General Launch Update

[NY Tel Guy]

My port was painless. Took about a couple weeks to complete and my Voipo line started ringing without any service interruptions.

My VT line still works for outbound calls, but I'm paid up for a few more months anyways.

Thanks, me too as far as VT is concerned. I already have the entire unit packed up with ALL parts and wires. I'll probably ship it back as soon as my line ports.
I have the PaP2 from them, even have the twist ties the unit came with.....lol

[VOIPoTim]

Thanks, me too as far as VT is concerned. I already have the entire unit packed up with ALL parts and wires. I'll probably ship it back as soon as my line ports.
I have the PaP2 from them, even have the twist ties the unit came with.....lol

The good thing is that with porting, Level3 does NOT notify the actual customer (like VT). Most Tier1's are like this. That's why with VoIP providers you typically need to cancel your service AFTER the port whereas with traditional landlines, the cancellation would be automatic.

While this is traditionally a pain, it can be used to your advantage because VT won't know when the port completes and you can form a strategy as to how to time your cancellation to avoid the ridiculous cancellation fee hoops (IMO) they've recently added.

[NY Tel Guy]

The good thing is that with porting, Level3 does NOT notify the actual customer (like VT). Most Tier1's are like this. That's why with VoIP providers you typically need to cancel your service AFTER the port whereas with traditional landlines, the cancellation would be automatic.

While this is traditionally a pain, it can be used to your advantage because VT won't know when the port completes and you can form a strategy as to how to time your cancellation to avoid the ridiculous cancellation fee hoops (IMO) they've recently added.

When they started the nonsense with the 2.50 a month extra fee, I never updated my credit card and stopped using the account. I will send them back their TA (I'll need a Grandstream from you) after I cancel them.

[VOIPoTim]

When they started the nonsense with the 2.50 a month extra fee, I never updated my credit card and stopped using the account. I will send them back their TA (I'll need a Grandstream from you) after I cancel them.

My biggest problem with those fees is that they're not even in the FCC database and don't have an ID number to even be able to remit any USF contributions or regulatory taxes/fees on the federal level.

There is a hard cost associated with E911 service, and the fees are starting to add up more so I expect to see more "all inclusive" providers adding things. So I don't have a problem with the fees themselves, but it's kind of hard to remit any governmental taxes/fees when you're not even registered to do so. BTW I haven't checked this in a few weeks so they could have registered between now and then, but I doubt it. The dates are listed if they did. Ironically, the last document filed with the FCC for VT/HR was by me and I left there in early 2006.

This along with a list of issues I have will be addressed with the appropriate agencies at the appropriate time.

The other issue is just that I didn't agree with how the situation with prepaids was handled in terms of taxes. Waiving it for people who complained was a nice gesture, but that shouldn't be necessary. If a provider accepts a prepayment, they're taking on some liability that costs can increase during that period. With VoIP, we know it's likely to. Raising them at renewal is one thing, but doing it while someone is in term shouldn't even be a question.

[NY Tel Guy]

My biggest problem is that they're not even in the FCC database and don't have an ID number to even be able to remit any USF contributions or regulatory taxes/fees on the federal level.

There is a hard cost associated with E911 service, but it's kind of hard to remit any governmental taxes/fees when you're not even registered to remit.

I'm beginning to think they are located in a trailer by the Thruway, poised and ready to "hit the road".
BTW, I sent you an e-mail.

[VOIPoTim]

BTW, I sent you an e-mail.

Got it, replied.