Sunrocket is "Gone"!

I’m sad to say that it looks as if the VoIP company Sunrocket has shut down operations and gone out of business. I’m appalled at the way they did it! The number two VoIP provider in the nation, with over 200,000 customers appears to have suddenly let all their employees go and closed the doors without notifying any customers.

According to an article on dslreports.com, Sunrocket let a lot of employees go last Friday in anticipation of a sale. When the sale didn’t pan out, they fired the remaining employees yesterday – leaving 200,000 subscribers hanging. Now when customers call the 800 number for customer service, they hear a message "We are no longer taking customer service or sales calls. Goodbye."

As of last night, many Sunrocket customers started posting comments on dsl reports forums indicating that their VoIP service had stopped functioning. This morning, an article on CNN.com confirms the fact that Sunrocket has simply just “disappeared”.

Alternatives to Sunrocket

Now that Sunrocket subscribers are left without phone service, they are turning to other VoIP providers. I imagine it’s hard for them to choose a new internet phone company, considering the fact that the number one company (Vonage) is in a lot of financial and legal trouble. AT&T CallVantage is also involved in a patent-related lawsuit, but at least they are backed by a global player with deep pockets.

My recommendations for those looking for a VoIP provider are Packet8, Voip.com or Lingo. These broadband phone companies appear to be staying out of legal trouble and have a good reputation for quality and service. I have been using Packet 8 VoIP for over two years now, and have never had a bit of trouble with it.

Of course, up until recently I thought that Sunrocket was a terrific internet phone company that was here to stay. Who knows what will happen with the other VoIP companies? All we can do is hope for the best and always be prepared to port our phone number to another carrier if necessary. I’m still a believer in and avid user of internet phone service, and I’ll keep using it because it saves me a ton of money!