Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 in VOIP Tech Chat

Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 in VOIP Tech Chat http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18698548 en Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:53:43 EDT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:53:43 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18827175 Central PA : Thank you very much.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18827175 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:56:56 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18808266 djaco99 : I suggest checking with Voip.com. They absorbed thousands of new customers following the Sunrocket fiasco, and my contact there says they have been able to successfully port 99% of the numbers.They are a financially stable company that offers excellent value.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18808266 Sat, 04 Aug 2007 09:07:59 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18795468 quantumvoice : Please note that in November of last year, we extended our (phone-based) Level2 support hours from 9AM-5PM EST (Mon-Fri) to 9AM-10PM EST (Mon-Sat). Email support (including escalations) is always available.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18795468 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:41:49 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18793814 quantumvoice : Level3 is one of several carriers that we use. In fact, we have been a Level3 customer for over 7 years.

In terms of network engineering and IP transit, we do utilize MPLS but unless the endpoint is "on-net" (e.g. also purchased IP transit from Level3); the benefits are minimal due to the manner in which carriers exchange traffic (which is still "best-effort").

Although we can't control what happens to traffic destined for an endpoint once it leaves our network or the "private" networks of our IP transit carriers (such as Level3), we can ensure that it will reach the edge of their networks with minimal defects (jitter, packet loss, and latency) by using optimized media routing and continuing to make wise investments in infrastructure and talent.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18793814 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:30:36 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18764756 Fisamo : Fair enough. I hadn't seen researched various voip providers heavily for a while, but have kept up with many of the "majors" since signing up with CallVantage. I've had POTS-like quality the whole time I've been with CV, so I never really thought about the private network issues. I have no idea how ATT routes my calls, and since it works well for me, I don't really care. :)

My honest suggestion is that you look around at what's out there and try a few providers with good sound quality reviews.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18764756 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:25:57 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18759837 Central PA : Thank you very much for your suggestions.

I was not "sold" on a VPN by Allo.com's presentation. Rather, I was convinced that VoIP QOS is substantially better via a VPN than a public network, based upon my experiences using VoIP for more than two years on a public network, and those of about two months via a VPN.

If you are interested in the opinions of others, and the results of limited testing, please see:

»www.networkworld.com/reviews/200···est.html

»www.oreillynet.com/etel/blog/200···_vo.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18759837 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:20:24 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18757917 Fisamo : Why the private network requirement? Were you sold on their presentation that unless your calls are routed on a private network, the quality will dramatically suffer?

Given the timing of Allo.com's termination of services, I recommend that you port to a company that can expedite a port within the Level3 network. Even then, I'm not sure a port will complete in time for you to save your number. :o

I would give ViaTalk a call (1-866-626-7150 or »www.viatalk.com) to see if they'd be able to port your number before it goes away. You might also consider VoicePulse (1-732-339-5100 or »www.voicepulse.com) or QuantumVoice (800-914-2943, option 1, M-F 9a-5p, Eastern or »www.quantumvoice.com).

The recommendation for ViaTalk comes from my knowledge that they work with Level3 to obtain DIDs, so "importing" your account should be reasonably quick. However, they are also digging out from an influx of displaced SR customers. I'm not necessarily suggesting that you take them up on a long-term deal, but to save your number, signing up with them on a month-to-month plan while you search for a company that suits your needs "better" (you may find that you want to keep ViaTalk), it's a good move, short term.

IIRC, VoicePulse also obtains DIDs from Level3. If that's correct, you should be able to transition to their service quickly, as well. I think they're taking on less SR refugees, so you might have better luck porting to them. I've heard many good things about VoicePulse, in terms of customer service, sound quality, etc. In any case, if they can port your number in, they should be considered a good contender.

My third recommendation is Quantumvoice. I do not know if they get DIDs from Level3, but they also get good reviews on sound quality (MPLS/private network or not). They do not offer online sign-up, so when (if) you call them, you can ask all the questions you like about availability of your number, timeframe of porting, etc.

As for the 'other features' you request, most services that charge a monthly fee that includes either a bucket of minutes or "unlimited" domestic calling support incoming CID with name, voicemail-to-email, and CID blocking.

Given Viatalk's backlog right now and the critical timing of your port, I'd call the latter two providers first to see what they can do for you, at least in the short term, and then make a long-term decision after your number is serviced by a company that's more likely to be around for a while. Good luck.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18757917 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:44:27 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18754099 Central PA : I am a soon-to-be Allo.com ex-customer. I have had no success in finding another VoIP Provider that meets my needs, and will be extremely grateful to anyone that suggests/recommends a company.

I am in need of a VoIP Provider that will permit me to port my existing U.S. telephone number (Level 3 DID), that uses a Private Network to transport VoIP calls (similar to Allo.com).

All of my outgoing telephone calls originate in Pennsylvania, USA and terminate in USA. I do not make international telephone calls.

Ideally, the VoIP Provider will support incoming Caller ID (and better yet subscribe to a CNAM database to provide name) and provide voicemail (copy of messages forwarded to an e-mail address is ideal but not required). Caller ID blocking, e.g., *67, on a selective basis is ideal, but any form of Caller ID blocking is acceptable.

Will you please suggest a name or two of a VoIP Provider that uses a Private Network (MPLS is good, but not required)? Thanks for your help!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18754099 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:46:34 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746497 undef : Spunky,

I'm surprised to hear that there were business customers on Sunrocket. I had service from early '06 until last week, and I wouldn't even use it on the weekends to dial in to a client conference call. Hanging my electronic placard on it, so to speak, would have been out of the question.

If I were looking for a business VoIP provider, I'd be looking to find a business that is publicly traded, showing a profit or at least steadily increasing revenues / decreasing costs, and with cash on hand. Without that, I'd be calling my local telco to run some copper!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746497 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:43:00 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746481 RockyBB : see if les.net can port your number...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746481 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:40:38 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746475 Spunky60 :

said by jlyon :

Hi I am (was) an ALLO customer, spent a fortune on mareting, business cards etc and now no service from the end of July. I only signed up in June. It makes me mad. It's a pity as they were ok while they lasted.

jonathan.lyon@gmail.com

If SR with 200K customers was the closest competition to Vonage with 2.4M , I don't understand why anyone would even think about going to any others voip but Vonage, specialy with a Business.
One way or the other you have to make a move very quickly.
Good luck ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746475 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:39:51 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746262 anon : Hi I am (was) an ALLO customer, spent a fortune on mareting, business cards etc and now no service from the end of July. I only signed up in June. It makes me mad. It's a pity as they were ok while they lasted.

Anyhow, I am in desperate need of a new service, I have a Vancouver Canada number 778 and would like to keep this and maintain a service throughout their demise.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

jonathan.lyon@gmail.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18746262 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:04:31 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18742308 anon : Hi Everyone,
yes allo.com is ceasing its voip service proividing activities effective from 1st of august.
We are trying our best to assist our existing customers switch to other providers.
if there is anyone with stuck issues, pls send me a mail and i will push your request,

thanks
-jacq

PS: we are not a SunRocket reseller, and never were. Our decision has nothing to do with Sun Rocket's abrupt closure.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18742308 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:14:17 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18733892 usa2k : Bummer.

At least it is free to join here :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18733892 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:57:25 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18733054 RockyBB : I don't think so.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18733054 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:04:27 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18732339 usa2k : Do Anon have this option, by clicking on your sidebar name?

[att=1]

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18732339 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:17:09 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18732071 RockyBB : I can help you rescue your toll-free numbers. We are not supposed to post contact info on public site ... please "join" or "register" at »/join/new (the "Free Basic Account" is free and preserves your private info) ... then we can exchange contact info through PM.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18732071 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:30:29 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18731922 anon : They never answer/send emails and refuse to tell me what to do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18731922 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:01:03 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18726262 mczofrea : Go online and use the live chat feature. They will assist you on returning the ATA. They will give you an email and the details will follow after they close shop on 7/31.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18726262 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:31:19 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18726248 mczofrea : Just a quick note. They are going under after 6 months. I signed up 2 weeks ago and received the same email a week later. I verified via the live chat link when I got home this morning from vacation. Such a waste of my time and money. Thanks goodness they didn't port my #'s.

PS - To the person saying Vonage does not offer a prepay plan at a discount, check again. I have Vonage (which I was trying to switch to Allo) and the customer service rep just asked me if I wanted to upgrade to this service 10 minutes ago when I called. I am trying to lose Vonage after many years because the sound quality is getting worse!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18726248 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:28:40 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18723222 anon : I had allo.com all of two weeks before I found out they were going out of business. The sad thing is that I have had several other VOIP services before...Voicewing, Vonage, Packet8, and this is the only one that worked...and worked well.

Still sadder, their service stopped working for me about 1.5 weeks in...around the time that Sunrocket crashed. So, I cancelled. No problem..except that I have never gotten anything in writing from t hem..no cancellation notices and they outright refuse to tell me how to return the ATA...outright refuse to give me an RMA number and an address to send it to. I eve have conflicting live chat logs telling me that I need to return it, I don't have to return it, it is free, it costs $49.99, etc (kept them all). I have put a freeze on my CC so that they cannot charge me for anything else...although they did credit my initial month and shipping charge for the ATA to my card. Their employees say they will email me with information..which I never get. I'm totally fed up.

If I don't hear from them by Wed, I'm packing the ATA up, using my order number as the RMA# and sending the ATA to he address on their website...delivery confirmation, signature required. I've had it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18723222 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:41:26 EDT Re: 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18716182 usa2k : RockyBB

had some good leads on 1-800 services]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18716182 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 23:08:03 EDT 1800 forwarding replacement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18711899 anon : My business currently uses allo's toll-free forwarding service to forward calls made to our 1800 number to my cellphone.

Can anyone recommend a similar service provider that will let me keep our existing toll-free number?

I have been looking at recommended VOIP replacements for allo and all of them seem to only offer forwarding services with a phoneline. I don't need a phone line, I just want a forwarding number where I can receive inbound calls.

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18711899 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:08:24 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18710491 priller :

said by ECX

:

Actually, Vonage DOES offer yearly pricing. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I think you have to call to get that offer (you get 20% off).

You don't want the hassle of monthly bills and reminders. Vonage makes it easy. Pay one annual payment of $239.99 for your service fee. That's a savings of 20%. With more money in your pocket, now you can do other things in life.

»vonage.com/features.php?feature=···l_prepay]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18710491 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:53:00 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18710442 ECX : Actually, Vonage DOES offer yearly pricing. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I think you have to call to get that offer (you get 20% off).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18710442 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:34:19 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18707916 Fisamo : MagicJack? Skype for $30/yr? I don't know how much these companies bleed, or what their business model is. However, it does cost per-minute to terminate calls in the US. Wholesale isn't too much, which is why these companies can stick around for a while, but it does catch up with them. In any case, I can't imagine buying a MagicJack and using it as a traditional home phone (wired to the home jacks).

If I spent $40 on a MagicJack and was able to make 800-1000 mins worth of calls, I'd consider it even and not worry if it were shut off. But it doesn't make sense to me as a traditional home phone. In contrast, that is exactly what SR, allo.com, etc., sold their services as.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18707916 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:36:16 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18707448 jeffnyc :

said by Fisamo

said by jeffnyc

:

damn.... these voip providers are really biting the dust... i hope we dont go back to the ice ages and verizon

I doubt that will be the case. The pattern I see is that it's the providers with $199/2 year plans that are biting the dust. Numerous people (who don't have direct access to said companies' financial records) have postulated such a pricing model to be non-sustainable. I think we're just starting to see those dominoes fall.

The exception, Vonage, does not offer such pricing plans, but their aggressive ad campaign was enough to make them unprofitable. Add to that the recent lawsuits (failed 911 calls, patent infringement), and it explains their woes.

VoicePulse is private and fairly quiet. However, they seem to have a solid service, good reputation, and no worries in sight. I cite them because they're an independent company, unlike my preferred provider, AT&T. FWIW, I doubt AT&T will be going anywhere any time soon, but if they felt their CallVantage service was bleeding too much money and didn't have a future, they'd pull the plug. I am confident that should they make that decision, though, there would be a much more orderly port-out process to follow, given their backing.

IMO, if you're looking for a stable and reliable voip product, a $20-25/mo offering is priced at a level that will reasonably attract customers and provide sufficient revenue to pay the bills... Just the subscriber count won't "rocket" up so quickly.

curious what you think of magicstick or whatever its called :D but hey... at worst you are out $40 - ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18707448 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:38:59 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18706226 Fisamo :

said by jeffnyc

:

damn.... these voip providers are really biting the dust... i hope we dont go back to the ice ages and verizon

said by ptrowski

:

For the love of god man, please tell me you are not retarded. You have seen what has happened with Sunrocket, correct?

Come on, should every rumor be believed now because one was accurate? At least this one seems easy to confirm, they are admitting it (a lot more responsible than SR was). The first year or two I was on here I know that we had rumor runs about P8 and another one a number of times, none of which were true. Some suspected investors were behind at least some of them, but it was never proven.

I've never even heard of Allo, I wonder if not enough others did either :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18701654 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:14:27 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700995 priller :
If you try to sign up on their website, you now get a "we are down for maintenance" error.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700995 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:47:22 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700948 dm33 : Ok, still don't know what your source is/was, but I took the radical step and actually called Allo on the telephone.

Spoke with some support guy sounded like he was in India. In anycase, first he told me that they were suspending for a month or two, then I mentioned the letter and he admitted that its true, that Allo is suspending operations August 1st.

Ok, now I believe it, I've heard it from the horses mouth. Is it really so hard to site a source? I guess lots of secrecy with companies going belly up for some reason? Certainly don't want to give your customers a chance to switch providers before the plug is pulled I guess.

Any wagers or rumors or unsubstantiated fact on who's next to fall?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700948 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:39:46 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700932 priller : That's a copy-and-paste of the email I got from them. It was from stella@allo.com. Another user made the same post in this thread....

»[Other] Allo.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700932 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:37:29 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700519 ptrowski :

said by dm33

said by KewlGuy

said by dm33

:

Where did you get that from? Did they send out an email? I don't see any mention on their website.

Did SR send an email? OR mention it on their website? :D

For the love of god man, please tell me you are not retarded. You have seen what has happened with Sunrocket, correct?
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700519 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:43:04 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700492 dm33 :

said by KewlGuy

said by dm33

:

Where did you get that from? Did they send out an email? I don't see any mention on their website.

Did SR send an email? OR mention it on their website? :D

Not much of a reply with evidence. Did Viatalk or Vonage or Packet8 send an email or mention on their website that they're closing operations? No and they're not expected to be closing operations either...
Lack of any evidence that someone is closing up shop doesn't prove that they are. A simple reference would be nice.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700492 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:40:18 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700182 KewlGuy :

said by dm33

:

Where did you get that from? Did they send out an email? I don't see any mention on their website.

Did SR send an email? OR mention it on their website? :D
--
The art of flying is to throw yourself at the ground and miss]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700182 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:55:23 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700128 dm33 : Where did you get that from? Did they send out an email? I don't see any mention on their website.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18700128 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:48:44 EDT Re: Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18698692 byronb : Or perhaps it was an SR subsidiary started to just grab cash from new sign-ups in a last ditch effort to stay afloat (or steal) :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18698692 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:23:12 EDT Allo - Ceasing Operations July 31st, 2007 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18698548 priller : These guys just got going! Were they reselling SunRocket?

--------------------------

We regret to inform you that starting 1st of August of the current year, our company will cease commercial activities.

Our network will remain up until July 31st, 2007. After this date, we will regrettably no longer offer service to our customers.

Telephone Numbers:

If you have transferred your previous number to Allo.com, we highly recommend initiating the LNP Process (Local Number Portability) with a new provider ASAP. If you have purchased a new number from us, you can also initiate an LNP transfer, so you may keep your current number with whatever new provider you switch to. We will do everything we can to assist you in this, if required.

Refunds:

Please note that we will refund your Credit Card with the full balance cost of the remaining minutes and credits you have in your account, on the last day of operations. As well, we will NOT process your next billing cycle. If by any means your billing cycle ends any time from now to July 31st , it won’t be billed and the account will be cancelled the very same day.

We know this may come as a surprise to you, and all of us at Allo.com sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.

If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Support at 1-866-YES-ALLO.

Thank you for your loyalty and acceptance in this situation and for choosing Allo.com

Sincerely,

Allo.com Management

www.allo.com

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,18698548 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:04:17 EDT