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1 edit | False Advertising I am the one who figured out that installing SPA2000 firmware removed the admin password.
I bought the box because:
A) On the box it says "Standards: SIP v2 Session Initiation Protocol (RFC 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264)". This is what I was looking for, a SIP compliant ATA, just as it states on the side of the box to use with my SIP compliant Asterisk server. How is it SIP compliant (It even lists the RFC's) if it only works with Vonages SIP?
B) It does not specify that Vonage service is REQUIRED. I assumed they were simply using the PAP2 as a marketing vehicle, not locking down the box.
C) Where I live, there is no rebate unless you subscribe to their service. Therefore I bought the box, no rebate.
D) This was an impulse buy, I already own two Grandstream GXP-2000's, but I wanted an ATA to use a cordless phone with my Asterisk setup.
E) The retail store did not have any knowledge of the hardware being locked, or require me to purchase service before I bought it.
Now, after discovering this thing was locked to Vonage, I naturally called Vonage to say "Hey .. I bought this piece of hardware, and I don't want Vonage, can you unlock it?", "No, it's our box and we want it back" they replied. "Well I have a receipt, and it's sitting right here on my desk, so how is it yours?" "Well .. we made a deal with Linksys and we manufactured them, blah blah blah".
As far as I am concerned, they never should have locked the box thinking they can sell these things in a retail stores and make their money from service, knowing damn well that ANYTHING can and will be unlocked/disassembled/reverse engineered/hacked. CHANGE THE PRICING STRUCTURE! If you want the unlocked hardware, buy the box full pop, you want service from Vonage, here's your rebate .. simple.
Look at cell phones, you don't just walk in and buy a cell phone off the shelf, and get a rebate for it. You go in, buy a service plan, and they give you a programmed phone for a nominal fee, sometimes free.
So there you have it, my reasons for unlocking the PAP2. | |
mcmug17
join:2004-06-14
Braintree, MA | A) GSM 850 used in Cingular doesn't mean you can take the same phone to Nextel that uses GSM 850 also. (Exclaimer - I'm not sure exactly what band they use, I got this information from my limited cellular knowledge. My whole point is, Cell phones advertise themselves as GSM850/1900/blah compliant, but it has to stick to a specific service provider. So don't pick on my accuracy of data :P )
B) You assumed...
C) Your supermarket does not have the same deal as mine.
D) cool
E) Then why didn't you return it back to the store and complain to their manager?
F) "Look at cell phones, you don't just walk in and buy a cell phone off the shelf, and get a rebate for it. You go in, buy a service plan, and they give you a programmed phone for a nominal fee, sometimes free."
No... you're comparing an apple to an orange. Walk in to a cell phone store = go to www.vonage.com. We are talking about going to Best Buy and pick up a product. So while they have a Cingular/Samsung counter in Best Buy or Radio Shack, why don't you get the point when they have a Vonage/Linksys booth?
Guys, I'm not trying to be a prick here. But I mean, really, it's not such a big deal. You don't like something, just return it and buy an unlocked one. This is a retail package and with the receipt, you can take it back to the store and get a refund. I'm sure a PAP2 worths more than $50 in retail if it's -na version. People are getting a deal that may potentially contain a contract in there (that's why people say there's no free lunch). So make sure you read all the fine prints and whining is prohibited after assuming something.
I know that there're places that do "free after rebate" program and they're pretty legit. Different companies have different business models and one can't just expect a pig to bark.
There's really no right or wrong with Vonage locking down their devices. I think there're many appropriate methods for users to choose what to do with the locked devices.
Talking about unlocking a device after the contract ends... I absolutely agree! But again, I don't want to assume that's something promised in the Terms. A user should make sure he understands the Terms included in the package within the first 2 weeks. If you don't understand anything, then ask. If you don't like them, return it back to the store! | |
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