhall @ 1st Jun 03:54PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Going back to POTS.

I researched the other providers here: »/gbu but the big issue with other VoIP providers is that I'm consistently going over 5000 minutes a month. Yeah, I'm on the phone for 4-9 hours a day every work day.

Most providers want me on a "business class" plan or pay a per minute rate. Either way, it more than doubles my budget.

Uverse is available, but voice isn't, just internet and tv, so no help there.

I'm sad to see CV go. It's worked very well for me
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Paul_Moody @ 2nd Jun 05:42PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I went with the double play, we had OOL and are adding OV on 6/4. No problem porting 2 numbers from CV. They do have voicemail to email. I was told you get a $200 Visa card in 6 months.

Use the Web to check your voicemail.
Receive voicemail messages through e-mail.
Receive notification of urgent message by pager or phone
reply

Mediocrates @ 4th Jun 09:05AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

My disconnect order is going in tomorrow. I have already installed a Sprint Samsung Airave Femtocell device. Since I already have a cell phone there's no number to port. It took some doing to get the Airave device working but work it does. Moreover - my Centillium MTA-1 worked fine with a 4-wire cord connecting to my HP640 fax machine. However moving to the Vonage V-Portal which has always been alongside my CV line, demonstrates that Vonage requires a 2-wire phone cord and will not work with the 4-wire cord that I used with CV. So - get a 2-wire cord, plug in the device, power up the Airave and voila - no more CV.
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anon @ 9th Jun 05:26PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

My criteria were: a) good call quality; b) ability to forward my calls when out of town; c) stable company. I chose ooma because most of the reviews were good. They have some startup pains but their equipment is being sold at Amazon and Best Buy, so they must be doing something right. I had Vonage before Callvantage, but the calls kept dropping and their customer support was nearly useless. So far, ooma is meeting my expectations for call quality and no dropped calls! Yea!
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MyDogHsFleas @ 9th Jun 06:12PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Ooma certainly is questionable on your "stable company" criterion -- their business model seems unsustainable and you may find yourself with a $250 doorstop not too far in the future.
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nunya @ 11th Jun 03:20PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm rapidly approaching the 6 week mark (tomorrow) without a peep from Vitelity regarding my port. While my situation is looking glum, I'd encourage anybody who hasn't got the ball rolling to do so. You could potentially end up like me, with a port taking forever (it seems like many other people are porting without issue, though).

I guess the gist is, if you wait til the last minute for AT&T's notice and something goes wrong - it will be too late and you could lose your number.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
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Phil75070 @ 17th Jun 05:58PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I decided to switch to VoicePulse and not wait for the final notice from CallVantage. I ordered the service last Friday, the 12th, and the TA was received today, Wednesday the 17th. All of the information needed to set up the device (assuming no complications) and for access to ones on-line account are included on the packing slip.

In my case, I had to do a little reconfiguring of my router to get VoicePulse and CallVantage working side-by-side for both incoming and outgoing calls for the time being. I had my CallVantage TA set up with a static IP and was using Port Forwarding so I had to disable that to get incoming calls on VoicePulse. I also assigned a static IP to the VoicePulse TA and disabled SPI, though I am not sure I really had to do that though that is one of their recommendations if there is a problem with incoming calls.

After confirming that both outgoing and incoming were working I called customer service and got the form for LNP and submitted the needed information and the response back was that it would take a minimum of 30 days and when a date was set I would be notified. Once porting of my number has been completed I will probably go back to the router configuration I had before and see if it works with the VoicePulse TA, particularly re-enabling SPI. If incoming works without Port Forwarding I would obviously leave it that way.

So far, based on my experiences calling VoicePulse support I have never been more than number two caller in the queue, never had to wait more than just a couple of minutes (certainly less than 5) and the people I have spoken to have been extremely knowledgeable and courteous. Here on day one I am fairly impressed.
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NY Tel @ 17th Jun 07:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Phil75070 :

I decided to switch to VoicePulse and not wait for the final notice from CallVantage....."

See I did it differently*, I simply programmed the CallVantage failover number to be the Voicepulse number and then unplugged the CallVantage adapter.
All calls now go to the Voicepulse temp number and no one is the wiser.

*My CallVantage is already gone, but this is for my next door neighbor.
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nunya @ 17th Jun 09:58PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

So at over six weeks, AT&T is fighting my port. Why I don't know. They say the zip code doesn't match. Of course it matches their bill perfectly. What a load.

I've had pretty good luck with Vitelity. One of the reasons I chose them is they still have IAX available. I may start looking for another provider with IAX though if I can't get this resolved soon.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
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framemainer @ 19th Jun 06:33AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I ported my two CV numbers to Callcentric.

I chose Callcentric for its service reputation and reasonable overseas rates. With my home office, and in-laws overseas in the third world, the lowest cost providers won’t work for us.

Porting took 19 calendar days.

If you move the two-line CV service, and want functionality that’s nearly exactly the same, you need two Callcentric account numbers. The default one-account arrangement won’t have the second phone ringing off of the telephone adapter. Cost per line:
19.95 North America Unlimited
1.50 911
5.95 DID Personal Unlimited
27.40 total
So – 54.80 for both lines, but my employer pays for one of those.

My CV two-line cost, before taxes and fees (about $5.60), was $37.50 due to a limited home office discount program.

Callcentric charges for forwarded calls, and for three-way calls. The per-minute fees are very low, but CV just rolled all of that into their service at no extra cost.

CV had the USF charges, which are not billed by Callcentric – so, there is some savings there.

Callcentric support is, as has been reported in many posts, quick to help and answer questions online via e-mail and ticketing. I somehow missed the necessity of needing two accounts in their site’s documentation. When my spouse telecommutes, it would just not be practical to have just one phone accepting incoming calls.

I sorely miss one CV feature – simul-ring. It was really nice to walk outside to retrieve mail or relax for a few minutes, and have my cell phone get the calls. I can activate the Callcentric call treatment for forwarding before I go outside, but it will be a nuisance.

I did not want to leave CV, but got an e-mail from my employer that they (my employer) were giving me 30 days before they issued a disconnect order to AT&T for both my lines. This was very disturbing since one line was ostensibly for my personal use. And, I have an AT&T retiree benefit that pays for $810 worth of overseas calls per year – that equates to about 34 CV-rate hours to the third world, but would be a measly 35 minutes per month on even the best AT&T LD rate plan.

My employer also had sent an e-mail about changing policy to not pay for home office Internet access. I had Comcast and DSL at that point. I tried running CV on DSL. This worked for a while, then began failing often, finally failing entirely due to the Motorola 2210 modem dying (the tech said that he replaces one almost every day). I looked at getting a better DSL modem, then realized we could switch from Comcast to U-Verse (available heavily discounted from spouse’s benefits). So, we’re on U-Verse, and all is well.

With short lead time and admittedly poor research, I acquired a Cisco 186 ATA. I have had two Linksys TAs from CV fail and was believing in the durability of the 186 and in the “Cisco” name. I did not realize that the 186 is an ancient hardware beast, and requires a $15 contract to legally acquire the latest firmware. Still, it is working with an unnamed company’s TFTP server providing a somewhat outdated firmware. I’ll spend the $15 next month.

With CV I had long runs (over 30 feet) from the TA to my phones, and replaced those with short cables that have ferrite cores. VOIP never sounded better.

I have a Linksys WRT54-GL with Tomato behind the U-Verse 2-Wire Residential Gateway that has the Max 18 service. One call crashed mid-way, and I’d blame the Cisco ATA for that; otherwise 5-6 weeks have been rock solid service.
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mhowie @ 20th Jun 05:30PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by CaptainToast :

My criteria were: a) good call quality; b) ability to forward my calls when out of town; c) stable company. I chose ooma because most of the reviews were good. They have some startup pains but their equipment is being sold at Amazon and Best Buy, so they must be doing something right. I had Vonage before Callvantage, but the calls kept dropping and their customer support was nearly useless. So far, ooma is meeting my expectations for call quality and no dropped calls! Yea!

Same here...I've been with ooma for about a month. Bought the hardware at Costco (received a "free" Scout with their package). No real complaints thus far... I've signed up for their Premier service as I can use a few of those features and my porting fee was waived. The web interface is not as extensive as CV, but it is adequate and they are improving it each month.
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sidewinder1 @ 12th Jul 11:41AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Been using ooma for 3 months and its a great service with zero problems. I got mine for $175 at staples after coupon and price match to Amazon when they had it for $200. I love not having to call in to retrieve voice mail and 7 digit dialing on all local calls. About the only feature I thought I might miss from CV is the scheduled do not disturb but haven't missed it so far.
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dzr @ 14th Jul 10:00PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Any service which will have these qualifications?:

Generous 'unlimited' ToS (frequent telecommuter... never sure where that leaves ToSes..)

Excellent quality / stability.

Call my cellphone at the same time as the normal phone.

Be able to port an 'out of state' phone number.

Being able to call or website in to voicemail etc.

Preferably be able to take device with me... worse comes to worse, I can use another per-minute provider when travelling.

Do not disturb would be nice.
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srm59 @ 15th Jul 05:55PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

After shopping around I went with PhonePower.

I had considered OOL and did help my Dad switch for the Triple Play but it was missing some key components for me. Namely Call Filtering, and Direct Dial International Calls as well Control by Phone.

In shopping around I found the PhonePower offered 2 out of my three must haves and a promise that the third (Control by Phone) would be coming in the 3rd quarter. Plus, the price was excellent and they offer a 2nd cloned line for free. Pretty neat!

Verizon was never an option, I have had so many problems with all the iterations of that company that I will never do business with them again. They are the reason I went for CV in the first place, five years ago.
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Phil75070 @ 17th Jul 03:44PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Sent LOA to VoicePulse on 6/17. LNP was completed today, 7/17. There was an initial problem receiving incoming calls immediately after the port, but a call to customer service had it rectified within 30 minutes, if that.
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Fisamo @ 17th Jul 04:39PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

It's relieving to hear of ports going through relatively smoothly (I know, not all, and not ANY Simple Reach numbers). I initiated my port to Voipo this past Tuesday. We'll see how it goes...
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NY Tel @ 17th Jul 04:45PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Fisamo :

I initiated my port to Voipo this past Tuesday. We'll see how it goes...

Oh, the humanity ;)
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watts3000 @ 17th Jul 08:12PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Guys I decided to go with Tmobile's at home phone service since we use them for cell service. The only down side was the 2 year contract however the service is 10.00 per month for unlimited everything I've had it up an running for about 4 months now so far it's been great.
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Phil75070 @ 21st Jul 08:57AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Phil75070 :

Sent LOA to VoicePulse on 6/17. LNP was completed today, 7/17. There was an initial problem receiving incoming calls immediately after the port, but a call to customer service had it rectified within 30 minutes, if that.

Update: port took place on Friday the 17th. Yesterday, Monday the 20th, received email confirmation from AT&T that my account was being disconnected. I was very pleased with the communication from VoicePulse and AT&T throughout this process.
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rufus279 @ 23rd Jul 09:45AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I ended up going with VoicePulse. Filed the port paperwork on 7/10 and it was done on 7/17, I was surprised. Did not get an email from Call Vantage though about the account being closed. Called the 866 number I found here and they confirmed that the disconnect took place and the account was closed. They where not sure why I didn't get the email.

So far not bad with VoicePulse. A couple of minor tweaks on my router but it seems to be working well.
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NY Tel @ 23rd Jul 09:51AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by rufus279 :

I ended up going with VoicePulse. Filed the port paperwork on 7/10 and it was done on 7/17, I was surprised. Did not get an email from Call Vantage though about the account being closed. Called the 866 number I found here and they confirmed that the disconnect took place and the account was closed. They where not sure why I didn't get the email.

So far not bad with VoicePulse. A couple of minor tweaks on my router but it seems to be working well.

Did you look at the bandwidth saver option? It comes pre-set at medium (which gives medium quality voice calls) I've been told to avoid the low setting and I have it set on Maximum (high) on an account I opened for my neighbor.
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rufus279 @ 23rd Jul 05:18PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have it set to high.

I think the issue is maybe the TA (linksys pap2) but will see. I'm running an older version of tomato on the router 1.19 and 1.25 is out and I have heard for voicepulse turning the UDP timeout down from 30 to 10 seconds helps as well so we'll see. My issues have been no incoming caller id on occasion, a few no incoming voice, and once or twice the other caller's voice dropped out during the call and came back. My wife says that the delay seems worse (overlapping conversations) then on CallVantage.
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NY Tel @ 23rd Jul 06:49PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by rufus279 :

I have it set to high.

I think the issue is maybe the TA (linksys pap2) but will see. I'm running an older version of tomato on the router 1.19 and 1.25 is out and I have heard for voicepulse turning the UDP timeout down from 30 to 10 seconds helps as well so we'll see. My issues have been no incoming caller id on occasion, a few no incoming voice, and once or twice the other caller's voice dropped out during the call and came back. My wife says that the delay seems worse (overlapping conversations) then on CallVantage.

My neighbor (and I ) both had CallVantage and since they switched to Voicepulse, they are definitely not experiencing what you are describing.
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rufus279 @ 27th Jul 08:12AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Well I upped my firmware (Tomato) on the router from 1.19 to 1.25 and placed the PAP2 in the DMZ and all seems well for now with the WAF. I'll wait alittle bit and remove the DMZ setting to see if it was the firmware or not.
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siptrunker @ 28th Jul 04:41PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I've trialed CallCentric for two months and have been happy, so on July 15, I gave them an order to port my main number away from AT&T. Went through this morning with no trouble. They notified me about a week ago to expect it today and they were bang-on.

I will miss two features: find me/follow me and the after-hours DND that people could punch through.

Ironically, I got my "dear john" from AT&T today telling me service is going away 10/20/09. They didn't want my D-Link back so at least I have a nice router. As a former Long Lines employee, I'm sorry to see it go.
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PX Eliezer @ 28th Jul 06:43PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by siptrunker :

As a former Long Lines employee, I'm sorry to see it go.

Glad that CallCentric is doing well for you.

Sad to say, even though this is a telecom forum, it is probable that many readers here do not know that "Long Lines" was the ATT Long Distance Department.

The Bell System breakup was 25 years ago......

»long-lines.net/index.html

»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT%26T_Com···ng_Lines
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Fisamo @ 28th Jul 06:58PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Also very sad to see it go. I was close to going with CallCentric, but I ended up deciding on Voipo. For what I need, it looks like either could have met my needs. If you are willing to set up an Asterisk system (check out »www.pbxinaflash.com/ ), you can get both of those features back while having CallCentric as your provider.

I never was an AT&T employee, but I signed up for CallVantage in 2004 and had excellent service for the past almost 5 years.

Ironically, I put my port request in on the 15th, as well. (OK, late in the day on the 14th, but close enough) My port is scheduled for tomorrow.
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anon @ 29th Jul 12:31PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

First of all, I am sorry to see my CV go away. I originally had ViaTalk as a VOIP provider and had nothing but problems with voice quality, calls not ringing through...but the last straw was when they "lost" my number into never never land for a week and callers would get a "number has been disconnected: message. Switched over to Callvantage and had nothing but good service!

Now, I can see my ViaTalk nightmare in my future.....

I saw that Callcentric had the most positive comments, and that tech support was quite punctual at responding, so I signed up, figuring I'll port my CV number later..... Then I read further (my bad for not researching it earlier) and found out that Callcentric doe NOT provide caller ID NAME on outbound calls, only the number - confirmed by their tech support. Sorry, but I think that is a pretty basic feature these days. Enough so , that I cancelled Callcentric and am back on the search. So far, looks like Phone power is in first place. We'll see how it goes.

Hope I don't have issues porting my number....I've had that number for 23 years...... Originally with Illinois Bell..oops..Ameritech..oops..SBC..oops..AT&T.
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NY Tel @ 29th Jul 01:42PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Voicepulse
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Fisamo @ 29th Jul 01:57PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

As I recall, VoicePulse does not offer outbound CID Name, either. :( That was one of my reasons for not switching to them. Same with CallCentric.

I opted to go with Voipo, because I got a fantastic deal (was a beta tester) and wanted the ability to use my own equipment. I've heard good things about Phone Power and their founders, but to be sure of your meaning, have you already started porting to them? Have they confirmed they can do outbound CID Name?

I actually hit this thread again today to confirm that my port has gone through. Now I'm just waiting for the official 'go away' (no dialtone) from ATTCV. :) Also very sad to see CallVantage go. They've been a solid provider for me for almost 5 years.
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NY Tel @ 29th Jul 02:08PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Fisamo :

As I recall, VoicePulse does not offer outbound CID Name, either. :( That was one of my reasons for not switching to them. Same with CallCentric.

I opted to go with Voipo, because I got a fantastic deal (was a beta tester) and wanted the ability to use my own equipment. I've heard good things about Phone Power and their founders, but to be sure of your meaning, have you already started porting to them? Have they confirmed they can do outbound CID Name?

I actually hit this thread again today to confirm that my port has gone through. Now I'm just waiting for the official 'go away' (no dialtone) from ATTCV. :) Also very sad to see CallVantage go. They've been a solid provider for me for almost 5 years.

We will all now bow our heads in silence for 1 minute as we "mark" this moment in infamy. :)
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PX Eliezer @ 30th Jul 12:41AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by RichJ :

Then I read further (my bad for not researching it earlier) and found out that Callcentric doe NOT provide caller ID NAME on outbound calls, only the number - confirmed by their tech support. Sorry, but I think that is a pretty basic feature these days. Enough so , that I cancelled Callcentric and am back on the search. So far, looks like Phone power is in first place. We'll see how it goes.

To be technical, NO Voip provider truly provides Caller ID NAME (CNAM) on outbound calls in the USA. (Canada is different).

When you make a call, your phone company sends the caller ID number (CID) to the phone company on the other end.

THAT company (the RECEIVING phone company), takes the CID and matches up a CNAM from a database. The generic name for such a database is line information database (LIDB).

When a phone company says it supports outbound CNAM what they are really saying is that they pay to have the various LIDB populated with your information.

Very few Voip providers support this for residential accounts.
MOST DO NOT! It is absolutely not a "basic feature".

If you find that PhonePower does, please let us know.

I only heard of one or two companies supporting it, such as Vitelity and also Voip.MS, and it involves extra fees.

PS: If people are lucky, if they port a number that was already listed in a LIDB, often that listing stays even after porting over to a Voip provider. But that's a surprise bonus, not a regular feature.
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Fisamo @ 30th Jul 05:23AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

While this feature is not 'traditionally' supported by Voip, more providers are actually offering this service. For example, Vonage and Voicepulse, to my knowledge, have never offered to populate the LIDB. However, ViaTalk and Voipo both do offer this. I do not know if Phone Power does, but as a relatively new provider, they may have started their service with insisting on it. Similar to VoicePulse's troubles with porting, it's probably easier to build in such a feature from the beginning (ie. only work with CLECs who support it) than to add it after your doors have been open a few years.
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anon @ 2nd Aug 07:26PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

After much research, it got down to Vonage or Ooma. Vonage is an established leader, but very poor customer service from my past experience. Ooma is a relative newcomer with an unproven business model, but with very good reviews about the quality of their service. I took a leap of faith and am very happy with Ooma thus far. The voice quality is EXCELLENT, even better than CallVantage which was rated amongst the top. The only downside is that since they do not make money off you every month, they charge a one-time $39 fee to port your existing number. The fee is waived if you purchase their premier service with a $99 annual fee. The free 2nd line with the premier service is a nice bonus.
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Annmarie @ 2nd Aug 08:09PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Even though I swore I was going to wait until the very last minute with CV I chikened out and made a switch.
I chose the Optimum Triple Play.

Spoke to a customer rep, compared prices of what I already had, a possible switch to FiOS and my current service.

Right now I have Optonline internet service and Optimum Family Cable for approx 100. a month.

The deal came to approx $120 a month for the same internet service, an upgrade to IO Cablevision TV with a DVR box and Optimum Voice.

Price guarantee for 1 year with no contract.

The whole shabang is scheduled for August 15th - waived all fees. They were pretty insistent on a service tech coming out to do the phone and cable box install which seemed a bit excessive since I do all that myself but why not right?

No arguing, no threatening just straight forward asking.

Number wise I break even since CV was only 20.00 a month BUT I am getting the digital cable box/DVR combo which will go in my son's room. He is pretty happy about that.
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NY Tel @ 2nd Aug 08:40PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

That is a good deal and when the year is up, you can tell them FiOS Guy is at your front door.....
You also get free directory assistance with OV.
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PX Eliezer @ 2nd Aug 09:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Generally with OV you can self-install, but if you are porting in a phone number they insist on a service tech installation.
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Annmarie @ 3rd Aug 08:43AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

The tech said when the year was up to call back and there would be a note in my file/account info that I was a faithful customer since 1987 and it could help extend the offer or possible another.

Now - when I installed CV it was a snap. I even wired the house by opening my phone box and disconnecting the wires that I owned so all the phones (just 3) in the house had CV. I followed the instructions from the CV website.

I hope I can continue that with OV though even if I cannot for some odd reason my phones are portable so only the base need be connected.
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NY Tel @ 3rd Aug 12:01PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

The tech said when the year was up to call back and there would be a note in my file/account info that I was a faithful customer since 1987 and it could help extend the offer or possible another.

Now - when I installed CV it was a snap. I even wired the house by opening my phone box and disconnecting the wires that I owned so all the phones (just 3) in the house had CV. I followed the instructions from the CV website.

I hope I can continue that with OV though even if I cannot for some odd reason my phones are portable so only the base need be connected.

Just take the plug that is in the back of the CallVantage adapter and move it to the back of the OV adapter and you will be fine.
My friend just did it 2 months ago and no one was the wiser in his house. He went from CV to OV.
Seamless.
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Annmarie @ 3rd Aug 12:08PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Rep said to keep everything intact until service tech handles it. I can't be w/o a phone.
Do you mean do it the day before he comes? Isn't it OK to have it the way I do?
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Fisamo @ 3rd Aug 12:14PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

You should be OK if you leave it alone. Until the port completes, incoming calls will go to your CallVantage ATA, so if you switch the lines, you potentially lose incoming calls on your house phones. (Of course, if you have a 'virtual number' with your OV service, you could forward incoming calls to that number...)
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NY Tel @ 3rd Aug 12:15PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Rep said to keep everything intact until service tech handles it. I can't be w/o a phone.
Do you mean do it the day before he comes? Isn't it OK to have it the way I do?

Actually, let the service tech do it once he activates the service. That's what I had my friend do, this way you are not without service.
My only point was that it will work fine wired the way you have it now and should not be an issue once you have dial tone through OV.
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Annmarie @ 3rd Aug 12:19PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Gotcha. Hands off - let tech take care of everything. Thanks. :)
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NY Tel @ 3rd Aug 12:27PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Gotcha. Hands off - let tech take care of everything. Thanks. :)

Well if the worst happens, I live in Smithtown by the Hospital and would give you a DSLR discount. $1,000 per hour for technology consulting services....... :p

Seriously, the Cablevision guy was very helpful and he should be more than willing to move the plug from the CV adapter to his adapter and then allow you to make a test outbound call and an incoming call to make sure all of the phones ring.

The only difference you will see is 7 digit dialing returning to your home for local calls!
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Annmarie @ 3rd Aug 12:46PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Sure and I will charge 100K+ should you ever need an ambulance designed, built, delivered and serviced. :D

CV has always been helpful in my few issues and was quite patient with my Dad when he accidentally ordered the CV Triple Play. All he wanted was iO. No VoIp. He needs a landline for 911 all the time and cannot use a cell no matter what we tried. Jitterbug works well though.

Sorry - OT here.
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NY Tel @ 3rd Aug 12:51PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Sure and I will charge 100K+ should you ever need an ambulance designed, built, delivered and serviced. :D

CV has always been helpful in my few issues and was quite patient with my Dad when he accidentally ordered the CV Triple Play. All he wanted was iO. No VoIp. He needs a landline for 911 all the time and cannot use a cell no matter what we tried. Jitterbug works well though.

Sorry - OT here.

No problem....Good luck with it, it should be fine. :)
reply
Annmarie @ 6th Aug 08:08PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

OV just called to inform me that while CV has no problem releasing my current phone number they do not do so on weekends. My appointment to have the OV service installed was on Saturday so my husband and son would be here to move wall units and hear whatever the tech explains as to this and that.

Now - not Cablevisions fault - I have to take a day off from work and make sure the tech has access to behind two wall units.

Lovely. :uhh:
reply
NY Tel @ 6th Aug 08:34PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

OV just called to inform me that while CV has no problem releasing my current phone number they do not do so on weekends. My appointment to have the OV service installed was on Saturday so my husband and son would be here to move wall units and hear whatever the tech explains as to this and that.

Now - not Cablevisions fault - I have to take a day off from work and make sure the tech has access to behind two wall units.

Lovely. :uhh:

It is that stupid phone company mentality.
The release can be done automatically without human intervention but you can't fight city hall, in this case AT&T.
reply
Gungerdin @ 7th Aug 08:49AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I put in my order with Phonepower on 7/27. The total cost for the 2 yr new customer promo was $253.26. They don't complete the order until the port date is set, my port date is 8/12. They also don't give you a temp number but you can do outgoing calls once the TA arrives (don't have it yet). I like the way they handle it as when I signed up for CV they did something similar. There was no faxing of a port release needed like others require. Will keep you posted.
reply
NY Tel @ 11th Aug 07:10PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

I have to take a day off from work and make sure the tech has access to behind two wall units.
Lovely. :uhh:

So did the installation take place and how is the service?
reply
Annmarie @ 11th Aug 08:14PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

The installation is next Tuesday - sorry if I did not make that clear. I was perturbed at the time.

I will definitely post back once all is up and running and let you all know how it went.

My son has an old DirectTV box that currently plays both DirectTV and cable. Am I correct in saying that now that he is going to have the included DVR cable box it will have to be a separate setup?

He does have a universal remote so I hope that makes it easier because there are too many remotes to begin with.
reply
djrobx @ 12th Aug 12:11AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I've gone to PhonePower. I'm generally pretty happy with it. Every once in a while I get some echo. Too bad I can't use the AT&T D-link TA with PhonePower.
--
AT&T U-Hearse
Your funeral. Delivered.

reply
Fisamo @ 12th Aug 09:53AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

There are a lot of good choice out there. In the time between getting CV and getting forced out by CV, I had enough opportunity to toy with PBX-in-a-flash that I wanted my replacement service to allow unrestricted BYOD. Otherwise, I probably would have gone with a provider such as VoicePulse or PhonePower. Of course, I wouldn't have been able to go with Voipo if I hadn't gotten in as a customer before they started restricting BYOD. :)

Annmarie-- best wishes on your install.
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Gungerdin @ 12th Aug 09:43PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Today was my port date with PhonePower. The TA arrived today via overnight though I had thought it should have arrived a few days sooner (they apologized for that) . I had to change a wan side http/telnet setting in their Grandstream HT-502 TA to get it to activate. I used the online chat feature as contact and I was then called back promptly by a competent friendly knowledgeable tech to confirm that all was working. The policy is that when you port a number that you can only make outgoing calls until midnight when the port finalizes, as I was testing things out my phone rang and can now receive calls sooner. The sound quality so far is as good as CV and I had to turn the volume down on my phones. I have not heard squat from CV and they even charged me for a month yesterday. CV must be swamped with ports and I hope to see my CV login blocked out in the morning.
reply
Fisamo @ 13th Aug 10:55AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

As I recall, I received the disconnect notice from CV the day of or the day after my port out. My login was disabled shortly thereafter. As for billing, CV bills for service in advance, and (as you mention) your bill has been generated. Is your payment date at the end of the month? I ask, because I just got my last statement from ATTCV with a balance of -8.75. Worst case is that they will still bill your credit card and then issue the full credit due to you with next month's statement.
reply
NY Tel @ 13th Aug 01:18PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Fisamo :

As I recall, I received the disconnect notice from CV the day of or the day after my port out. My login was disabled shortly thereafter. As for billing, CV bills for service in advance, and (as you mention) your bill has been generated. Is your payment date at the end of the month? I ask, because I just got my last statement from ATTCV with a balance of -8.75. Worst case is that they will still bill your credit card and then issue the full credit due to you with next month's statement.

Yeah it took 3 months before they issued me a credit but it ultimately came through.
reply
Gungerdin @ 13th Aug 02:52PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

thanks, I just received the disconnect notice from CV just now and I cannot log in any longer. I was billed on 8/10 for a full month.
reply
NY Tel @ 13th Aug 04:25PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Gungerdin :

thanks, I just received the disconnect notice from CV just now and I cannot log in any longer. I was billed on 8/10 for a full month.

Bat Rastards!
reply
Gungerdin @ 13th Aug 04:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

They had to have known as well, my port date notification was sent to me on 8/3. Snakes!

edit: they must be getting tips from the Verizon billing department.
reply
NY Tel @ 13th Aug 04:50PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Gungerdin :

They had to have known as well, my port date notification was sent to me on 8/3. Snakes!

edit: they must be getting tips from the Verizon billing department.

I would call them and ask for a refund based on the fact that your account was closed early and see what they say.
reply
Gungerdin @ 13th Aug 04:52PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Actually it wasn't closed early, 8/3 was just a notification that on 8/12 the port would go through, they closed the CV account today but they knew about all this yet charged me anyway.
reply
NY Tel @ 13th Aug 04:56PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Well similar happened to me and like I said, 3 months later, they refunded a pro-rata portion of the monthly charge so I got something like 19.00 back on my credit card.
reply
Gungerdin @ 13th Aug 04:56PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Did they do it automatically or did you have to call?
reply
Fisamo @ 13th Aug 08:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm pretty sure it will be automatic. They just sent me a bill for $-8.75 when my billing cycle closed about 2 days ago. They automatically process the 'payment' (or in my case, a refund, which should also be automatic) about 14 days after the bill is issued...
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Gungerdin @ 13th Aug 08:17PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Cool and thank you. CV was rock solid and what they did was lame for those who were out of their major territory. They only offer POTS & Cell here.
reply
NY Tel @ 13th Aug 08:25PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Gungerdin :

Cool and thank you. CV was rock solid and what they did was lame for those who were out of their major territory. They only offer POTS & Cell here.

Yup mine was also automatic. I found that in the end, AT&T had their billing act together and it took a while but they refunded me.
reply
Fisamo @ 14th Aug 10:20AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Gungerdin :

Cool and thank you. CV was rock solid and what they did was lame for those who were out of their major territory. They only offer POTS & Cell here.

They also only offer POTS and cell in my neighborhood at this time. Thankfully, they've gotten a strong start at uverse deployment in my area, but it hasn't hit my neighborhood yet. :( Even so, I think I'll be better off with indie voice (Voipo) when I finally CAN get Uverse. (Speeds leave the current offerings through TWC in the dust, so it won't take much convincing for me to switch...)
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 09:04AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Hopefully the cable guy shows up today - I have faith but do need a clarification.

My modem is in my bedroom since that is the first drop from the pole. The from that modem I have CAT5 running outside under the siding all the way around my home through a hole, into my home office to a router.

All our non wireless computers and the TA is hooked into this router.

Am I correct in saying all that needs to happen is the CV TA will be replaced by whatever OV issues?

No messing with the modem because that is going to be a BIG issue.

I cannot check right now but the CAT5 might hit the TA first and then to the router but still does the modem need to be touched?
reply
Fisamo @ 18th Aug 09:17AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I can't speak for the equipment used by OV, but here in TWC country, the "ATA" is built into the modem. That being the case, I would not be surprised if they wanted to replace your modem with a phone-equipped model and then run a "standard modular plug" (RJ-11) from your "new" modem to a phone jack in your bedroom. The coax in and ethernet out cords would simply be swapped from the old modem to the new modem.

Once OV is set up, you will have one less device (the CV ATA) connected to your router.
reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 09:30AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

All they will do is give you a new Cablemodem with voice.
Everything else should stay the same.

Keep us posted.
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 10:25AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

There are no phones in my bedroom but there is a jack.

I have a 2 year old modem. I picked it up at the walk in center when Cablevision upped their service for faster speeds at no extra cost.

Might it also be a voice modem? I ask this before I get on the floor and pull away a desk with two computers on it to check the back of the modem.

I think there is a port in the back that says "voice".

Oh hell let me check - BRB.

EDIT: It is a Motorolla SBV5120 SURFboard modem and on the front there is the power light, the DS light, the US light, the online light, the line light - all steady and a blinking TEL 1 light.

Back of the modem is the power, the CAT5 and the cable input BUT there is also a TEL1 input that is empty.
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Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 10:37AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have a SBV5120 and don't have OV, that tel 1 light blinks on mine as well. Don't sweat it, all will be fine. They will most likely connect to that jack that you have in the room and make sure it is connected to the rest of the jacks/phones that you use.
You will be good to go before you know it. :D
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 10:58AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

It never dawned on me that I would have to access that jack. See it is behind my bed, oak headboard and it is one of those number beds that has to be taken apart to move!

Oy vey!

I can access it my self by squeezing my arm through the side rail but since we never used that jack we never made easy access to it. PLUS there are several tie wraps along the cords to the modem so we can tuck them under the baseboards where the cat and pups won't get at them.

Why am I thinking this is going to be a project?

No biggie really.

Wondering - why does a tech even have to come to my home? I did all my own networking, modem setup, router setup and CV setup myself. Drilled holes, ran wires through the attic or around the house but a tech has to come and switch a box or modem?

I guess it is sort of good for them so they don't get calls later on that the service does not work and the tech has to come out anyway.
reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 11:10AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Wondering - why does a tech even have to come to my home? I did all my own networking, modem setup, router setup and CV setup myself. Drilled holes, ran wires through the attic or around the house but a tech has to come and switch a box or modem?

I guess it is sort of good for them so they don't get calls later on that the service does not work and the tech has to come out anyway.

BINGO! I think they don't want the support calls later. You sound like you know what you are doing.....Most people don't.
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 11:39AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I am going sooo off topic here but last question: we were going to give the iO DVR box to my son but he is not sure he even needs it. The tech will simply leave that right?

I have picked up iO boxes and installed them for family and friends before since they did not want the service call.

Since it is near 90 today and my home is quite frosty I bet, just maybe, I can get another box with a nice cold Coca Cola. Sometimes they keep extras on the truck.

Not that I would do that of course. I'm just saying. :)
reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 11:47AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

You lost me there with the "extra" box.....
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 12:41PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

iO box. We don't have them - just the minimum cable plan need for OOL so we don't get all the offered channels. Cablevision dropped quite a few channels in the last few years which never bothered me but since they threw in the box for free - a DVR iO box - lucky us.
reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 12:43PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

iO box. We don't have them - just the minimum cable plan need for OOL so we don't get all the offered channels. Cablevision dropped quite a few channels in the last few years which never bothered me but since they threw in the box for free - a DVR iO box - lucky us.

Ok i didn't understand that part. I know they have been slowly migrating "a channel here and a channel there" off of the "analog, back of set feed" so that you are "compelled" to want to get a box.

Hey, with my Fios, we have to have a box for every set now...
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 12:46PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I think with iO you need a box with every set. We only have 2 ( but 9 computers :o) televisions so it was not so important.
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 04:13PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Appointment was for 11 to 2. 2:00 came and went. No problem - I understand that service calls run late.
I get a call from the service tech from a cell phone at 3:10 that he will be here in 15 minutes.
I wait.
I wait.
Now I lost a days pay to have this done.
I wait.
I finally just called the cell number on the caller ID and that tech picks up.
What happened to 15 minutes?
We will be there in an hour.

So much for making to my night job at 6 pm. More money not paid

I do not think it is unreasonable that once a service tech realizes that he is going to be late that he calls. Even twice if need be.

So an 11 to 2 appointment has turned into a maybe 5 pm appointment.

I am starting to fume. Just call!
reply
Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 04:20PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

That stinks! Hang in there kiddo, get the install done. After that raise hell!
reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 04:49PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

So much for making to my night job at 6 pm. More money not paid

I do not think it is unreasonable that once a service tech realizes that he is going to be late that he calls. Even twice if need be.

So an 11 to 2 appointment has turned into a maybe 5 pm appointment.

I am starting to fume. Just call!

Typical company. No regard for people's schedules.
6 pm job? I thought Ralph's Italian Ices were all open till 11 pm in the summer?
:p :p :p :p
reply
Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 05:50PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Annmarie where are you! :D
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 06:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Where am I? I am sitting here knocking back vodka tonics so if by some miracle a tech should show or God forbid call I will be so unsteady I may not hit them very hard.

There is no way I can afford to take off another day at either of my jobs. The only reason I am even doing this is to save money and it is not even such a savings compared to the 20.00 CV.

I wish it was Ralphs Ices. I watch 2 young children for a single Mom who is taking extra shifts as a nurse to make ends meet. Seems we are all in the same boat in these parts of LI.

And I am not overly fond of children. :p
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Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 06:35PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Geeezzz... I hoping that when you came back that you would be saying that it is all done. Give them hell now!
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 06:55PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Not sure that would be the right way to go. Possibly a free amount of time with one of the services would calm me down? Money talks and I know the language well.

I have been in customer service for years and years and I have learned a few rules one of them being customers do not want excuses they want solutions and/or compensation.

I cannot imagine calling one of our customers and saying "Your ambulance will be delivered today so can get to the business of saving lives and the NOT CALLING THEM with an update if the rig is delayed!

Arrrrg! I need some Chinese food and Carvel.

EDIT: what if I simply hooked this up myself? The modem has a phone port in the back. Can't I simply run a phone wire from that to the bedroom jack and disconnect the one that is in the back of the CV TA or take the CV TA out of the picture all together?
reply
Fisamo @ 18th Aug 07:00PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm thinking at least a month of free service is in order. Surely you've "spent" much more than that in your lost work time waiting for their service guy who never bothered to show... :mad: :( Sorry to hear of the trouble!
reply
Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 07:03PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

You must have ported your CV number, OV doesn't let anyone do self install on ported, Crazy but true, if you had gotten a new number from them it could have been a self install.
reply
Annmarie @ 18th Aug 08:15PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have OV service as of right this minute.

I called Cablevision right after my last post, got disconnected and called back. I told "Jared" that I had a service call today 11 - 2 and could he tell me when the tech was going to show up so I can plan my life around it.
My husband's eyebrows shot up and he slowly tip toed out of the room and came back with a piece of chocolate.

I love my husband. :)

All sorts of apologies from teh rep and the door bell rings.
It is the cable guy - I kid you not.

More apologies and an explanation which I am sort of OK with having seen this happen to a neighbor who is a Verizon guy.

He had a big issue with a bee hive in a customers eve. We talked about it for a bit and I calmed down. He had some bites on him too.

Now here is the kicker and I swear they did this on purpose.

The tech was gorgeous!!! OMG! I was stammering just talking to him. Talk, great smile, sexy accent ... I was a goner.

SO he swaps my modem which is under the desk in my bedroom and along comes my cat. This guy proceeds to lay on my bedroom floor and rub the cats belly. My pugs come running in having pushed open the door and lick this guys face. He was laughing and I was still gawking. GULP!

No more details. I just made my first OV call to the Chinese take place and am awaiting a well deserved late dinner.

Later, maybe Carvel.

Thanks for all the advice and for hanging in there with me. I appreciate it.

And I bet the tech did too. He left with an icey cold A&W root beer and a tip. He had 2 more calls to make. I saw them on his sheet.

I have a question or two but not right now.

I shall be back.
reply
Fisamo @ 18th Aug 08:27PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

OK, so being a guy myself, I'm not so taken by the cute cable guy angle.

Speaking as a husband, though, I have to say that it sounds like you got the right man, even though the cable guy was so good with the pets! :)
reply
Gungerdin @ 18th Aug 08:31PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

:D :) :p

reply
NY Tel @ 18th Aug 09:38PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Now here is the kicker and I swear they did this on purpose.

The tech was gorgeous!!! OMG! I was stammering just talking to him. Talk, great smile, sexy accent ... I was a goner.

This guy proceeds to lay on my bedroom floor and rub the cats belly. GULP!

Thanks for all the advice and for hanging in there with me. I appreciate it. And I bet the tech did too. He left with an ice cold A&W root beer and a tip. He had 2 more calls to make. I saw them on his sheet.

I shall be back.

I was just driving by Nesconset Highway and look at the sign I saw! what happened to privacy these days.... Sheesh! :p :p

He's Fickle
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Annmarie @ 18th Aug 11:40PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Just my luck - NO VACANCY.

All in all I am sure I over reacted since I missed the day of work.

Shit, and bees happen. I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in that sort of field having to crawl in attics and under houses not to mention what people might have in their homes.

No one died, no one got hurt, I got a bit of a thrill AND OV.

Have you seen the view count on this thread? It is becoming quite popular and has gone so OT I think I am going to Hey Mod myself.

OV haws this cool distinct ring for up to 32 phone numbers so you don't have to get off the couch for an "unavailable". I don't think 32 separate people even have my phone number.

Thursday I have to remove the TA from CV and re do my router and then this little episode will be finished. :: sigh ::
reply
anon @ 19th Aug 07:28AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I ended up with Vonage, which is working quite well.

I looked at Uverse, but found that it was more expensive than the Callvantage. So ATT&T is going to a) dump me, and b) try to get me to pay more to take me back?

Naaaah!

Nep
reply
NY Tel @ 19th Aug 12:15PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

And don't forget the free Directory assistance that AT&T did not offer.
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Annmarie @ 19th Aug 12:16PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Oh yes. I rarely used that but now I will. I have not heard from CV regarding the return of the TA.
reply
NY Tel @ 19th Aug 12:17PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Oh yes. I rarely used that but now I will. I have not heard from CV regarding the return of the TA.

If you had it more than a year you can just keep it as a paperweight.
reply
docchat @ 21st Aug 10:44PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Does anyone know if it is possible to port the CV number to a wireless carrier?? I am looking into Metro PCS with the unlimited International Calling since I am not able to settle on a VOIP carrier. I considered Vonage since they have the world calling plan now as well but I am concerned that if I get the number ported to them and later change my mind, they might not be sooo ready to release it back. I was reading about the horror stories about LNP on their forum. Thanks!
reply
NY Tel @ 22nd Aug 12:27AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by docchat :

Does anyone know if it is possible to port the CV number to a wireless carrier?? I am looking into Metro PCS with the unlimited International Calling since I am not able to settle on a VOIP carrier. I considered Vonage since they have the world calling plan now as well but I am concerned that if I get the number ported to them and later change my mind, they might not be sooo ready to release it back. I was reading about the horror stories about LNP on their forum. Thanks!

Well my 212 372-XXXX number was originally with CallVantage, then I ported to Viatalk in 2006,then I ported to Voipo in 2007 and now it is on my Verizon Wireless Blackberry since June 1st so I guess the answer is yes.
reply
Annmarie @ 28th Aug 02:43PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I probably should ask this in the OOL forum but since you all have been so patient with me and it sort of relates to CV ...

When the power goes out in our home for whatever reason CV had an option to redirect an incoming call to another phone. I chose it to be my cellphone. This was not regular call forwarding - only if the line was out.

I cannot find that feature on OV - just regular call forwarding which would be useless with the power out since how the heck could I activate it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
reply
NY Tel @ 28th Aug 02:46PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

I probably should ask this in the OOL forum but since you all have been so patient with me and it sort of relates to CV ...

When the power goes out in our home for whatever reason CV had an option to redirect an incoming call to another phone. I chose it to be my cellphone. This was not regular call forwarding - only if the line was out.

I cannot find that feature on OV - just regular call forwarding which would be useless with the power out since how the heck could I activate it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Go to your web interface and look for "power fail transfer" or something like that or "failover transfer".

That's where you'd program it.
reply
Gungerdin @ 28th Aug 02:48PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Get yourself a cheap UPS when they are on sale and connect just the modem to it.
reply
Annmarie @ 28th Aug 02:52PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Gotcha! Thanks much.
reply
NY Tel @ 28th Aug 02:56PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Annmarie :

Gotcha! Thanks much.

If you find it, let me know what they actually call it. I only activated it once for my friend and that was a year ago.
reply
Gungerdin @ 28th Aug 02:59PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

That would be good to know. :)
reply
Annmarie @ 28th Aug 08:00PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I can't find it anywhere. I will look through customer support and see what comes up.

EDIT: First I will post over in the OOL Forum.
»[Optimum Voice] When power goes out - call forwarded to cell?

Something tells me this is going to be the answer:
Battery Backup: Maintaining Optimum Voice service during a power outage
A battery backup can be installed in order to provide power to your Optimum Voice® service in the event of a power outage. Click here for more details.

Important: Your cordless phones will not operate if the power in your home goes out. In addition to a battery backup, you must have at least one traditional corded phone installed in order to use Optimum Voice during a power outage.
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PX Eliezer @ 28th Aug 08:40PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I have OptimumVoice for Business---which may even have some more features than the Residential---and I have never seen this feature on OV. (The business service does include a battery backup for the modem).

Companies like CallCentric offer failover forwarding, of course.

But why not call Optimum support (1-866-575-8000) to get your answer. They are good folks and usually answer calls quickly.
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batichavez @ 9th Sep 06:33PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I ended up with Future Nine. I tested another voip provider but the Call quality wasn't as good as Call Vantage. Call quality is really important to me and Future Nine is as good or better than Call vantage. I picked up a Linksys SPA2102 VoIP Phone Adapter with Router from Amazon for about $65, combined with my Comcast cable connection and I am extremely happy with the results.

After I ported the At&t number, I was given the option of keeping the temporary number I got from Future Nine for a low fee and I did. So I have 2 numbers, one for the family and one for myself. I mainly use it for incoming calls as I don't dial out too much. For now I'm sticking with the Bare Essentials Plan.

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NY Tel @ 9th Sep 08:46PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by batichavez :

I ended up with Future Nine. I tested another voip provider but the Call quality wasn't as good as Call Vantage. Call quality is really important to me and Future Nine is as good or better than Call vantage. I picked up a Linksys SPA2102 VoIP Phone Adapter with Router from Amazon for about $65, combined with my Comcast cable connection and I am extremely happy with the results.

After I ported the At&t number, I was given the option of keeping the temporary number I got from Future Nine for a low fee and I did. So I have 2 numbers, one for the family and one for myself. I mainly use it for incoming calls as I don't dial out too much. For now I'm sticking with the Bare Essentials Plan.

Bear in mind that a big part of any voip service "sounding good" is the Terminal adapter itself.
With CallVantage, I had every TA they offered - Original DLINK, Centillium, Linksys, and then the newer DLINK and each one had a distinctively different sound tone, volume etc.

The actual best were the 2 DLINK's that I had.

With VOIPO I had 3 different adapters and again, each was very different but good quality.
OF course if any particular infrastructure sucks - so will the service quality.
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CVJK @ 15th Sep 08:38AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

it's called safe forward number, located in more features tab
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mr_jbloggs @ 17th Sep 02:01PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Switched over to Vonage (World Plan $24.99+tax- Includes US/CA and 60+ Countries). so far I'm very happy.
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Fisamo @ 17th Sep 07:11PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by CVJK :

it's called safe forward number, located in more features tab

I think he was referring to whether or not Optimum Voice has the feature...
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appleb @ 27th Sep 03:52PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Leaving CallVantage, Just placed LNP request to CallCentric.
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vanheve2 @ 28th Sep 01:29PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Switching to T-Mobile @Home. Going to miss the call filtering that CV had :-(
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Sbrav77 @ 30th Sep 09:25PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I just made the switch to Phone Power after reading the mostly positive reviews here. Also, apparently, they were started by the same people that originally founded DSL Extreme. My number was finally ported over this morning. Setup was very easy and so far, so good.
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NY Tel @ 30th Sep 09:39PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Sbrav77 :

I just made the switch to Phone Power after reading the mostly positive reviews here. Also, apparently, they were started by the same people that originally founded DSL Extreme. My number was finally ported over this morning. Setup was very easy and so far, so good.

19 days remaining till the shutdown if I remember correctly.....
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Fisamo @ 2nd Oct 03:32PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by NY Tel :

said by Sbrav77 :

I just made the switch to Phone Power after reading the mostly positive reviews here. Also, apparently, they were started by the same people that originally founded DSL Extreme. My number was finally ported over this morning. Setup was very easy and so far, so good.

19 days remaining till the shutdown if I remember correctly.....

Tick, tock... Tick, tock... :o
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Dial_tone @ 4th Oct 10:47PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Well, I decided to just go with Cox since I have them for cable t/internet already. The price jump wasn't anywhere near what I feared. Since I have so many service levels with them already (digital cable, premium channels, HD service, DVR, internet) the plan will only cost me $10 for 6 months then $20 after that. That's for unlimited nationwide and the Solutions feature package. I went in and talked to them face to face since I had to switch my DVR anyway.

I had really gotten used to CV and it's one of few IT services I will truly miss. The Cox guy is supposed to be here tomorrow morning.
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appleb @ 6th Oct 03:05PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

Order went in on 09/29/2009, port scheduled for 10/12/2009.
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jchambers28 @ 9th Oct 10:37AM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

going back to a cell phone with cricket. I live in a century tel area so uverse will not be an option for me at all nor fios. cox wants to much money for voip I had vonage they sucked.
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jsteve @ 9th Oct 10:49PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

I'm just now making the transition to Vonage. I have my TA box from them and have it setup and can dial out. I'm waiting for the CV side to release my (CV) phone number over.

I tried to see if U-verse was in my area and NO. And then when I confirmed that AT&T asked if I wanted regular service and I told her NO, I got rid of my dial tone already and don't want to go back :D I have dry-loop from AT&T DSL.

So far Vonage looks like they have their act together. I got the TA box very quickly. It has an LCD, has a smaller footprint and doesn't look "clunky" the was that Centrillon (sp?) box does. The only snag was when Vonage emailed me that I needed to change my phone service to be dry DSL and I had to rather strongly impress upon them that my DSL was already "dry". It sounded like AT&T was snagging it up.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed now since the last status update on my Vonage Dashboard says "Carrier Approved Transfer" under my phone number transfer status...

Cheers,
--jans
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Dial_tone @ 13th Oct 01:45PM:
Re: [POLL] Who will you VOIP with when AT&T pulls the CV plug?

said by Dial_tone :

Well, I decided to just go with Cox since I have them for cable t/internet already. The price jump wasn't anywhere near what I feared. Since I have so many service levels with them already (digital cable, premium channels, HD service, DVR, internet) the plan will only cost me $10 for 6 months then $20 after that. That's for unlimited nationwide and the Solutions feature package. I went in and talked to them face to face since I had to switch my DVR anyway.

I had really gotten used to CV and it's one of few IT services I will truly miss. The Cox guy is supposed to be here tomorrow morning.

I'm all setup. No issues. Caller ID didn't work right away but Cox fixed that within a few minutes.

Pluses: The caller ID shows up on the TV screen which is really cool. You can review missed calls thru the TV. I think the call quality is better than ATT, which I didn't have much problem with to begin with.

Minuses: I already miss not getting voicemail forwarded to my email account. I really hope they change that.

Overall impression is that I'll be pretty happy with it.
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