Make sure to try an internet phone service before you port your main number to it. Get a second line and try it before you buy it. Here's why:
I was looking for an even cheaper alternative to My AT&T CallVantage internet telephone. I have heard stories about internet telephone going wrong, so I left my main number with AT&T and got a second line with Broadvoice.
On the BroadVoice line, people on the other end could not hear me. The AT&T line always worked good. Calls were clear and timely. The AT&T worked with the same equipment and ISP that the BroadVoice was using. I tried every router configuration and feature to get BroadVoice going. After doing many tests, I determined that the sound problem was due to latency in BroadVoice's network, and not due to my equipment or ISP. I did an internet search, and it turns out that BroadVoice is known to have latency in it's network.
Here's what was so wrong: BroadVoice will blame every other company for it's network failures and lead you on a wild goose chase. They blame latency on your ISP, even if it is totally illogical, because that is what the script says. The fact is that my AT&T technology is superior and BroadVoice has to admit that before they can improve.
I am so glad that I did not port my main number to BroadVoice. I would have a problem getting it back then. On the upside I learned a lot of networking and routers. On the downside I spent about $ 150.00. But I knew that could happen. I guess I was just blown away by how poor customer service at BroadVoice was.
I will keep trying new internet phone services. I hear Vonage has good technology. The lesson is to not to put your main number with a company that you do not know. Try before you buy.
0 comments