I Believe in Voip.com

I just switched my VoIP provider from Packet8 to Voip.com. Although I have been happy with Packet8 for over two years, I figured that since I’ve been praising Voip.com for the past couple of months now that it was time to “put my money where my mouth is”. I don’t like to recommend anything that I am not using myself, so I’m joining all you voip.com subscribers now!

Voip.com really showed up on the radar mid July after the Sunrocket closure. With a comparable $199 a year plan, this VoIP company was a “natural fit” for ex-Sunrocket subscribers who needed a quick alternative for low cost internet phone service. Most of these new subscribers turned out to be happy customers, but many cancelled service shortly after signing up due to delays and problems….

Initial Issues with Voip.com

For a couple of weeks after the Sunrocket closure,Voip.com took in thousands of new subscribers, and their business nearly quadrupled in size overnight. Unfortunately, the unexpected tremendous growth in business caused some major problems for this VoIP provider. Their call center was overwhelmed with Sunrocket subscribers who needed new VoIP service FAST, and they had to quickly hire a lot of new customer service personnel to meet the demand. Customers experienced extremely long “hold” times, and then had to deal with inexperienced employees when they finally did get through.

To make matters worse, Voip.com ran out of routers and could not meet the demand. They found another supplier right away, but not soon enough to avoid 2-3 week delays in getting new customers their equipment. One of the large shipments of Linksys routers was discovered to be defective after customers finally got them and couldn’t establish VoIP service. Many new subscribers also got frustrated due to delays in phone number porting – a problem that was totally out of VoIP.com’s control (the quickness of phone number transfers is totally in the hands of the third party carrier who “owns” the number).

Just as things were starting to get back to “normal” with Voip.com, another VoIP carrier (Allo.com) went out of business. This brought another unexpected surge in business to Voip.com, and another set of problems (although not as massive as the growth caused by Sunrocket a couple weeks prior).

Voip.com Meets the Challenge

Today, things are getting settled down with this new “big” VoIP provider. Although there are still many new subscribers who are waiting for phone number porting, and still some issues regarding a backlog of trouble tickets, Voip.com has pretty much overcome the issues that were caused by the sudden increase in business. The new customer service people are now more knowledgeable, and response time is much quicker. The majority of router issues have been resolved, and “frustrated” new customers are now becoming “satisfied” customers. Voip.com is issuing credit or extensions on the free month of service to customers who have been billed for service that they couldn’t receive due to delays and problems.

I’m a Believer in Voip.com

I have been following Voip.com for the past couple of months, and have been communicating regularly with a contact there. Although I realize and understand the difficulties that customers have faced, I also see what Voip.com is doing “behind the scenes” to resolve all issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. They have literally been working around the clock to “fix” everything that is broken and to build a Voip company that is better able to handle “big league” business. When you think about it, it’s only been five weeks since their business unexpectedly skyrocketed. In my opinion, this company has done an awesome job of meeting their challenges head on in an effort to meet customer needs.

When Sunrocket closed, over 200,000 people suddenly flooded the VoIP marketplace looking for a quick replacement. All the best VoIP providers took in a huge share of new business due to this event, and my guess is that every one of them had similar “growth related” problems to deal with.

I’ve Signed Up

I have a lot of confidence in Voip.com and signed up for service late last week. The signup process was quick and easy, and I received an email within an hour letting me know my new phone number (I’m not porting my number, I’m getting a new one). I was also given access to the user interface on the web to manage my VoIP account (features, voicemail, etc…). Although I haven’t received my router yet ( I was told it would be 5-7 days), I’m ready for it as soon as it arrives because I’ve already set up my account options and voicemail. For me, everything is great so far with my Voip.com experience and I’m looking forward to my service with them.

If you’re interested in learning more about Voip.com, or are ready to sign up – here is the website. Use Voip.com promotional code LUCKY to ensure you get to take advantage of the latest offers (I think it’s a $30 rebate right now). By using this promo code, you will also be letting them know I referred you. In the event you have trouble getting an issue resolved, you can let me know and I’ll be happy to look into it for you via my contact with this company. Just leave me a comment with your name, account number and description of the problem and I’ll pass it along (don’t worry, I won’t publish your information).

Growing Pains for Voip.com

Voip.com is an internet phone service company based in Florida. They offer a $199 a year unlimited plan that was a natural fit for Sunrocket customers who had a similar plan. When Sunrocket went out of business a few weeks ago, so many people flocked to Voip.com for service that Voip.com had difficulties keeping up with the demand.

Initially, Voip.com did not have enough customer service people to handle the large influx of new business. They quickly hired more people, who are still in the “training” phase. Many people have commented that Voip.com customer service people cannot answer all their questions or help them with issues – I think the reason is that there are a lot of new people.

Many people have also made comment that it is taking a long time to receive equipment. Initially Voip.com ran out of routers (their business more than doubled overnight due to Sunrocket closure), and couldn’t meet the demand. They quickly found a new supplier, but this situation created a 1-2 week delay.

Voip.com starts its billing process as soon as the order for Voip service is placed. They have always done it this way, as do most VoIP providers. Ordinarily this does not cause a problem, as the first 30 days of service are free and the equipment (under normal circumstances) ships out immediately. Due to the delay in getting equipment to customers however, many people are upset because they are getting billed for service that they don’t even have yet. Voip.com is aware of this, and is making good by either issuing a credit to the account or extending the “free trial” period.

Now it turns out that a lot of the new routers that were shipped to Voip.com customers are bad. This is not Voip.com’s fault, as the problem is due to improper firmware configuration at the manufacturer. Although I’m certain Voip.com will do everything they can to get these bad routers fixed or replaced as quickly as possible, I know there is little that can be done to console the folks affected by this problem.

A lot of people who subscribed to Voip.com service are now thinking of disconnecting due to recent problems regarding delays, billing and/or customer service. It’s understandable that folks are a little suspicious of VoIP companies these days, particularly after the Sunrocket and Allo.com closures. Although I don’t have any firsthand knowledge of this, I’ll bet other VoIP providers who “grew” suddenly following Sunrockets closing are having similar difficulties. When a business unexpectedly doubles or triples overnight, there is just no way everything will go smoothly.

Voip.com is Here to Stay

Although the past weeks have been difficult ones for the folks at Voip.com, they have been working around the clock to fix problems, “stop the bleeding”, and attempt to satisfy all customers. Believe it or not, they appear to be doing everything they can to get business back to a “normal” level as quickly as possible.

In addition to catching up with the unexpected growth in business, Voip.com is working on new products and services. Later this year we will see Voip.com enter the business VoIP market with an amazing new product. They will also soon roll out some incredible pricing on international long distance services. Voip.com is establishing a solid foothold in the broadband phone service market, and they are positioning themselves for a bright and secure future.

Voip.com is a financially stable company with a commitment to lead the field in the area of residential and small business VoIP services. As soon as the problems resulting from the Sunrocket “storm surge” is over, you will see what a great company this is!!!

Voip.com Routers Bad

Today I heard from a contact at Voip.com that they have just learned that a large shipment of Linksys routers turned out to be bad. This equipment is necessary in order for Voip.com internet phone service to work properly, and it turns out the routers have a firmware problem.

If you are one of the thousands of customers who has been having trouble with your new Voip.com Linksys router, this is the why. Voip.com will arrange to have your hardware repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. I don’t have any details regarding how quickly the defective hardware problem will be resolved, but I’m sure you will be contacted shortly.

Allo.com Phone Number Transfers Stop 8/31/07

If you are an Allo.com VoIP subscriber who recently lost your internet phone service due to the shutdown, you need to be sure to find a new VoIP provider right away. Allo.com will only process requests to port phone numbers through August 31.

The good news is that Voip.com is fully prepared to request and manage your allo.com phone number transfer immediately. Number porting can take a few weeks, as the speed of this process is totally dependent on how quick the current carrier releases the number. It sounds like allo.com is committed to releasing numbers as quick as possible, as it is evident that they want to get totally out of the VoIP business by the end of this month. There may be a lot of third party carriers associated with allo.com phone numbers though (Sunrocket had 16 third party carriers), so you may have to patiently wait a short while.

Voip.com is one of the best broadband phone service providers in the telecommunications industry today. They rose to the challenge of taking on many thousands of new subscribers recently, when Sunrocket customers were also suddenly left without phone service. Voip.com knows what they’re doing with VoIP service, and they understand how important it is to you to get your phone number ported and new service activated as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking for a new VoIP company to replace your allo.com service, Voip.com is my recommendation. They are a financially stable company who maintains their own in-house development and support staff. They don’t farm out their services to third parties like so many VoIP providers do. As a result, their customer satisfaction rate is high and the quality of VoIP service is outstanding!

Voip.com has 2 unlimited plans ($199/year annual plan or $19.95/month monthly plan) and also a 200 minute a month plan for $9.99/month. All plans come with free softphone service, which allows you to take your VoIP service with you when you travel. Voip.com offers more free calling features than any other VoIP provider. In addition, they also have really cheap international long distance rates.

When you sign up for Voip.com service, use the Voip.com promo code (coupon code) LUCKY. This will let them know that I referred you, and will also ensure that you get the latest promotional offering.

VoIP Provider Allo.com is Dead!

To the surprise and shock of many subscribers, internet phone service provider Allo.com has suddenly ceased operations. According to forum posts by subscribers, Allo sent out an email to subscribers informing them that they would be ceasing operations August 1.

This comes on the heels of the recent Sunrocket shutdown, which also occurred with little warning just a couple of weeks ago – causing hundreds of thousands of subscribers to scramble to find replacement VoIP service.

There is a post on the main page of the allo.com website now, which states that they are discontinuing all services on August 2, 2007. Apparently Allo will continue to sell hardware, but no longer provide internet phone service.

Allo is urging all customers to find a new VoIP provider immediately, but does not recommend any particular provider. Here is what they say:

“We urge each and every customer that has not signed up with a new service provider to do so immediately. Please do not delay, as services are being discontinued and will be permanently shut down no later than August 2nd, 2007.”

Allo is in process of refunding money to customers, thankfully!

Allo Customers Need to Find a Replacement Voip Provider ASAP

Allo.com customers must now quickly find a new broadband phone service provider, especially if they want to keep their existing phone number. Allo indicates that they will only process requests for porting (LNP) through August 31. This means Allo customers must sign with a new VoIP provider ASAP, as the number porting process can take a few weeks sometimes.

Recommended VoIP Provider as a Replacement for Allo.com: Voip.com

I strongly recommend Voip.com as a preferred VoIP provider for Allo customers. This is a financially stable company that offers a great $199/year “all inclusive” unlimited plan. When I say “all inclusive”, it means that you will never see another bill again for an entire year. Most providers offering an annual plan will continue to bill you each month for “taxes and fees” – but not Voip.com!

Many thousands of Sunrocket customers subscribed with Voip.com immediately following the Sunrocket shutdown a couple of weeks ago. Voip.com’s telephone lines were swamped, and they rose to the challenge by quickly hiring and training many new people and making a lot of innovative systems changes in order to meet customer needs and deliver exceptional service. This is a company that delivers satisfaction, and one that truly cares about it’s customers.

You can read my review of Voip.com here, or simply go to the Voip.com website to sign up for service. In addition, you can also call them directly to ask questions and/or sign up. Their phone number is 800-879-8647. Be sure to use Voip.com promo code LUCKY. This will let them know that I sent you, and will also ensure that you get to take advantage of the latest deals and money saving offers.

How to Make Cheap International Long Distance Calls

If you’ve made international calls using your mobile phone or home phone (land line), you know that overseas long distance rates can be very expensive. Calling cards offer pretty good international rates, but it is often cumbersome to use them.

For people who make frequent or occasional international calls, the most cost effective method is VoIP. If you’ve never heard of VoIP, or want to learn more about this amazing technology that can easily save you 50% or more on your phone bill, read on….

What is VoIP?

This acronym stands for “Voice Over Internet Protocol”, and is the technical term for Internet Phone Service. It is also commonly referred to as “broadband phone service”, IP Phone Service” or “Digital Phone Service”.

What are the Requirements of VoIP?

The only thing required is a broadband internet connection. This is also referred to as “high speed” internet. Although VoIP will work well over DSL (high speed internet that is usually offered through your phone company), the recommended broadband connection is cable internet or T-1 service. Most telephone companies require you to maintain phone service when you subscribe to their high speed DSL internet. Since VoIP is designed to replace traditional phone service, you come out better off financially if you switch to cable or T-1 internet. Once you’ve got your internet phone service installed, you can then disconnect your “land line” phone service.

What is the Price of VoIP Internet Phone Service?

Most VoIP providers charge between $19.95 a month to $24.95 a month for unlimited local and long distance calling. A few VoIP companies offer “annual” unlimited VoIP plans that you can get for $199 a year (paid up front). An annual plan is the best value for your money! Unlimited internet phone service plans include an unlimited amount of free calls within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

What About Cheap International Long Distance Calls?

All of the best VoIP providers have super cheap international rates. These international long distance rates are lower than any other type of service. Rates vary by VoIP provider, depending on the country you call, so compare VoIP providers’ rates before subscribing to ensure you get the best possible deal. International calls are billed separately on a per-minute basis. The rates are so low, you’ll be amazed at how long you can talk for so little money!

Who are the Best VoIP Providers for International Calling?

It’s important to subscribe with a VoIP provider that is known for financial stability, quality of service and excellent technical and customer support. My recommendations include:

Voip.com – For people who make a lot of long distance calls within the US, Canada and/or Puerto Rico, the Voip.com annual plan is an exceptional value at $199 a year (less than $17 a month). This is an “all inclusive” fee, meaning there are no monthly charges for “taxes and fees”. Voip.com offers some of the lowest international long distance rates around, and you get a free softphone. A softphone is really nice for people who travel, as it allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop.

Packet8 – If you make international calls to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Moscow-Central, Moscow-Suburb, St. Petersburg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Chile, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, Israel, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam – the Packet8 Freedom Unlimited Global plan is the best deal. This plan costs $29.99 a month and provides unlimited free international calling to any of these countries.

How Do I Find Out More About VoIP?

For starters, visit my newest website – Cheap International Calling Choices. Here you will find out everything you want to know about internet phone service, in addition to recommended VoIP providers for international calling. You can compare VoIP providers’ rates and features as well as learn how to install and use VoIP.

Issues Regarding Sunrocket Phone Number Porting

According to recent forum and blog posts, a lot of Sunrocket subscribers who have found an alternative VoIP company are still waiting for their Sunrocket phone number to be ported. This, understandably, is making people really nervous because they don’t want to be without phone service.

I want to assure you that the ability of a new VoIP provider to port a Sunrocket number is really out of their control. Please don’t blame your new VoIP carrier – it’s not their fault. Here’s how the whole “number porting” process works, as I understand it:

First of all, the FCC mandates that a request for phone number transfer be completed within 30 days of the request. This means that the current carrier has one month to release the phone number.

When you sign up for new internet phone service and request that your current number be transferred, the new VoIP company submits a request to the current carrier to release the number. This starts the “30 day time clock”. The speed of phone number porting is now in the hands of the current carrier. Once they have released the number for transfer, the new VoIP provider can “activate” service. It seems that some carriers are quick about releasing a Sunrocket phone number for transfer, while others are not so quick….

According to a contact at Voip.com (a leading alternative to Sunrocket), Sunrocket had 16 third party carriers. This explains why some Sunrocket subscribers have reported that their number was ported within a few days, while others are still waiting for the porting to occur. If you are one of those who are still “waiting”, rest assured with the knowledge that this transfer WILL (must) happen within 30 days. I realize that this information doesn’t “fix” the problem, but I hope that an understanding of what has to happen “behind the scenes” helps lessen the anxiety.

There is nothing your new VoIP provider wants more than to “activate” new service, and they cannot do that until a request for phone number transfer has been completed. So if you are still waiting for your Sunrocket phone number to port, I guarantee that as soon as the number has been released to your new VoIP provider, you will be notified immediately!

If you are still looking for an alternative to Sunrocket, I highly recommend Voip.com. They are a solid company with outstanding technical support and phenomenal pricing on VoIP plans. If you subscribe, be sure to use Voip.com promo code LUCKY.