[VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick in VOIP Tech Chat http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19963621 en Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:56:22 EDT Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:56:22 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20519598 BruceN : We are now at 1.9 out to the USA.

I want to do a minimal asterisk program at 1.5 and a deep cut at 1.15 for moderate volume.

Any thoughts?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20519598 Wed, 21 May 2008 18:58:16 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20516842 celtic : Any progress on getting a better outgoing price? Both quality and reliability are great, but, no better than competitors with a lower per minute cost.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20516842 Wed, 21 May 2008 11:06:03 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499527 BruceN : We are getting quotes from FreeSwitch. Asterisk would not handle the load we are building for.

I'll have a class 5 VERSO Clarent swich for sale towards year end]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499527 Sat, 17 May 2008 20:57:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497231 nitzan : Out of curiosity- what are you going to be using for the new switch? Asterisk, or something else? (you mentioned open source)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497231 Sat, 17 May 2008 09:12:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497132 Hilbe : Is there any chance we'll get some features like 7 digit dialing and Caller ID + Name with the new switch? Those are my 2 most missed features...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497132 Sat, 17 May 2008 08:37:32 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495669 BruceN : Thanks!

The prior upgrade got scrapped as the vendor was full of it. They made great claims as to what they could do.

We pulled out of this plan 3 or 4 weeks ago.

The new plan is to rewrite our internal portal from Windows (it sucks) to Linux. We are 50% of the way there now. Next will be a rewrite of the billing package. We are on the to do list right now. Expected finish is late July.

The next step is to move off of our feature limited switch onto a large more powerful OPEN SOURCE switch sometime in August.

This new switch will allow us to have all of the bells and whistles.

We are known for good quality calls (we don't buy the cheap gray routes) but we are also known for having a short list of features.

The new switch will give us greater call volume, and will be hosted on site in our own NOC. This is going to be a big step forward.

Thanks for thinking of us, hang in there.

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495669 Fri, 16 May 2008 21:19:00 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20490114 mbsc :
said by BruceN See Profile :

If ANY of you have thoughts, suggestions, or ideas please let me know.

Bruce
Hi Bruce,

I'm looking for a VOIP provider to eventually replace my AT&T land line service. One of your customers recommended your service, but it currently lacks two features that are essential to me. First is the ability for incoming calls to ring multiple numbers either simultaneously or sequentially. In my current setup, I have Call Forward No Answer set to ring my home 4 times, then roll over to my cell if I don't pick up here. Call Forward Busy Line also rings my cell immediately if my land line is busy.

The second is anonymous call reject. Since I "wash" all my incoming calls through my home number, I rarely have to see "unavailable" calls show up on my cell. Your customer said you were in the process of doing software upgrades and I wanted to see if these services were planned.

Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20490114 Thu, 15 May 2008 22:01:48 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20083229 BruceN : I think you might be JINXED on this! SORRY]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20083229 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:47:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082508 gbh2o : Argh! I looked and found a number in Williamston NC [local to Greenville] noted it also listed numbers for same city in NJ and KY. Thought I'd check a rate for a call first and when I came back that _one_ number was gone and Williamston had disappeared from the list! ;-( Just can't win.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082508 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:21:47 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082328 BruceN : Thanks for the great insight. Alas there is not going to be a fix to that table.

This is a hang over of Level3. On VS we have already given Level3 the boot. The same will happen for www.myglobaltalk.com

It will happen in the re write of the code.

If anyone grabs a Level3 number we will still keep it there until some day we decide to do a mass port over.

If you are in a hard to get area, PLEASE look at this pool NOW and grab a DID.

Do it on the beta that will be out latter today for myglobaltalk.com and it will be a freebie plus $10 of credit to you!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20082328 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:00:01 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20081409 N9MD :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Go look at the myglobaltalk.com site. We still have Level3 numbers there.
Some observations regarding the "number selection" lists shown on the myglobaltalk.com site.

MT VIEW NJ (actually the rate center for my home town of Wayne NJ) correctly lists 973-988-xxxx numbers for this Rate Center -- but also shows 650-265-xxxx numbers in Mountain View CA.

BUTLER NJ correctly lists 973-850-xxxx numbers for this Rate Center -- but also shows 724-602-xxxx numbers in BUTLER CA and 859-740-xxxx numbers in BUTLER KY.

ALLENTOWN NJ correctly lists 609-357-xxxx numbers for this Rate Center -- but also shows 610-628-xxxx numbers in ALLENTOWN PA.

BURLINGTON NJ correctly lists 609-531-xxxx numbers for this Rate Center -- but also shows 262-806-xxxx numbers in BURLINGTON WI, 336-506-xxxx numbers in BURLINGTON NC, 765-560-xxxx numbers in BURLINGTON IN and 781-328-xxxx numbers in BURLINGTON MA.

CHATHAM NJ correctly lists 973-457-xxxx numbers for this Rate Center -- but also shows 217-697-xxxx numbers in CHATHAM IL and 508-593-xxxx numbers in CHATHAM MA.

The same problem applies to other cities in NJ, all of which have "sister" cities in the US: COLUMBIA, DOVER, ELIZABETH, ENGLEWOOD, FLORENCE and lots of others.

I am a bit confused that FRANKLIN PARK NJ, along with correct 732-658-xxxx numbers, also lists 847-737-xxxx numbers in RIVER GROVE IL?!?

Oh well, time for a bit of housekeeping.

Addenda:
• Even beyond showing numbers for identically named towns, I just discovered totally incorrect listings. For example, WHITEHOUSE IL shows numbers only for WHITEHOUSE NJ and WESTWOOD IL shows numbers only for WHITEHOUSE NJ -- no numbers in Illinois.
• When I went to search thru Rate Centers in Florida, I was suprised to see half the cities in Illinois and New Jersey appended to the Florida listing --- I suspect because I had searched these other states before looking at Florida.

We seem to be beyond "housekeeping" here -- seems more like we should rebuild the system.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20081409 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:10:53 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080901 BruceN : Go look at the myglobaltalk.com site. We still have Level3 numbers there.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080901 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:52:38 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080771 N9MD :
said by BruceN See Profile :

As to prior numbers, when it is a Level 3 account, and we close it, we surrender it back to Level 3.
So, are we stuck with ordering a new DID from your existing inventory -- in my case only Passaic NJ in the 973/862 Area Codes -- or can your "numbers" people special order a number for a location such as Wayne NJ -- at least for us "friendly folk" in the BBR Forums?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080771 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:36:05 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080739 BruceN : Yeah things got all screwed up while I was gone. Paul (CEO)did some adjusting to the group and made me an offer I could not refuse.

Besides I like Paul a lot and the job I took after i2 almost got me killed, and I needed a couple months off to think about nothing.

But I am back and hitting it hard!

Today was a busy day. I got a far better deal on outbound, and shortly will have a better deal on inbound. We have been paying insane termination rates (retail schnook prices ). We are a public company, go look at the books, we were paying about $2 for every $1 in termination sales.

Paul calls me the "fixer". I have been going full blast 18 hours a day 7 days a week. We are making head way.

Customer service. We are a clean slate. New ticket system tomorrow!!!!!

Garbage fees, gone. If we need them to stay in business, I need to go do something else. We are going to win customers on quality products, quality service, decent prices and my good looks...... Well at least the first 3 !

e911, what a rape of the system. I think that there must be price controls. Every provider is the same price! Anyone know of a deal for less the one buck? IM me.

Look for rate reductions and whole programs to come AFTER the new billing system and switch are set up.

ALSO go check out my beta thread for myglobaltalk]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20080739 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:29:21 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20079682 nitzan :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I know that customers are the best place to figure out and fix what is wrong! And the bunch up here are without doubt the best.
On that, you're definitely right. I am glad to see that finally some other companies are starting to realize this. :)

I do have a personal account with VS, but I have pretty much stopped using it once I got sick of the incoming charges and attitude I got from customer support. At one time I remember a rep telling me that VS doesn't support ATAs other than Grandstream. That's around the point I decided to take my business elsewhere. Or to be more exact, attitude from customer service at multiple companies, including VS and ViaTalk, drove me to start my own company.

We pay for both incoming and outgoing calls. The calls cost us the same. What we had going on was a large abuser base that made zero outbound and a ton of inbound. My thought was to stem the abuse was to adjust the difference in rates.
I totally hear you, but I think my problem with it personally was less about having to pay for it, and more about how much it cost. I know not all DID providers were created equally, but in general incoming calls don't cost $0.011/min to provide. If you do the math, a customer that receives 3 calls a day, each 10 minutes, that's 900 minutes monthly. 900*$0.011=$9.9 per month, and that's not even including taxes & fees.

I do like the way you're taking things though, it is rare to find executives who listen these days!

And finally- out of curiosity, I know your main target is residential customers, but do you plan on offering wholesale services to smaller providers perhaps? ViaTalk for example does that, but their pricing models and support are abysmal.

One market that is totally waiting to be tapped is E911 for smaller providers. To date I have had zero luck with finding a provider which doesn't require me to sign 12 NDA agreements before allowing me the pleasure of paying them thousands of dollars just to "set up". ViaTalk does offer E911 for their own numbers, but they too are $0.011 which prevents me from using them. What would be great for smaller providers (and a good source of income for a larger company like VS) is a third-party E911 service. Something like $1/DID or similar, without all the monthly minimums and ridiculous set up fees.

But, I'm dreaming. I am sure you have a lot on your plate these days. Good luck!!!
--
Nitzan Kon, CEO
Future Nine Corporation]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20079682 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:26:24 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20079052 soitgoes2 :
said by Quattrohead See Profile :

How about bribing us to sign up with a free stick and headset......we pay postage !!!!
There was a free headset deal when I signed up last year, but I never did get the headset. I can't really complain, though, as it was a free signup with a free startup credit, too.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20079052 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:31:18 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20078680 BruceN : Boy you got me on the Porting from one town to another.

I do know that we cannot port into some area as they just seem to be exempt from the new world order :)

As to prior numbers, when it is a Level 3 account, and we close it, we surrender it back to Level 3.

What we are doing is getting out of having to have a 20,000 DID inventory, and buy as needed the DID's.

We can then end up with a larger inventory, and a far lower cost.

I am also switching outbound providers next week. Will work on a rate decrease on outbound.

The only way for us to be competitive and gain share is to buy better.

Last time I was working here, I was not allowed into the buying process.

Now, I am working the vendors to the MAX.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20078680 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:21:17 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20078429 N9MD :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I am looking at another DID provider as I write this!
Bruce, I note a paucity of rate centers in the Northern NJ 973 Area Code -- in fact, there is only one choice which is Passaic (and coincidentally I am a graduate of Passaic High School). AC973 covers alot of area and alot of population, including rather large cities and populous suburbs of Newark and Paterson.

I know you are looking at a new DID provider ... but ... if one were to sign up now for a VoiceStick-supplied Passaic NJ DID -- while actually residing four towns over in Wayne NJ (same area code and same county) --- what would the success rate be for subsequently porting in a Wayne (or other nearby but not Passaic) DID from a CLEC such as Level 3 or PAETEC or RNK -- currently served by another VoIP provider?

And just for BBR members' interest, were the DIDs held by former VS customers (such as myself) actually lost forever when we left? Did you abandon some CLECs or reuse the numbers. As per our recent IM exchange, I learned that my "nice" former Level 3 Comm 973-668-xxxx VS DID -- in nearby Succasunna -- say that 10 times fast -- was not available for reassignment to me. [Boo hoo! :(]]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20078429 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:38:41 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077799 BruceN : I am looking at another DID provider as I write this!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077799 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:53:32 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077172 gbh2o :
said by BruceN See Profile :

And the dept. head is out with the flew!
I know how that is, I used to fly a bit too. :D

BTW, I had to take Axvoice up on their offer at the end of beta because they have a local number that I need to continue to service the M-I-L; and it works with the asterisk box! Sure hope you get some numbers soon so I can just ibridge her and forget her. ;-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077172 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:27:35 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077105 BruceN : I am not sure.

With the current switch a 7 digit only number tells the switch this is a SIP out call.

The ONE in front tells it to go PSTN.

Anyone know how others that offer SIP and PSTN are making it work?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077105 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:17:30 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077094 BruceN : Quattrohead

I would have no problem doing a deal like that. Signed up customers could get a Stick/headset.

I just am in the middle of this huge reprogramming for the new web site, server, switch... And the dept. head is out with the flew!

Give me some time on this. But I like it!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20077094 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:16:06 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076807 Hilbe : Will the new switch have 7 digit dialing?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076807 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:36:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076353 Quattrohead : How about bribing us to sign up with a free stick and headset......we pay postage !!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076353 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:06:55 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076026 BruceN : I think I have a 5 year supply of Sticks, and a 500 year supply of Plantronics mini headsets.

The i2bridge is just slick! I did here yesterday that the new switch will allow us to have the DID work like it did at one time, showing the VS number as the inbound call. That has some real advantages!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20076026 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:04:41 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20071451 Elecconnec :
said by triumph See Profile :

It would be nice if you offered a VoiceStick that also integrated a headphone/mic jack. Better yet, a VoiceStick that incorporated a bluetooth adaptor, so you could pair it with a bluetooth headset and not be tethered to your computer. I don't know what kind of software/driver hurdles this would pose, but it's something I would definitely be interested in. I know I have seen this type of device somewhere before.
My guess is that our friends at Voicestick are still sitting on their initial warehouse full of sticks they ordered 3 years ago, so we won't see a "Voicestick V2.0" anytime soon... ;)

said by triumph See Profile :

The other feature I was really interested in was the i2bridge. However other companies have similar options and it isn't really that unique now. I have a SPA-3102 now so I personally don't require i2bridge any more.
Ah, but the beauty of the i2bridge is that it require NO hardware, so it isn't dependent on your home setup being active. If you lost internet access, for example, the bridge on your ATA would stop functioning. (True "Murphy's law" story- my DSL modem, which occasionaly locks up requiring a reboot maybe 3 or 4 times a YEAR, locked up the very day I and my family left for a three week trip last summer. I had to call a neighbor, give him the code to my garage door opener and instruct him to find my DSL model and unplug/replug the AC adaptor so I could use remote desktop from my laptop and Windows Mobile phone working again!)

i2bridge is a server-side solution, which avoids any problems on the consumer's end. This makes Voicestick a good VoIP choice even for someone with NO VoIP equipment. You can access the account via a POTS or cellular phone as if it were a VoIP-connected phone, leveraging the cost savings of VoIP (at least for LD) without the hassles of VoIP.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20071451 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:19:50 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040081 BruceN : Years ago when I owned my own company I was approached by reps from the actor Anthony Quinn.

He wanted to buy my opps and fold it into his shell. I was way to busy to fool with him. He went to the next guy. IF I had done the deal, I would have walked away with 7 million, as his deal took off. This was about one year before his death. It was a penny stock.

I still have his photo he gave me with a personal plea to join him written on the back side.

Go figure.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040081 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:01:03 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040065 BruceN : We will NEVER see free incoming on a free account.

The HOGS, PIGS, AND CRIMINALS did some very crazy things when we tried this before. We saw multiple channels of pure full time calls going to out of country areas. They would point the traffic to the USA DID for calls going out of country.

As to feature, we will go from the rather minimal number we have now to just about every feature you can think of when the new platform is cut over too.

It is running right now, much more training, programming and equipment must be put in.

I am not in the training loop thank goodness. I am too busy. I will catch up on it later, I am a very fast study.

Thanks for the input.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040065 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:57:21 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040043 BruceN : New VM is coming with the new system. It will be here soon!

Thanks for your support.

We had a lot of loyal VS customers hanging in there.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20040043 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:52:30 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20037168 Elecconnec :
said by BruceN See Profile :

As to the stock, I really cannot make any sort of public comment, but yes my deal is stock! My pay is 100% driven for company growth. Lord help the fool that steps in my way :)

It is working!

And at 9 cents a share, you have not bet the farm, thank goodness.
That's the fun of penny stocks. We can both laugh about it later when you get it up over a $1 a share!

Of course I'd rather say I just bought 20,000 shares of Berkshire Hathaway, but if I had that kind of money, what would I be playing with VoIP for? ;)

I'll check out your buddy's operation here in Littleton when I get a chance. Take care!

-Todd A.
Littleton, CO]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20037168 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:02:16 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035599 ropeguru : Good morning Bruce,

I have never been a customer of voicestick but given the right scenario could be come one. I have seen a lot of talk about features in this thread and your other thread and the use of asterisk. I use asterisk for all my calling, with the exception of local inbound and outbound in which I use my PSTN line. The one thing that would be great would be a basic DID with inbound free minutes, I think I saw somewhere that you have this with a capped number of minutes, and NO other features attached. With asterisk, I am actually using freePBX, I can do everything I need to on my box that you can provide and probably more. Those of that use asterisk typically need just a plain ole DID provider.

From what I am seeing, those that have dealt with you before seem to know you are sincere in your promises. When you get your new switch in, I will be looking forward to getting and testing a DID from you to use on my asterisk setup.

EDIT: One feature that would be nice for those that may just use a DID with no other features, is a network down forward option. That way if the customer's internet goes down, they can forward all the calls to a cell phone or some other number.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035599 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:35:02 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035344 deskjockey : Bruce,

Welcome back. I put my girlfriend on VS to call Sweden because the quality was better than the latency on Betamax companies. I did cancel her DID number to avoid the monthly charge a couple weeks before your return.

I also have VS for an emergency line and was about to cancel my ported DID until I saw your plans. It would be nice if you could beef up the voicemail section to be able to block numbers or blocks of numbers. I suspect that I get some 30 marketing calls to every wanted call. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035344 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:47:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035327 BruceN : And for another good deal, go see my buddy John in Littleton where you live. He owns Excess PC and freepcrecycling.com He is like family to me.

As to the stock, I really cannot make any sort of public comment, but yes my deal is stock! My pay is 100% driven for company growth. Lord help the fool that steps in my way :)

It is working!

And at 9 cents a share, you have not bet the farm, thank goodness.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035327 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:29:54 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035151 anon : It's nice to have you back, Bruce- I just read this thread the other day and you convinced me to come on board...

...so I bought 20,000 shares of ITUI Wednesday morning!

Heck, if the stock is good enough to be your salary, it's good enough to be in my 401K!

Thanks for the "hot tip"!

-Todd A
Littleton, CO]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035151 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:35:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20033919 usa2k :
said by BruceN See Profile :

That goes to show you that 3 sets of eyes cannot not spell!

Thanks!!
The eyes should be only doing the reading! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20033919 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:16:06 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031891 BruceN : That goes to show you that 3 sets of eyes cannot not spell!

Thanks!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031891 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:36:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031881 CyberSultan : Looking at the main VS webpage, you may want to have someone proofread the language. For example, "Incomming" should read "Incoming". ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031881 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:35:35 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031559 BruceN : The web guys are still screwing around with the graphic, but the changes are in effect. No e911 charge, DID charge, or other fee charges.

Must use $1 a month of usage, else get charge the differece to get it to one buck. Ie you make 75 cents of usage, we will charge you the extra quarter to get you too a buck.

(This is the anti HOG measure)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20031559 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:45:06 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20029794 gbh2o : Does this mean that N2N changes are in place? If so, what changes have been made and where can I find them? I didn't see them on the website. I don't want to jump [too tired of standing by from yesterday anyway ;-) ]to a new account too quickly!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20029794 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:21:59 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20029660 BruceN : Thanks!

I am going to start a new thread of the changes, effective TODAY.

Go ahead and sign up again and I will replace your funds.

IM me with the new number]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20029660 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:03:13 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20028287 gerbick : I was one of those users that rarely used my account - I had a 9.63 amount left over before I just requested kindly that my account be removed, thus that amount absorbed, due the massive changes to my N2N account that I originally got mainly to test with while travelling.

Even with my limited usage, I supported and liked VoiceStick mainly because it worked with PhonerLite on my USB stick and later my Nokia 770.

Now I own a Nokia N810 and would love my rarely used account once more as a show of faith to resurrecting my trust in something that started my interest in mobile (As in on an a USB stick and/or my internet tablet) voip.

Good luck on your endeavors. Can't wait to see what you come up with.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20028287 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:03:38 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20023734 BruceN : I think you are right. Programming is SUPPOSED to be done today. (I am 54 and should be old enough to not believe everything that programmers say)

I think I will start a new thread with all of the changes. This one is getting a bit long in the tooth!

STAND BY!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20023734 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:34:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20022765 voipjunk : its almost a day now and not a single post in this topic, it looks like everybody is waiting to see the results, So Mr. BruceN, its time to show the results.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20022765 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:38:19 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20016220 BruceN : IM me the old number and I will take a look.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20016220 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:04:26 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20016011 cbrain :
said by BruceN See Profile :

We will have the N2N plan changed to no monthly fee very soon. It will only have one rule in that at least $1 a month of calls must be made (This is to keep squatters from just inventorying DID's )
Can we get our old Voicestick number back? ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20016011 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:09:15 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20014225 gbh2o :
said by BruceN See Profile :

The present system, it came with a rabbits foot. Is that better?
No wonder it limps along at times! ;-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20014225 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:29:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013432 BruceN : The present system, it came with a rabbits foot. Is that better?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013432 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:51:42 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013331 gbh2o :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I know the reliability will come with the new system. The current system uses several hundred feet of duct tape :)
But does it come with rabbit ears?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013331 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:35:10 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013230 BruceN : I know the reliability will come with the new system. The current system uses several hundred feet of duct tape :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20013230 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:14:18 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20011113 anon : Callcentric charges 3.95 to set up the did, and 1.95 a month to keep it, and 1.5c/minute for incoming calls.

Those charges don't seem to hurt them, I think because they have built a reputation for being reliable.

I can see voicestick starting out by charging little or nothing for the DIDs and then announcing that they are going to charge this and that for them.

If they have slogged their way in the meantime to a reputation for being reliable, and then increase the fees, they should be ok - as long as they are able to point to callcentric and say 'yeah, but we charge less than them, and we are just as reliable'.

It will probably take voicestick at least a year to create the perception that they are a solid company that can be relied on, so in the meantime maybe we will have another grandcentral-type (almost)-freebie. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20011113 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:54:02 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20011063 usa2k : $2.50 a month is reasonable to me.
$3.50 max with no outbound is a good contingent line.
Still, I only got the N2N line due to curiosity to be honest.

CHANGE OF SUBJECT:

One thing I find about WAF(Wife Acceptance Factor) is that multiple lines are better if they work identical. If features are desired, then it is better to not chase bargains and have two lines with one carrier with the features wanted.

Asterisk, (if you become accomplished at it) you provide your own features, and just need dial tone. Thus consistency from personal effort. (I've never stuck at Asterisk enough to master it yet.)

Ideally I am looking for CID/CNAM for one DID ringing two lines(first available - not both at same time), and allows two outgoing lines that show the same consistent DID, and have the name in LIDB. It can be an unlimited or say 4000 minute North America service coverage.

That should be simple, but nobody has offered something like that to work with a 2-line phone. (Except maybe a virtual PBX service.) Best I can do is two DIDs, and then I am stuck with the cost of two outgoing plans.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20011063 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:37:09 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20010899 BruceN : We will have the N2N plan changed to no monthly fee very soon. It will only have one rule in that at least $1 a month of calls must be made (This is to keep squatters from just inventorying DID's )

It is with the programmers as I type.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20010899 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 08:27:55 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009937 ycool : I will be interested in the unmetered did with inbound. Also in case it doesn't happen I will definitely come back if you bring the NextToNothing plan back with no monthly fees.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009937 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 23:46:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009380 usa2k : Just don't be agent 13
Or Laramie the Robot was not too sharp.

»www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWHq9oth···=related
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009380 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:30:02 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009315 BruceN : If thats how you see it I would rather go with 99 :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009315 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:18:26 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009175 usa2k :
said by BruceN See Profile :

... The old one is going to go 86
:) »en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Smart :)

[att=1]

Might be a smart move :p
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20009175 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:48:28 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008411 BruceN : Lets wait 45 days for the new system. The old one is going to go 86]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008411 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:21:25 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008133 hwittenb :
said by jeffnyc See Profile :

hwitten... do you think this is the reason I could never get the cfwd field on the pap2t to work with voicestick?
No that isn't the reason. For cfwd on the Linksys adapters the adapter returns a sip response to your voip provider that there is a change in destination. If the voip provider doesn't send an invite, or send the call to the new destination the call forward doesn't work. Most voip providers don't do it that way and if you want to forward your calls they provide a way to do it on your account web page.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008133 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:14:14 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20006957 jeffnyc :
said by hwittenb See Profile :

If you want a suggestion, I would suggest that you fix the VoiceStick servers so that a user can configure VoiceStick as a "gateway" provider on a Linksys SPA3000/SPA3102. At the present time VoiceStick requires that you send all sip requests, i.e. register, invite, etc., to an outbound proxy, currently 72.5.80.116. The sip account however is with i2telecom.com which has a different ip address.

To configure a gateway provider on the SPA3102 you need to configure the gateway as userid@i2telecom.com or userid@72.5.80.116 however neither will work because you need to configure it as userid@i2telecom.com but send it to 72.5.80.116. You also need to allow outgoing calls without registration, but VoiceStick already does that.

Allowing VoiceStick to be configured as a gateway provider will permit SPA3000/3102 users to configure VoiceStick as an additional outbound provider on their adapter. As you may know you can configure up to 4 additional outgoing only gateway providers on a SPA3000/3102. I cannot see how this can hurt VoiceStick and will benefit you with additional revenue.

At the present time if you want to use VoiceStick on a SPA3000/3102 you need to configure VoiceStick on the Line 1 (or PSTN Line) tab and set that configuration to use an outbound proxy.
hwitten... do you think this is the reason I could never get the cfwd field on the pap2t to work with voicestick?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20006957 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:06:14 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20005600 BruceN : We do currently offer free SIP to SIP calls to other VS accounts. We just do a terrible job of getting that message out.

I like the version idea!

As to the change over, we are out sourcing to a established platform by a well known provider. They are just going to provide the changes that we request.

The list of features they offer is awesome.

But I am holding back talking about the future until I can get the PRESENT fixed!!

Give me a couple more weeks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20005600 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:36:25 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004773 Prayer :
said by BruceN See Profile :

The only thing is that we will insist that you use at least $1 a month of service. If you use more then $1 great, less then $1 then there will be a $1 min. (This will allow us to not just have dead accounts where people hog up or reserve or hold DID's at our expense)

Comment about my proposal?
WOW! Great you come up with even better ideas than us nobodies put together~! Still, consider allowing a totally nothing account that can ONLY call or answer other VS users. Ummm, I had another thought, have a white pages where VS users could "post" their VS number (or DID ) number for any to call or test out their new accounts etc. Also make it so You can delete yourself.

As to the moaning from your engineers. Shoot yourself and sell the widget as version 2.0. It is only 30 days, not much of a wait anyway. Then every 2 weeks, come out with minor fixes and minor feature changes with 2.01, 2.02 etc. So all 'new' ideas go for 2.01 after Sunday. Major features will have to wait for 2.1 because they are hard for them to do.
--
I am always praying for better answers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004773 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:09 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004290 BruceN : We are using the current system, NOT as designed. Long story, but we are not making any other changes to the existing Border controller or switch.

We are moving to an all new switch, back end management, billing and web site. It is a huge project that is SUPPOSED to be 30 days out. (Figure maybe a bit longer)

From what I have seen (and I will see a lot more next Tues) we will be cutting edge in our ability to not only have normal type things, but a huge plate of top of the line features.

So I wish I could fix this today, but just hang in there a bit longer.

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004290 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:59:11 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004172 hwittenb : If you want a suggestion, I would suggest that you fix the VoiceStick servers so that a user can configure VoiceStick as a "gateway" provider on a Linksys SPA3000/SPA3102. At the present time VoiceStick requires that you send all sip requests, i.e. register, invite, etc., to an outbound proxy, currently 72.5.80.116. The sip account however is with i2telecom.com which has a different ip address.

To configure a gateway provider on the SPA3102 you need to configure the gateway as userid@i2telecom.com or userid@72.5.80.116 however neither will work because you need to configure it as userid@i2telecom.com but send it to 72.5.80.116. You also need to allow outgoing calls without registration, but VoiceStick already does that.

Allowing VoiceStick to be configured as a gateway provider will permit SPA3000/3102 users to configure VoiceStick as an additional outbound provider on their adapter. As you may know you can configure up to 4 additional outgoing only gateway providers on a SPA3000/3102. I cannot see how this can hurt VoiceStick and will benefit you with additional revenue.

At the present time if you want to use VoiceStick on a SPA3000/3102 you need to configure VoiceStick on the Line 1 (or PSTN Line) tab and set that configuration to use an outbound proxy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20004172 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:34:28 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002471 BruceN : I am doing a test with one major inbound carrier. They can offer us a un metered DID with inbound for around $2.50

If we can implement with the new box that is coming we could sell it for say $3.99 a month.

Just doing the paper work on a test account as I write this.

Wheeee it has been an action filled week.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002471 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:24:01 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002458 BruceN : We currently have a SIP only account. It is available on any plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002458 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:22:00 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002123 soitgoes2 :
said by hoolahoous See Profile :

any plans of having a 'non-did' sip account ? ... VS would be a backup outgoing provider )
That already exists. Simply select "This Account will be used for Outbound Calls ONLY" during signup.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002123 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:27:53 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002116 hoolahoous : any plans of having a 'non-did' sip account ? I really want to use VS for international calls. That way you won't incur any did related charges and I can use VS for great international rates (or occasional Long distance. 'Occasional' since I already sold my soul to Viatalk and can't have it back. VS would be a backup outgoing provider )]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002116 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:26:03 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002032 soitgoes2 :
said by voipjunk See Profile :

Nice to see you working on this. Why not charge $3 a month for next2nothing and give free incoming?
Unfortunately, VS has to pay their provider for every incoming minute. They're paying around a penny per minute. They want to limit the potential for high use/abuse. If they charge per minute, while some low usage accounts may not be profitable (costing more than $1/mo for VS), but there is a fixed rate as to how unprofitable they could be. Charging a flat rate for incoming would leave the potential for VS costs to be infinitely high.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20002032 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:10:28 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001954 voipjunk : Nice to see you working on this. Why not charge $3 a month for next2nothing and give free incoming? That way more people can be attracted. Now with N2N for bridging one has to pay for incoming and outgoing call. With free incoming, it will generate more revenue as people can bridge and make international calls using voicestick. Now for every international call one has add additional charges for incoming call. Just my 2 cents... Cheaper than 2 incoming minutes.. LOL]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001954 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:57:14 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001918 BruceN : The programming guys went nuts on the work just to pull this off, so I think I am going to wait for a while before I ask for a roll over from 333 to real DID's

If anyone wants to open a new DID account AFTER I GET THIS THING DONE then email support and we will manually make the money move.

BEAR IN MIND the programming wizards said next week to get this all done.

It will probably go in stages.

ALSO new sign ups will have an option to just add $5 instead of $10 to their accounts.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001918 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:52:13 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001861 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Here is the game plan.
(Not in stone yet, I NEED feedback PLEASE)
I like it!
$1 minimum monthly usage is reasonable, fair, and understandable. Just make it clear to folks that this is the case.

If you implement this, you may find that there are a number of users that want to get a DID again (there was that mess when with the fee implementation chaos and a lot of us were converted to '333' accounts), so there should be some procedure in place to convert accounts back over to have a DID.

That being said, keeping the option of a non-DID account makes sense for those who really just want outbound and/or in-network calling.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001861 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:45:10 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001776 BruceN : OK, OK, OK, OK!!!!!!!!!!

I have been listening.

Here is the game plan.
(Not in stone yet, I NEED feedback PLEASE)

Scrap ALL of the CRAP fees. No more Gotchas. PERIOD!!!!!

On Monthly plans, no more USF, e911, or Line charges. BANG $3.75 off of the USA $19.99 and Global $24.99 plans!

Next 2 Nothing plan will now be the NOTHING :) plan

No DID charge! NO USF Charge! NO e911 Charge!

The only thing is that we will insist that you use at least $1 a month of service. If you use more then $1 great, less then $1 then there will be a $1 min. (This will allow us to not just have dead accounts where people hog up or reserve or hold DID's at our expense)

Comment about my proposal?

Or IM me or call me (IM me for my phone #)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001776 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:32:15 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001744 BruceN : Well it is her number, 678 954 8668, it rings at her desk but you do get the "go to the web site first" message before the que send it to her.

The REASON you did not get her is that she went on an extended lunch today with half of the company. They are just now getting back in.

USUALLY she is here all day and most times eats at her desk. Her boyfriend was here today, so that is why she went out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20001744 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:25:26 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000889 soitgoes2 :
said by ilhy See ProfileFor N2N bridge, why not setup a public call-in number just like Onesuite? Like that, we don't need pay for the DID useless E911 monthly?
I like that idea--then you could login with the account number and a pin (maybe the voicemail pin?).

Plus, I think Bruce said they have a way to receive calls in the Atlanta area without paying for incoming, so that could help reduce the i2Bridge rates.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000889 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:51:43 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000856 ilhy : Hi Bruce,

678 954 8668 is not Harper's direct number. It's for i2telecomm's customer service. And I was hold for 2 minutes without any repsonse.

Ilhy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000856 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:47:09 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000785 ilhy : Hi Bruce,

Thanks.

For N2N bridge, why not setup a public call-in number just like Onesuite? Like that, we don't need pay for the DID useless E911 monthly?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000785 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:37:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000704 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I am thinking $5 initial fill. The logic is you need to have funds to make any sort of call. Zero means a DOA account.
What about a user who just wants a VS enabled number (333 account) to allow making/receiving calls from other VS users?
For example, I may have a paying VS account with outbound minutes/charges, but maybe my sister just wants a barebones VS account to receive calls from her wonderful brother?

Also:
Can you clarify what monthly fees should apply now on accounts with a DID? (not the fake 333 numbers)
I can't find any info about this on the VS website other than general references to taxes, 911 fees, etc (without specific charge amounts) in the T&C.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000704 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:25:14 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000310 BruceN : Call Harper in our support head. Her direct number is 678 954 8668]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000310 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:19:14 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000300 BruceN : The stick remains popular with the soldiers in the middle east. They often borrow a computer and it is rude to download anything onto someone else's systems.

Otherwise, as you mentioned, just download the soft phone. I think the Bluetooth is just one tooth away :) from being standard in computers, just like a network card is today (Yes youngsters it used to be a MAJOR option )

I question if Magic Jack is viable long term, as it depends almost entirely on ad revenue. I looked at this model way back when and it did not fully pencil out. But then what do I know.

The value of our bridge is that it comes with a unique DID number which for a certain LARGE group is a must have.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000300 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:17:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000040 BruceN : I have a pap2 at home (used from Ebay) and it works like a dream!

Call Harper today, she is the true wizard around here. Her DIRECT line is 678 954 8668.

She is amazing!

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20000040 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:25:05 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999967 ilhy : Hi Bruce,

I'm using the PAP2 to connect to Voicestick. The line status is Registered. So I should make any call, right? My account balance is $10 available. But when I tried the domestic and international calls, all I got were busy signals. What's the problem?

Ilhy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999967 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:09:11 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999839 BruceN : Prayer, I did not say I stopped at 3. Actually I was trying to collect the entire set, but the hobby broke me :)

I am thinking $5 initial fill. The logic is you need to have funds to make any sort of call. Zero means a DOA account.

Yes there FOR SURE will be a $5 refill option. Going to change the monthly thing too!

Going to have a rate change.

Problem is that the net guys are in the middle of a massive upgrade and they moan real bad when I walk by their offices. You should hear a lot of moaning today :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999839 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:39:12 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999827 BruceN : Buckeyered, IM me your account

I am going to fix the monthly charge crap. Maybe today if there is no other issues to preempt]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999827 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:35:11 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999081 Prayer :
said by BruceN See Profile :

signmeuptoo-- First of all I dare ANYONE to out cheap me. I drive an old beater Dodge Van with two seats, I never go to the movies, I never buy food items in a box (cook from scratch) have no credit card debt, and pay zero interest. I AM CHEAP!
I am the same, except I am married ONEly time. Way CHEAPER than 3 times.

Suggestions: For Next2Nothing, go ala-carte allt he way. Signups for $0 min rather than $10. Refills for $5-$100 each time. At 2 cents per min $5 goes a very long time. Especially if I average less than 30 mins per month. Make DID a montly charge win A. no min incomming, B w/ 300 min, C w 2500 min. That might be $1, $2 and $5. Make E911 and option that can be rejected to save $$ and redundancy. I have 8 providers now and have little interest in having one more with E911 charges by the month.

I am looking for one more backup for day when my primary VoIP is offline and I need to mek some calls. OneSuite has done me well over the years, but I want one more service waiting in background.

When my net2phone SunRocket special ends this fall, I'll be shopping to put more business on one I currently have.

I am one of those who run with extras windsone
--
I am always praying for better answers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999081 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:51:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999028 buckeyered : But not competitive enough on the N2N plan. I don't want to sign up for a monthly plan to get a good international rate. Before you left you did get the price back down after the rates almost doubled without notice and emptied our funds on one Philippine call.

said by BruceN See Profile :

Well we are in the running 12.3 to 12.5 on a monthly plan.

--
'If you change phone numbers one more time I am leaving you.' - My wife]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19999028 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:39:13 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998654 BruceN : To be honest I was not thinking about the local laws. We had those type of protected monopoly laws in the past, and we also had 70 cent a min termination.

Go figure.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998654 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:06:18 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998524 hoolahoous :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I wonder why some clever folks don't put POPS on the other end that have FXO to allow entry into the local phone system.

An off the wall thought!
because the greedy telco's/govt. have passed laws to outlaw setting up gatways.. (true atleast for India)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998524 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:45:55 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998191 BruceN : When we make the change to the new platform that will be there. It is supposed to be in 30 days (figure 45 days)

The system that is currently in place is a hack of a hack of a hack. The original software was made for post paid credit cards. Hence no invoice, or audit trail.

The network guys are all working on getting the new OUT SOURCE back end up and running.

From what I have seen it is a drastic improvement.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19998191 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:54:53 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997916 voip_user : Question on Billing/Invoice
If we are being charged a monthly fee, i think there should be a monthly invoice stating the total montly usage charges and total fees. That way we can atleast figure why the balance in the account has reduced (else there is no way to figure out how much we spent other than looking at credit card statements)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997916 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:09:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997653 BruceN : Well we are in the running 12.3 to 12.5 on a monthly plan.

But yes it does add up!

But I remember running up $800 in LD a MONTH 20 years ago calling the girlfriend that became the 3rd wife (don't ask).

IMHO it is cheaper to keep them at bay and pay the LD :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997653 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:26:10 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997622 BruceN : You would GUESS that a certain area is a free call within that area.

A POP would be the reverse of an ATA.

But if there was no free call circle, that might be the deal breaker.

I know some guy that was doing this in Mexico to work around old Slim.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997622 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:21:07 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997617 gbh2o : The best I could find in a hurry was CallwithUs:

Philippines 63 0.1284
Philippines Cellular 63817 0.1185
Philippines Cellular (globe) 63905 0.1354
Philippines Cellular (smart) 63907 0.1343
Philippines Manila 632 0.121125 ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997617 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:20:17 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997001 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I wonder why some clever folks don't put POPS on the other end that have FXO to allow entry into the local phone system.
Definitely an interesting thought. I don't know enough about intra-country calling in the Philippines to know how that might work out in terms of price. I also don't know how much those call center connections cost--it may be that they aren't particularly cheap, but that the labor arbitrage still makes it worth it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19997001 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:35:04 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996952 BruceN : I wonder why some clever folks don't put POPS on the other end that have FXO to allow entry into the local phone system.

An off the wall thought!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996952 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:25:48 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996943 BruceN : signmeuptoo-- First of all I dare ANYONE to out cheap me. I drive an old beater Dodge Van with two seats, I never go to the movies, I never buy food items in a box (cook from scratch) have no credit card debt, and pay zero interest. I AM CHEAP!

As to that part of Asia, I have had it explained to me that it is the TERMINATING end that charges the carriers so much. Look at call cost to China, it is so close to zero it is crazy.

Also the Philippines has very costly internet. So at the moment I don't think there is a solution.

I wish there was. What is the BEST rate you have seen? It will give me a target to go after.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996943 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:23:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996911 BruceN : I think Google has 720K in the broom closet!

As to the Ad phone model. It seems like they do not have advertisers yet...or maybe not in all areas.

I know one fellow said he had it running on his house wiring and it is on a computer sans monitor. It is going to get interesting.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996911 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:18:51 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996481 signmeuptoo : I am hoping that in the coming months I will be able to send her the computer I am building for her, but it will be a while. I plan on doing something like that, but in the mean time...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996481 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:08:08 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996442 anon :

I live on a shoestring budget, I am currently disabled. My significant other lives in the Philippines and the cost for calling there is eating me alive. It is hard to get a good rate.


I imagine your SO does not have a broadband connection and you have to call her landline phone. But just in case...

If she does have a broadband connection, and if both of you have ATAs, then you can talk for free 24/7.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996442 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:01:11 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996415 soitgoes2 :
said by signmeuptoo See Profile :

I don't understand why so many other Asian countries get on these plans with various providers but they never add The Philippines.
Because the costs to terminate calls to the Philippines is high.
All of the countries included in flat rate plans with any carrier have per minute costs at the low end of the scale. VoiceStick and other carriers probably have to pay ca. 10 cents/minute (maybe more, probably not much less) to terminate to the Philippines. With a cost like that, I don't think it will be appearing on flatrate plans anytime soon.

Edited to add:
Does your significant other have a computer/internet connection that you could use to communicate with each other via VOIP on both ends.

Given the existence of call centers in the Philippines providing US service, there has to be some way of making cheap calls, but I believe most of those are direct connections.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996415 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:56:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996377 signmeuptoo : BruceN:

I live on a shoestring budget, I am currently disabled. My significant other lives in the Philippines and the cost for calling there is eating me alive. It is hard to get a good rate.

Is there any chance you might add The Philippines to the unlimited global or perhaps create a new plan that includes her nation. I see your rate, which is fairly low, but I do think I saw lower a few times.

I don't understand why so many other Asian countries get on these plans with various providers but they never add The Philippines. There is a huge contingent of USA and Philam people desperately needing a deal. And you could advertise through Philam channels and get enough users to make a profit. Silicon Valley is a major Philam area, you could advertise at places like Goldilocks restaurant and the Philippine National Bank and the Philam grocery stores and such.

We need somebody, some company, to step forward and somehow negotiate a good deal with the folks in The Philippines and get us an affordable rate!

I applaud you for coming here. I'll be honest, I read about voicestick and I don't remember why, but something turned me off about it, but seeing you come in here and talk to us makes me want to look at it again and see if it is worth it for me...

There are a lot of people out there that are just cheap bas****, but there are also many of us that are uber poor and need a break. You need to make a profit, I just hope that there is some kind of happy medium...
--
You know your life has gotten "DICEY" when it turns into an episode of LOST, like my ex wife, who I swear is one of "The Others". Cancer and other diseases kill fellow members here at DSLR! Easy: Join us in Teams Helix and Discovery to save the world!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996377 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:50:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996344 anon :

They have the same costs that all of us have. $1 a month (more or less) for a DID, $1 or so for e911, a penny or so per min for incoming and outbound calls.


Interesting to see wholesale numbers, thanks.

Grandcentral is giving away its DIDs and connection. If you apply your per minute cost to Grandcentral and figure 10000 people using it, each one using 500 minutes per month, you get a cost of $50000 a month to google, or $720000 per year.

Maybe my user numbers are wild over-estimates because 720k per year doesn't sound like chickenfeed to me, even for google.

Maybe they are going to work in some ads, not only on the screen when you fire up the browser to call out, but on every outgoing call - a little 10 or 15 second ad, like the kind of thing brring is doing.

I can see two tiers of users: the relatively poor people who will put up with the ads for the free calling, and the relatively rich people who won't.

Not a bad solution to my mind.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996344 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:46:21 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996134 AlsknSnoBals : "What the heck" is what's driving a lot of the market right now because the price is so cheap, what the heck is there to lose. Even if MagicJack does go up in flames, $60 for a year is unheard of (if you buy the second year like I did or $40 for a year).

The MagicJack paid for itself the first two weeks because everything in Alaska is a long distance call. For example, if I call out of state, I pay 1 cent per minute up to 1000 minutes and 14 cents to call in Alaska beginning with my first call. That's old school price gouging, but we live in place with no competition and forced bundles.

I'm not familiar with the voip business model so it was interesting to see just what a voip line actually costs.

I do know this...the telcos have ripped everyone off to the point it's gotten ridiculous so I admire anyone who tries something. If it weren't for MagicJack and being bundled into a forced voip from the cable company, I'd do Vonage, Voice Stick, or anyone else who could tell me what the service costs, give me an unlimited number of minutes (or even 3-4000 or so) and fix the service so that when I dial a number on my phone, it works.

For now, however, MagciJack does well as a second line whenever I want to call back home and keep in touch with everyone. I also love the fact that it's idiot proof...plug it in, dial the phone, and don't worry about it. If you can do that with Voice Stick without all the drama so many other companies are suffering, I think people will take the product seriously. I know I would.

I, like many others, just hope their ads don't get too bothersome. They aren't doing them yet, but I'm sure they are coming and I also know they can make or break a business model based on nuisance factor. I don't even mind, I just don't want to get bombarded or have them spitting out ads in the middle of the conversation like they've been known to do.

I think the bottom line from the average Joe (whom I count as my group) is we just want something we can afford that works. We also don't want any surprises in our bill (I've had a few of those), messy applications we have to get a computer genius to operate, and decent call quality. That's getting harder and harder to find these days. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996134 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:19:07 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996124 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

It depends on ad revenue. It is going to be interesting to see how it all spins out. And it seems a very high number of things in the VOIP world spin out :)
Indeed...they often spin down. ;)
And I have no desire to sign up for MagicJack--no customer service contact info, scary TOS, uninstallable software, etc.

As a show of confidence in VoiceStick, I faxed in a LOA for a number transfer from Vonage. I hope you guys can transfer the number, because a couple of other providers couldn't.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19996124 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:17:21 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995999 BruceN : Just being a CLEC does not help too much unless THEY own DID's and have a ton of PRI's

It would trim maybe $6 or $8 off of the $124 I figured in my example.

They are at retail $325 less per year then Vonage, maybe $260 less then we are.

It depends on ad revenue. It is going to be interesting to see how it all spins out. And it seems a very high number of things in the VOIP world spin out :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995999 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:02:39 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995900 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

As to MagicJack. ...
Any thoughts?
MagicJack is setup as a CLEC (Ymax Communications) so they've been able to cut out the middleman to some extent. They get to collect the termination fees made to MagicJack numbers.

Do I know if they're sustainable at their current pricing? Who knows. But they have a somewhat different cost structure than VS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995900 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:51:05 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995778 BruceN : Thanks for the kind words.

As to MagicJack. My thought on that is they are not plugged into the moon. They have the same costs that all of us have. $1 a month (more or less) for a DID, $1 or so for e911, a penny or so per min for incoming and outbound calls.

So an average account that uses 1000 min a month would have a dead cost of $12 a month that = $144 per year.

They sell a $20 or so stick with $20 a year service. What is supposed to make up for the $124 hole is advertising that is on their dialer.

Clever idea IF you can get enough advertiser support. I thought about going this way about 1 1/2 years ago but could not see enough ad revenue.

I am not so sure I would pre pay for the second year at this pint. But what the heck it is only a $20 risk, which theses days is 1/10 of a tank of gas (Small car)

Any thoughts?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995778 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:32:33 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995739 BruceN : Hmmmm... Beating me to the answer. Yes you are correct. The tip off is that they only will have incoming numbers in maybe just one market or two. It is a money maker for them. We get caught with the charge to conve the call to the switch in Atlanta. Just like everyone else (Vonge, Packet 8 etc)

A great question though!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995739 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:25:54 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995732 BruceN : Yeah but there is a gotcha in the business thing. Don't ask, it is so screwed up on the logic....... I am going to fix that later.......]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995732 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:23:43 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995408 voipjunk : Nice to see you back with VS. Really happy to see you answering each and every post. I'm customer of VS since Jun/06 and even moved my SR number to VS during SR shutdown. The only complaint I have is poor account administration page. The billing is not itemized, Call history doesn't display available balance. The timing is GMT? also monthly charges deducted is not mentioned anywhere, have to guess that the low balance is may be due to monthly charges. Need to rectify these issues. Also you have to consider threat from low cost provider like Majicjack, they are charging just $40 for 1st year and $19 for subsequent year. Due to poor reliability I never used my VS account as primary account but now with low cost alternative like Magicjack, why one should go for VS that you have to consider. Try to improve reliability so as people should consider VS as major provider like Vonage, (SR). Best of Luck.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995408 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:28:29 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995381 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Well, we will no longer be charging for Toll Free.
Excellent. I was fine with the toll-free charge when it was a tenth of a cent per minute (after all, it does require network usage to make even a 'free' call), but when it went to the same as other domestic calls it was just too much.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19995381 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:24:01 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994874 hwittenb : IPKall and Freedigits are owned by landline phone companies that make their money from the (rural) call termination fees (settlement) that the companies get paid for terminating an incoming call.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994874 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:01:32 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994825 floriantet : Please someone explain how can ipkall offer (for the last years) a free US incoming number and Voicestick can not ? If Voicestick has to pay for the incoming calls then how a company as ipkall exists without selling anything, just by offering free service ? I always thought that they receive (not pay) some money for call termination. Also freedigits has free incoming number. Are the laws different in their state?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994825 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:53:19 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994723 gbh2o : One very enticing feature you do offer, and that you could emphasize more, is that you do not distinguish between residential and business use. Your plans don't charge extra for business use while most of your competitors do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994723 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:38:02 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994503 BruceN : Well, we will no longer be charging for Toll Free. That should be in the system shortly.

Thanks for the input guys.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19994503 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:04:24 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993206 BruceN : We will have peering when we make the switch change. It should allow us to be more "with it"

As to deposit amounts needed to sign up. That is going to change. It is with the programmer now. They told me it would be done by the end of this week. (So figure next week) :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993206 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:57:19 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993201 BruceN : Going to work on line costs today.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993201 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:54:42 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993197 BruceN : Yeah thanks for the input. As to the toll free number charge, we pay to have this traffic terminated. We SHOULD not be paying, but that is a long story.

I think when we make the change oer to the new switch that this might go away. THANKS for reminding me. It is something that needs to be fixed, and it had fallen off my list.

As to the value of the dollar falling and impacting rates, lets not go there. Else we will discuss politics endlessly.

If you are only using VS for outbound, you may just want to only have a SIP number with us. It will save e911 and such.

I am going to work on line cost changes today (Down not up) ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19993197 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:53:59 EDT Re:Voicestick with SPA2100 ATA and X-Lite http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19984429 jenom : I have a Linksys SPA-2100 ATA , which worked before with voicestick OK.
However, since they changed the outbound proxy,(and perhaps something else) I am unable to register with my ATA device.
Tried it with X-Lite soft-phone also, --registration error 503 !
The voicestick softphone works fine from my computer.
Would like to verify the correct settings for the "PROXY" and "OUTBOUND PROXY"

Proxy: i2telecom.com ????
Outbound Proxy: 72.5.80.116 ?????

If I can not solve this problem , I am just going to use up my account balance with voicestick softphone, and leave ! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19984429 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:18:11 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19982924 anon : Allow signups with no money down, which is the way callcentric does it. That way people can use their voicestick userid number: 17xxxxxxxxx, and they can call the numbers of other voicestick users for free.

The nice thing is that by registering their ata to voicestick, people will have a sip url like 17xxxxxxxxx@i2telcom.com, or whatever the domain would be, and they can have gizmoproject forward calls to the domain, or be called directly by other people who have an ata.

No revenue to voicestick, but little or no cost, and it encourages people to 'work' with voicestick and might encourage them to put some money down for a DID or outbound calling.

And why not copy sipbroker and fwd, and let people who are registered to voicestick make use of the access codes that you can find at the sipbroker site:

»tinyurl.com/2nqxeq

They seem to be standard. For example, If I am registered to sipbroker, I can pick up the phone and dial *39388xxxx and ring the phone of a fwd subscriber.

If I dial *4621777251xxxx, I will be connected to a callcentric subscriber.

This is all ata to ata.

Sipbroker also allows a subscriber to have a 3 digit or more alias that is forwarded to some sip address. For example, I have an alias at sipbroker which points to my callcentric sip url. So anyone could dial, via fwd or gizmo, *0111xxx, and my callcentric phone would ring.

I think having this kind of additional connectivity would tend to push voicestick into the sip mainstream.

It would also help standardize these access codes and encourage people to use them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19982924 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:45:01 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19981625 navjun : Bruce ,

Can you please explain why VS charges for calling toll free numbers?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19981625 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:35:30 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980995 voip_user : Same here .. I was using VS for my international calls and was happy using it as a backup home phone and expected it to get some free incoming calls. However with VS now charging incoming and monthly fees i have started to re-think. I already moved my outgoing international calls to other provider and am considering moving to other PAYG VOIP providers (with VS international calling rates and free incoming was cheaper than just using 2 seperate providers for international and PAYG VOIP)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980995 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:04:05 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980794 navjun : I've been using VS for about a year now and have seen it all , the network downs and price hikes and specially the unannounced inbound charging that ended up costing me a few dollars, I spend on average $20-30 a month on Next2Nothing service I felt I deserved having free incoming, but I guess Those "powers" didn't share my feelings, since then I started using GS and GP for incoming .

I haven't left VS, since I haven't really found a cheaper service for the overseas calls that I make, though it did go up about 30% for the locations I use , also I don't use the unlimited monthly overseas plans since they don't cover mobile calls, also thanks god the service hasn't been down for while now.
(I don't think the international rates will go down anytime soon due to dollar being so low these days)
I do use a quite a bit of national calling and i wouldn't mind that going down , it'll save me a few bucks.

all together I feel you have good service , you just need to get more organized and make sure all these new things you like to do, doesn't make the service unreliable, as it was a few months ago. I feel it was a good exchange the prices hiked a little but no more down service , I guess you get what you get for.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980794 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:28:52 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980728 BruceN : Now that is a good answer.

I just did not want to see a bunch of folks reading the post and going home and dialing 911 and seeing what happened.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980728 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:17:29 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980450 N9MD :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I don't think it is a wise idea to test ANYONES e911-- It is not lawful to tie up the emergency system. Would advise some other approach
Actually, it is very wise to test the E911 setup when using any VoIP provider --- and it is easy to do. Just call your local police or fire department and ask them to get you the "non-emergency" number for your local Emergency Response Center. Then call this number to forewarn them you will be testing your VoIP E911 connection. They rarely refuse the request. I have done this with several VoIP providers at my NJ and my FL locations.

One should always confirm that an E911 call will go directly to the local Emergency Response Center -- and not be routed thru other sources.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980450 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:34:18 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979925 BruceN : Just goes to show you that I don't know everything.

Problem at this point is our cost for outbound termination. We need to shop around hard for a better deal. 1.2 is just not possible at this point, but we do need to get a better deal, no doubt!

Thanks for the input!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979925 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:40:15 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979920 BruceN : I don't think it is a wise idea to test ANYONES e911-- It is not lawful to tie up the emergency system. Would advise some other approach]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979920 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:38:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979895 celtic :
said by BruceN See Profile :

I recall the rate being briefly 1.3 cent, don't recall the 1.2 cent.
...
Below are a few sample calls from my 8-07 history.

Min - Cost
02 - 0.02
46 - 0.55
37 - 0.44
01 - 0.01
20 - 0.24
18 - 0.22
02 - 0.02
28 - 0.34
01 - 0.01
27 - 0.32
10 - 0.12
14 - 0.17

I billed over $10 that month ... $0 now. Voicestick went from being a great value to loosing each category in 60 days, all without notice. I assume your back because these changes did not work. What can you do?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979895 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:30:36 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979827 SteveinNC : I went with VS after the SR crash. I'm now with CC. I moved away for the already said reasons.

When I was a VS user I tested my E911 one Saturday morning and was answered by I guess one of those qualified call centers in Minnesota, via India at .16 min. With CC I tested my E911 and it went right to my local 911 Com Center.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979827 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:13:08 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979703 BruceN : Gimp55 send me via IM you account number. I will fix the balance and put a smile on your face.

As to the incoming DID issue, I have surfaced it, there is no fast fix for it, I will not forget it. It is VERY important. Maybe get an alltell with 5 favorite numbers, use VS for the out, and grand central for the in?

I have Sprint. I use Sprint to home for outbound, and I paid the $10 extra for unlimited inbound. I had close to 3000 min last month and my Sprint bill was only $49 :)

Got to just love it :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979703 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:26:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979693 BruceN : Fisamo.... COOL :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979693 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:22:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979688 BruceN : Slo Mo, yeah I agree about the Atlanta PRI. I just need to convince the network guys. They have WAY too many projects and I think if I brought that up right now they would go into melt down.

I even have a url I reserved I will IM you with it]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979688 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:21:10 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979486 gimp55 : I stopped using VS when the ibridge stopped showing my VS number caller id on my cell.
I am using alltel prepaid with 1 my favorite number and now have my grandcentral number set as it.
The only way to call out is if someone leaves a message and i use the return call feature.i would love to go back to VS the way it was before they made that change.
also not even using the account shows i have a -$15.13 bill.
Glad to see you back BruceN if you can remember i was the one helping with the ata186 configs some.
VS sure went downhill when you left]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979486 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:26:48 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977635 Fisamo :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Yes you are right. The network guys actual brought this to a head.

See my post above.

A new topic maybe?

I would love to have a 10 ft long list.
Would a 19-page thread work for you? :D

»ViaTalk Feature Request Thread]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977635 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:19:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977013 slow mo : Bruce,

The concept behind GlobalTalk is good and very useful for cell phone users. But, why do I need 2 separate accounts, 1 for at home (VS) and 1 for traveling (GT), for my calls? I would not use GT at home because it has higher rates.

You mentioned you have PRI in Atlanta without incurring inbound charges. This would be perfect for cell phone users, no charges and/or no minutes (carrier dependent). A reduced inbound charge + outbound rate should do it. You get to keep inbound charges (PRI in Atlanta). Just enable the bridge between my cell #, or any # for that matter, and my VS account when calling the Atlanta #. This can be managed via web. GT and Voipbuster have this capability.

slow]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977013 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:49:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976423 BruceN : I recall the rate being briefly 1.3 cent, don't recall the 1.2 cent. Our current termination company is costing right around 1 cent, so with a margin we can't hit 1.2.

But with the new switch we will also be looking at new outbound carriers.

Telco is very competitive. Some people live for the cheapest rate as they make tons of calls, others desire great features.

We have got to do both!

Thanks for the input. It is a great help!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976423 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:36:28 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976378 celtic : It all sounds good but I don't have the patience to play a what if posting game. Bring the cost of outbound back to $.012 and I'll start making calls. If calls work as before I'll make additional deposits. I haven't used VS since you raised the rate in mid September. As I successfully use your service I'll get interested in discussions and additional services.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976378 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:30:20 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976048 BruceN : I too believe in Paul. He is dedicated, very hard working, and is an all around good guy. I trust him!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19976048 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:42:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975851 soitgoes2 :
said by Quattrohead See Profile :

so I really feel VS is worth revisiting when things are sorted out again.
So do I. And I really want to see VoiceStick succeed; having read through all of the SEC filings I see how Paul Arena has made a serious commitment to make this work.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975851 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:13:50 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975812 BruceN : Yes you are right. The network guys actual brought this to a head.

See my post above.

A new topic maybe?

I would love to have a 10 ft long list.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975812 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:08:00 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975803 BruceN : We are doing a major, long planned, upgrade from the current soft switch.

This is going to entail a new from the ground up web site, a new billing system, and an open source soft switch.

I have been asked for a wish list. Maybe it neds its own topic as to not bore people.

Is there a forum interest in coming up with the worlds longest list of tinker toys for a VOIP service.

We may not get them all, but I am from the school of if you don't ask you don't get!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975803 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:06:38 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975741 Quattrohead : Many have been bitten by or taken the piss out of SR, but they had many good idea's and service features. I would like to see some of those in other voip offerings.
Also, VS had/has some great features and offerings, I would like to see the last 8 months wiped away and start the building process right from where it stopped when Bruce left. It does sound like the tech guys did continue to develope stuff behind the 9rick that had control in the 8 months of hell, so I really feel VS is worth revisiting when things are sorted out again.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975741 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:58:45 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975471 artisticcheese : Hello Bruce,

I went through P8-->Broadvox Direct-->Sunrocket-->Voicestick.
So I have experience with different VOIP offerings, so far what I like in voicestick is low international rates and i2bridge.
What I hate is completly rudimentary website (can not even customize time zone when displaying call logs for example) and rudimentary basic VOIP service options.
I really miss some basic VOIP service I was getting from other providers
* Selecttive incoming call blocking
* Ability to dial US numbers without requiring to dial 1 first
* Anonymous call rejection
* Webbased voicemail access
And especially I dearly miss feature which is was very unique to Sunrocket - Signature Message Screener, i.e. ability to screen calls coming to your VOIP line and redirect them to local phone number if you wanted to take them.
Are there any plans to bring Voicestick on par with competition in terms of basic VOIP services?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975471 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:13:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975403 BruceN : I so much agree with you. The powers that took control should have issed out emails telling people of rate/program changes. No one likes a Gotcha ! It makes for all kinds of bad feelings.

I always tell people, give me the bad news as I can take it. Don't hide it, cloud it i smoke or withhold it.

As to abusers. We NEVER figured a user with a few hundred min. as an abuser. There are many services that do not measure in bound, but pack the cost into say a $8.95 a month DID fee. And they have a cap on what is normal.

What I am talking about is a person (typically out of country)that runs hundreds of calls with thousands of minutes. He has a box on his end and is reselling termination to the USA! Now that is abuse. And I have seen WAY too many of these guys.

I am sure that all you can eat restaurants have stories of people carting out food in bags, coats and pockets. There will always be the sneak theif!

Thanks for your comments, and taking the tim