[VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick in VOIP Tech Chat http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19963621 en Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:20:30 EDT Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:20:30 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 time to write some good ones.

Bruce

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975403 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:02:57 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975364 BruceN : You can load just the application of the softphone on your stick. It would just lack auto start up. IE: you need to click the icon to start it up.

Or you can also load the app on your hard dire. Also you can use an ATA in the normal manner.

ALSO you can use the i2bridge with any telephone, even a cell phone.

Lots of ways to go!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19975364 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:55:25 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974942 soitgoes2 :
said by BruceN See Profile :

triumph, yeah the USB stick is somewhat dated.
You make a good point about the desires for some user groups to have access to VoiceStick directly from a USB drive. But does it have to be a dedicated VoiceStick USB drive? Maybe VoiceStick could provide an easy way for non-technical consumers to make their existing USB sticks VoiceStick capable.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974942 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:43:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974744 soitgoes2 : Bruce,
Although I am not an active poster, I do read these forums regularly. As a current VoiceStick account holder and former VoiceStick customer (in the sense that since the no-notice changes I have not topped up my account or really used the service), I was extremely pleased to see you return to VoiceStick and to this forum: it was your active involvement in resolving customer issues that had led me to try out VoiceStick last year.

I'm going to expound on two issues that have come to mind. Please bear with me.

What is abuse?
A user who used VoiceStick primarily to receive incoming calls should not be characterized as an abusive user. This usage pattern was a flaw in the VoiceStick pricing and marketing model, and in most cases was likely not an attempt on the part of your customers to abuse the system. Also, you have to put yourselves in the mind of a consumer who is used to paying Ma Bell only for outgoing calls who does not understand the intricacies of the telephone fees that VoiceStick might have to pay to its carriers. Indeed, there are termination fees that are paid to carriers for calls made to DIDs--even if i2Telecom doesn't see that money, someone does get paid. Lastly, the new MyGlobalTalk service that i2Telecom is releasing will encourage consumers to take advantage of myFaves, Sprint-to-Home, and Alltel's myCircle in order to circumvent charges for wireless minute charges. While that is simply institutionalizing the functionality of i2bridge that already exists, it represents a different marketing attempt.
My take-home message: provide clear, sustainable pricing utilize marketing that is consistent with your cost structure

Information is power
The most serious problem with VoiceStick was not the increase in fees per se; rather, it was the concomitant lack of notice or information that frustrated me and many other customers. It goes without saying that the party that sets the terms of the contract (VoiceStick) should be expected to abide by its terms without fail. That did not happen.

I would have stayed an active VoiceStick user if I had had any confidence that my costs were going to be stable for even a little while. The FAQs and advertising on the website were not updated to keep up with changes in VoiceStick practices, and, for a time, the most reliable information was found not on voicestick.com but on this very forum, and it's still unclear to me exactly what fees apply to the various plans and/or DIDs. Rates have changed without any notice--one of my destinations jumped 800% (yes you read that right), the cost of domestic calls has almost doubled, and the cost to call toll-free numbers jumped by more than a factor of 10.
My take-home message:
Customers want a bargain, but what they want even more is stability, fairness, predictability, and information

Sorry for writing so much, but thank you for reading.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974744 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:14:03 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974239 BruceN : No kidding.... Mr. Ed died :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19974239 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:53:47 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19973808 N9MD :
said by hoolahoous See Profile :

... Other strategy of voicestick could be word of mount. (Just like Sunrocket).
Unfortunately, Mr.Ed died several years ago. So much for word of mount :D

And for SunRocket, I believe the marketing tool was "the Bird is the Word!" from the 1963 song Surfin' Bird by the Trashmen. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19973808 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:38:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19973174 BruceN : Based on #1 we don't have piles of money, #2 Vonage HAD piles of money, but not now.... I like the Word of Mouth approach :)

We will have marketing funding, but it is going to be used on the new other web site.

Great input!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19973174 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:16:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19972711 hoolahoous : I think first goal of VS would be to get the VS brand 'out' in public.

One approach would be to have a media blitz like vonage. But that would need some really serious money.

Other strategy of voicestick could be word of mouth. (Just like Sunrocket). VS can gain the confidence of 'tech' people (read : people on this board :) ). For voip, people usually talk to 'tech guy' they know to find out how it works and what company is 'good'.. Lot of my colleagues and relatives have asked me about voip and which provider they should be choosing. What do you think I will recommend ?
I recommended Sunrocket (because of their superior service, technical and customer service) to several of them and they signed up. I can't do same for viatalk since their service is not reliable, customer service is subpar. Point is not which company is better. Point is, that people trust the 'tech guy' to make decision for them.
So though I have selfish interest in having asterisk trunk, I will recommend VS if I find the service to be reliable and easy to deal with.

edit: fixed typo.. :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19972711 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:44:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971732 BruceN : Yeah you are right about SMS.

Our brain guy, Mark Hewitt is figuring this into the new system.

As to my MSP thing I had 200 people (rightly) upset and screaming at me at the airport. It took the riot police to disband them.

I had been given bad info, and quit on the spot. So much for me looking for an easy job :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971732 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:55:36 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971542 mazilo :
said by BruceN See Profile :

(Well I did try doing a trouble shooting job after VS and dang near got murdered in MSP airport --- Made the newspapers --- had to quit !)
When I saw your statement above, I just LOL. You just reminded of an old accident happened to me when I tried to catch a leaving bus (public transportation) and felt off the sidewalk skidding through the back wheels of that bus (nearly ran over me).

Yes, you are right. Too many players, too few gross profit dollars, and too many mooch and abusive customers.
Unfortunately, these are all facts.

I think there are two answers. Land lines are dead, cell phones and VOIP are the future and they will merge. (This is step two in my plan, more on it later)
I reckon this is already happening and pioneered by SIPBroker. SIPPhone/GizmoProject seems to have been promoting itself with this feature and called it a VoIP Backdoor Dialing.

The longer term answer is service.
Here is one for you: Add the SMS capability and let end users choose an option to have the incoming messages forwarded to their e-mail addresses.
--
Mazilo
US Phone: +1-678-601-0907
UK Phone: +44-703-194-2574]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971542 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:24:52 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971397 BruceN : I think I am banned now in about 8 states to never touch a club. My ex boss for decades ago tried often to teach me. No luck!!

Come here to Georgia again and I will caddy !]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971397 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:02:35 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971057 N9MD :
said by BruceN See Profile :

N9MD ---- WOW do you write well .... Bruce
Oy! Don't blame me. Blame my writing skills on my Mom (who made it to age 90), with a Masters degree in English Lit .... a school teacher throughout her active years, she named me for Clifford Odets (the writer). She forcefed me grammar, vocabulary and syntax when I wouldn't eat my broccoli. :D

Incidentally, if I recall from the following posts, you may owe me a round of golf: »Re: [VoiceStick] BYOD configurations needed

Cliff]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19971057 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:12:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970526 BruceN : N9MD ---- WOW do you write well. The content of your note does not scare me, it is the fantastic way you write that concerns me. I will now and forever feel like a rank armature when I type :)

Yeah, God bless America (or is it God bless this mess). I have spent my entire life in highly competitive industries. I did 20 plus years in the Appliance industry, ranging from working for a major manufacturer to owning a couple of my own companies. From there I was at the start of the internet selling online computer parts and systems. I also owned a quality online auction (Sold them both and they were driven into the ground)

And because I could not get enough pain, I even started a 3 star restaurant in a small resort town at the same time. (That put me in intensive care for 4 days :)

So what does this all mean? It means I am too stupid to find an easy industry where the gross margins are great, and the competition is light.

(Well I did try doing a trouble shooting job after VS and dang near got murdered in MSP airport --- Made the newspapers --- had to quit !)

Yes, you are right. Too many players, too few gross profit dollars, and too many mooch and abusive customers.

I think there are two answers. Land lines are dead, cell phones and VOIP are the future and they will merge. (This is step two in my plan, more on it later)

The longer term answer is service.

You will never win on price as the mooch will always find your price too high, and will leave at the drop of a penny. It is going to take the mix of a unique set of products that WORK and customer service that is top notch.

The normal customer just wants value and service (I hope my cable company reads this)

If I can deliver on that then I am a winner.

I might as well do this job. I always love a good rat race.

Thanks for taking the time to write such a great letter.

I am in AWE. Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970526 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:40:59 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970419 BruceN : HI!!!

Well I should make you real happy. Web site, yeah photos are terrible!!!!

There is a new site in the works. It is being done with a VERY talented bunch out of Calif. I have seen a lot of their work, and we should have first class!

It all ties in with the new Telco Switch and billing platform.

I will IM you a link to another site they just built for us. It is not ready for prime time but this will give you a strong hint.

ALSO with the new switch we will have a much larger feature package. The current voice mail runs on a very old ersion of software. It is all going to be brand new.

Projected date is 30 days (So figure 45 Days)

Thanks for the input (BTW the annual program was the last thing I did before I left)

Bruce ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970419 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:21:29 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970399 N9MD : Bruce --

Not to demean those techies who love their *Asterisk, I would venture to say that the vast majority of your potential "new customer" base are just looking for a less expensive telephone service.

The erudite and technically gifted BBR posters offering all sorts of advice here are in actuality greedy, ego-centric gnomes (not necessarily a bad thing ;)) -- each looking to get a lot of fun things to play with at little or no cost to them -- and caring little for VoiceStick's (or anyone else's) ability to make a profit. And I am one of them! :D

Most of the "helpful" posters already have three or more providers being used with * or on a combination of ATAs or SoftPhones.

I would venture to guess that most folks who signed up with VS a few years back chose the N2N Plan (and delighted in the ability to pick their DID from a truly enormous list of locations throughout the US) --- and proceeded to use the DID for free incoming calls and little or no outbound calling. Hence, no profit for VS.

My "guess" is easy to prove. Just look at the numbers of VS moochers ... er-r-r customers ... who abandoned the service when you (Bruce) left and the pricing structure was revised drastically. I was one of them!

So, you ask, just what road should VS travel?

Well, if you are targeting people who already have VoIP service, you have a tough job ahead:

• You will have to beat the "cheap" pricing that already exists with Unlimited, Limited and PAYG Per Minute Plans.
• You will need to compete with BOGO-Year Free offerings (which as we know contributed in part to SunRocket's demise -- and which many of us believe is a current source of fiscal concern for at least one other "popular" vender).
• You may need to offer "special" features not available with other providers: Bridging, Virtual Numbers with Independent CallForwarding and VoiceMail (not tied to the main number).
• You will need to determine if VS can "survive" without resorting to adding "extra" fees, charges, tariffs, tolls, penalties (E911, USF, etc.) -- that tend to tick people off. And if you do add such fees, at least clearly state in advance -- in large boldface type -- which ones are mandated and which ones are just to boost VS's bottom line.
• Decide if you want to return the ability for a new customer to choose his or her DID from your previously displayed lengthy Availability listing. This can be a good or bad thing -- depending mostly on your pricing structure. In the past I am sure that a lot of "nice" number xxx-xxx-x000 and xxx-xxx-xx00 hording went on, especially with the N2N Plan. But many of us truly appreciated this DID selection feature when SR and VS were in their heyday.
• In the past, VS could only be used with the proprietary SJSoftPhone (as I recall). You must determine if allowing use of non-proprietary SoftPhones and permitting BYOD ATAs (PAP2s and others) will entice "techies" to sign up.
• Customer Service has been a thorn in the side for many VoIP veterans -- for providers and customers alike. So you best give this area of your operation a good going over.

Then there are the folks thinking about entering the VoIP world for the first time:

• Newcomers to VoIP will make their provider selection by comparing pricing and features -- with very little thought given to customer service performance and system outages -- since they have nothing to compare except PSTN.
• Newcomers will want to just pick up a "real" telephone handset and simply make or receive calls using "real" phone numbers (DIDs). So SoftPhones and Sticks may be a turn off rather than a turn on --- except in Iraq, apparently.
• A small number of potential newcomers to VoIP may be niche users who would benefit from a "Stick" gimick or from an on-screen SoftPhone --- which require that their computers be turned on. But ultimately, this setup discourages outbound calling (because one will soon tire of having to actually wait for the computer to boot up before a call can be made).
• As with the oldtimers, you may find that newcomers are enticed by Virtual Numbers with independent VoiceMail and CallForwarding. CallCentric, for example, offers truly inexpensive DIDs at $1.95 per month with low per minute incoming and outgoing charges actually encourage a customer to sign up for a second or third separate account to get "cheap" but full-feature additional DIDs with independent CallForwarding and Free VoiceMail -- and pay only per minute charges for the additional DIDs when and if they are used. To me, that's value!

And whether you want to attract newbies or techies, think long and hard as to what equipment your customers will use. If I were only interested in the bottom line, profit-wise, I would only allow use of a VoiceStick supplied ATA (locked) or a proprietary SoftPhone or a proprietary USB Memory Stick -- to minimize the headaches encountered with customer service when users are permitted to use a host of poorly supported BYODs. -- Oh, that's already how several of the currently successful VoIP providers operate. So I guess it all boils down to price, price, price and customer service and maybe one or two gimick features not available with other providers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970399 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:18:00 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970072 tomb9992003 : Welcome back, Bruce, I was one of the Sunrocket "castaways" who went to Voicestick largely due to your postings on this forum last year in your other tour at Voicestick. I'm just a basic residential customer originally using my unlocked Sunrocket SPA2102 and then switched to the Grandstream device provided by Voicestick. I'm on the annual "unlimited" plan and I haven't been impacted by the price changes that upset so many people.

I've been very happy with the service, and the only outage in six months was just a couple of weeks ago for about an hour. My only real complaint is the limited voicemail system. Seems like you can't access it from a phone to change settings, so I can't change the greeting. Also, you're stuck with 4 rings before voicemail picks up. One other minor complaint is that using the softphone causes it to take over the line from the ATA for some period of time after you shut it down, so all of your calls go to voicemail.

EDIT - You should also do something about the website, get rid of those cheesy photos!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19970072 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:14:32 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969874 BruceN : I think when we get to the new switch we are going to be wide open to many things, and that is why I am asking for the info (and I am getting GREAT info) at this point.

As I mentioned before I hear a target date of 30 days. I have seen some of the specs, and will be seeing even more this next week.

I think having broad product offers is the way to go. Why tie in to just one or two types of offers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969874 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:32:47 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969686 gbh2o : Quite frankly Bruce, asterisk 'types' don't need a lot of extra bells and whistles. The asterisk platform and add-ons allow us to do pretty much anything we can think of.

I would suggest two programs:

One for the 'normal' residential end-user that gets all the goodies and concentrates on a semi-flat-rate offering. As you browse the competition you'll see that most offer a limited plan with 'free' incoming on a provided DID, and a pot of 200-500 minutes outbound in a month. Other popular plans like Vbuzzer offer a DID, free inbound and around 1500 minutes out for $15/mo. $18-25 a month seems to get a more 'unlimited' pot, usually soft-capped and looked at for abuse at around 2500-3500 minutes. _Don't play the game with the 'unlimited' tag... you really don't mean it. Of course a 'business' or SOHO similar setup seams to run $10-20 higher for the same features. You may want to offer BYOD availability [_very_ limited support, maybe user to user in forums] as well as a fully supported, but unlocked ATA of your own on lease, rent-to-own or out-right purchase basis. Make it one with only limited user options if you want to retain sanity in your customer service department. ;-)

Since you seem to have excellent wholesale pricing available to be able to offer many of your termination rates, you should be able to enter the 'bulk' business provision arena also. At the lower end of this program you find the residential asterisk user, followed by businesses running their own asterisk [There certainly are other PBX software type systems here too] and then the real bulk business buyers that eat DIDs and minutes 24 hours/day. I believe these very different groups all are seeking almost the component level of services. Sell me DIDs optionally with either no included minutes but a fair per minute rate in/out, or DIDs [higher cost to average actual usage costs] that include an incoming and/or outgoing bucket of minutes with overages at a slightly elevated, but still fair price which encourages them to buy bigger buckets, if available. ;-) Again, you don't need to offer many fancy features in this arena other than a straight-forward control panel for managing their rented assets; i.e. this DID gets linked with this server/destination point. I'll bet if you query RockyBB, he would gladly offer many sound suggestions from the perspective of a knowledgeable reseller/user consultant[I think]. I guess the one feature we smaller guys do appreciate is a fail-over to a pre-designated number if [_when_ if you have Embarq] our 'broadband' circuit dies for a bit. For the bigger customers, you may want to also be able to sell a bit of a reliable pipe to service them, if required. Short version, for asterisk, think bare-bones. And yeah, using enum and associated services could actually eliminate a good percentage of actual termination fees since more and more users are directly addressable via a VoIP URI [hope that's an appropriate terminology].

BTW, the i2bridge was a perfect solution for my Mother [didn't want routers/switches, ATAs or anything else cluttering her area], and for my Mother-in-Law who doesn't even have broadband service. At least it was until the costs kept escalating without warning or sanity. Then my mother went back to OneSuite and my M-I-L uses my asterisk system features.

My own little world for play consists of geographically dispersed asterisk boxes linked together as well as a PBXes account for safety. I rent DIDs and buy minutes from several different providers, so I have lots of trunk options. And yes, I tend to choose the lowest cost, _reliable_ outbound route for calls. My extended family throughout the US have a flock of my ATAs and are my users; they yak to each other quite a bit now. Only a few have access to my external termination [except in emergencies] since I'm footing the bill and it's only a hobby, it's only a hobby, it's only a hobby. Then there's always my nephew in Shanghai and my sister-in-law's folks in Bogota ...

But what the heck, I'm just a ROF and end-user myself... so what do I know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969686 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:54:49 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969508 BruceN : Lots of little users are just as good (if not better) then one big user.

I will go look at these links.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969508 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:12:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969496 BruceN : OK, just finish a phone meeting with the guru or gurus. He is our head of system development.

We are making a transition off of our old (real old!!!!) Soft Switch. We will be state of the art in 30 days (Which of course will become 45 days)

I was asked for my wish list for asterisks !!!!

Bring it on guys! I want to look good, and seem like I know what I am talking about (I am a novice at Asterisk's)

In the meantime, he still want to keep Asterisks off the system, as the system is rather fragile!! (At least it is an answer)

When the new switch is installed I want to be state of the art, best program on the net.

That is where this forum comes in. (Maybe we need to move it to it's own topic?)

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969496 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:11:07 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969207 meister_sd :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Was wondering if Asterisk users need some sort of special program...... Any thoughts?
Asterisk users are generally more advanced users that shouldn't use much, if any, of your customer service needs. I see CS as a big chunk of revenue lost. Also, you could state that * users are only supported via a forum, as long as you monitor it very regularly. On any CS, people hate to wait a long time for a resolution.

The N2N plan should be brought back, but with limits. There are many hobbyist and part-time voip users who used this and weren't abusers. I used it, before the * no-no, for testing and demonstration. I think if you have a very reasonable cap of 100-200 minutes of free incoming, you would attract back a lot of people who could/would turn into higher paying customers. I probably averaged about 30 minutes a month of incoming a just a few outgoing - again as testing/demonstration. I still had a balance from the initial $5 given after a year. (Don't know if this is good or bad from your end! ;) )

I use CallWithUs as our DID. I pay $4.70 that includes 3000 free incoming minutes. That is ALOT of minutes for the average person, especially since people still have home phones and cell phones. We have a Tokyo DID with them and I also tested them with outgoing calls and it also is great. I don't mind so much the setup cost since it is a one time fee but no more than twice the monthly charge. Mine was the same as the monthly charge, I think.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969207 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:11:27 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969154 triumph : For asterisk users, it would be great if you came up with a support section with example configurations, such as Callcentric has done:

»www.callcentric.com/support/device/asterisk

Also, another neat feature I've run across has been this asterisk macro from VoicePulse, which looks up and compares rates, and sends the call through the cheaper provider:

»connect.voicepulse.com/FlexRate.aspx

And back to the VoiceStick, last night I started searching for the USB flash/bluetooth adapters and found a couple. It would be great if you offered something similar, pre-configured to work with your service.

1)Vidcom USB Flash/BT adapter
2)MPlat FlashPhone F4K(USB Flash/BT adapter)
3)Review of MPlat FlashPhone F2K (USB Flash/integrated headphone/mic jack)

Would love to take a peek at your new site once it's up and running. I'm not a big user, just a hobbyist.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19969154 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:58:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968973 BruceN : Thanks for the input. My dead cost for DID's is 50 cents, and inbound costs us .09 cents a min. So at around 500 min a month the deal goes negative.

I have not studied them, a great (but limited) work around to carrier inbound termination cost is a PRI. One would need a PRI in a rate center to have zero inbound termination cost. That is maybe not practical, so one would need to limit the areas of DID's to the places where you have a PRI (PRI's are not cheap)

I will need to go over there and see how they are doing it. It is either a cap on the "unlimited" or limited DID areas, or it is a money loser due to abuse.

Anyone have another view on this?

Welcome the input!!!

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968973 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:21:47 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968373 Ricci : Hi N9MD.

Just to add one small info to your message. I'm a Callcentric customer with a $5.00/month DID and I have unlimited inbound. Even the cheap $3.00/month DIDs have unlimited inbound.

Just to clarify that unlimited is available at Callcentric even if you don't have a monthly outbound plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968373 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:21:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968271 BruceN : Hey thanks!!!

IM me I want you to take a sneak peek at something. It is for cell phone use, and VOIP]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968271 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:59:09 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968054 Quattrohead : Welcome back Bruce, you are the most respected VP on DSLR :D

i2bridge is the best feature you have. It allowed me to call abroad from my cell phone so simply, loved it.

Stabilize the situation and just provide good honest service and I am sure all of us here will support you.
Come up with a plan and I will likely sign up again.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19968054 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:13:20 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967733 BruceN : Glurg WOW!!!! Thanks for the long input. I am spinning a bit on your ideas. I will get Mark and Travis to look at it.

With the new switch and billing coming they are maxed out for maybe the next 6 weeks, BUT all of this is going to allow us to add new and more modern features.

Mark Hewitt is the guru behind all of this. He is one of the fathers of SIP and is our C level guy on the network side. I will also show him this entire thread we he gets up here to Atlanta.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967733 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:26:17 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967721 BruceN : usa2k Hi! IM me your VS DID number and I will look.

Thanks for the input!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967721 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:21:43 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967717 BruceN : hoolahoous, you just hit all of the hot buttons I had in a special weekend meeting.

I am with you on all of these points.

As to caps, yeah on a "unlimited" program, every one has caps as it is sold on the basis of Residential. I think every one is cool as long as you publish WHAT the cap is, and what any cost would be going over.

As far as a 1/2 hour reload, we are changing Telco switches. I need to see what the new spec is. We are moving to a new open source switch, and new billing platform.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967717 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:20:40 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967704 BruceN : triumph, yeah the USB stick is somewhat dated. Our #1 user is our folks in Iraq. They often borrow a computer and the stick allows them to run the application and they do not need to download and set up an app. (It is rude to download onto a borrow system)

I would bet that better then 50% of our shipments are to the middle east.

I think the future is cellular dial arounds (Bridge) We are working on something for that. It is hot! The network guys were not affected in their projects.

I think we can get a good jump in the game if we are priced right, our service works, and we offer good Customer service. All of these need to be fixed, no doubt.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967704 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:16:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967689 BruceN : Great idea. FOR SURE we are going to lift any sort of ban on Asterisk TOMORROW!

I will go look at their program.

Was wondering if Asterisk users need some sort of special program...... Any thoughts?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967689 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:10:09 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967653 anon : Welcome back.

Encourage ata-to-ata calls:
free plan where you get a pseudo-number you can use in an ata

Allow 'quick dial' numbers like callcentric's *75xx, that can be mapped to a sip url. If I then register my ata to voicestick, I can type in *7501 and be connected to somebody's sip address.

Test all outgoing calls against the Enum database, so that if somebody has his pstn number registered there, the call will be automatically routed via sip-to-sip. This is mainly to give Enum a boost; it's a good idea but needs subscribers. This also makes voicestick a little different from the rest of the pack, as I don't know of anyone that does this.

You said:

As to free incoming, I am going to look at it. It is free of course on monthly plans, but is now charged for on pay as you go plans. It was my idea to charge for it, BUT it was supposed to ALSO include a major drop in out bound costs. That part did not happen.


I was one of the people in the abuser database, but can't complain about being charged for incoming. I don't know of anybody who allows free incoming calls. Callcentric, which has a good reputation, charges 1.5 cents per minute for incoming and about 2 cents per minute for outgoing, and it isn't hurting them.

But if you can undercut them and still make a profit, great.

One thing I notice is that callcentric charges 3.95 as a setup fee for DIDs plus 1.95/month. Maybe you could undercut them a bit on those.

I can't recall the extent of your DIDs, but having lots of them, including Canadian ones, would be an attraction.

Let users set up a whitelist, so that the only people allowed to get through on their DID are the numbers they specify, up to 10 numbers, say.

I have 6 or 7 people I want to hear from. The rest can be blocked or go to voicemail. Right now, I hesitate to give out my voip number in case it gets into the hands of telemarketers or cranks. This would let me give it out to anyone I'm doing business with, and remove it when the business is finished.

By the way, is callcentric in the sipbroker database, with its own *xxx number? It should be, since sipbroker has pstn gateway numbers all over the world which allow calls to be made from pstn to the vosp's userid.

So, if voicestick had a sipbroker id of *999, and a user had a voicestick userid of 17771234567, somebody could dial a sipbroker pstn gateway number in London, and then type in: *99917771234567, and be connected.

Sipbroker also allows an alias to be mapped to the userid, so I could specify an alias of 1234 at my sipbroker account and have it point to 17771234567@sip.voicestick.com, and whenever someone dialed the sipbroker gateway number, they would follow it up with *01111234 and be connected.

In this case, *0111 is the sipbroker access, so that it knows that 1234 maps to my voicestick account. It's almost short enough to give out as an extension.

Would it be worth selling an *unlocked* ata that is pre-programmed for some voicestick userid and password, and has $10 of credit?

The idea would be that even the most computer-fearing granny could be connected to voip by buying one of these and plugging it into the router (that somebody had set up for her).

'Voicestick - the friendly gateway to the voip world - so simple to use, even granny can do it'.

Is voicestick reliable nowadays? It had several outages but I haven't heard here of anything lately. If something does go wrong, put a notice on the website and keep it current until things are fixed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967653 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:48:32 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967491 usa2k : My account has been sleeping in disinterest.
Don't know if it exists anymore ... had $20 in pay as you go ...

Never really got my ATA playing nice, and then things went down-hill on its reputation here.

Time will tell . . .
--
Jim -- USA2K, SEE: Darlin' REBEKAH, VoIP since 12/2002, Packet8 since 12/2006. VOIPo in Beta, and former Vonage . . .]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967491 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:01:03 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967428 hoolahoous : I think voicestick is a great idea. But why not sell voip service .. currently it seems whole idea is to sell 'voicestick' device.. why not make that usb drive as ONE of your offerings and not the ONLY offering ?

Here is my wishlist

1) Asterisk support. To avoid abuse, you can restrict minutes to some upper cap (like all other providers have). And please do not have stupid things like having to reload trunk every half an hour.

2) make it open. i.e. promote people to use their own devices on next2nothing plan. That would be a real crowd puller.

3) I think voicestick is a great and unique idea (well not so much after magic jack) but it has potential to be a carried forward. (maybe like one of the poster suggested to have bluetooth ??)

4) you have amazing international rate. (atleast for countries I call to). You could promote next2nothing + byod + cheap international rate as cost saving trunk for byod users. (Just like onesuite does) I would love to have voicestick as my primary international carrier (viatalk international rates are too high for me). ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967428 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:51:17 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967334 triumph : I will tell you why I originally was attracted to VoiceStick.

1) The VoiceStick flashdrive
2) i2bridge

I thought the VoiceStick flash drive was a terrific idea, but when I heard that you still had to plug in an external mic or headset separately, it didn't seem very special. I can download any number of softphones for free and load it onto my own flash drive instead of overpaying for a small capacity one.

Now Magic Jack offers a similar USB device, except it seems to be an ATA, so it can be used with cordless phones. In my opinion this is superior to the VoiceStick, and the rate plan looks cheaper too.

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.

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.

One feature I am really starting to like is access numbers (like SIP broker, OneSuite, or Vonage v-access offer), so others can call me inexpensively from around the world. I don't remember if VoiceStick promotes this.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967334 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:01:10 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967196 N9MD : Welcome back to the whirlwind world of VoIP, Bruce. Based on the early years of VoiceStick (such as the N2N Plan) --- unless you are looking to be only a full sevice provider rivaling Vonage, ViaTalk, VoicePulse, P8, etc. --- you may want to take a very, very close look at CallCentric. Of all the varieties of VoIP providers out there now, CallCentric appears to have expanded their service & features & fee structure to a point just beyond where VoiceStick was originally heading.

And I agree that free incoming minutes on a N2N type of per minute outgoing plan is suicide for a provider. Most of us former VS users (abusers) will fess up to using VS just for the free incoming calls. CallCentric's apparent success to date is because they are charging for incoming and outgoing minutes (except on their unlimited plans).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967196 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:52:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967042 BruceN : Thanks! They keep on telling us that the USA is a service economy, yet service seems to be missing so often!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967042 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:45:59 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967039 BruceN : Thanks for the input. I need to look at rates. Again this was an area that went just crazy. Do you mind me asking what are you finding as a good rate? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19967039 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:44:50 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966341 buckeyered : welcome back Bruce,

I closed my account as well as my wifes because things just got real bad and international calling prices for the Philippines skyrocketed. Hope things work out for you.
--
'If you change phone numbers one more time I am leaving you.' - My wife]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966341 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:01:17 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966267 deheza : Welcome back! Outstanding customer service is the way to go. It has worked well for the company that I work for.
--
RoadRunner, ViaTalk, Vitelity, VoipJet, Stanaphone, NuFone, CallWithUs, QuantumVoice
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966267 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:43:57 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966182 BruceN : At this point I don't see a problem with Asterisk. Prior to all of this, when inbound was free, there was some drastic abuse to Asterisk.

Give me till about Tues on that one :)

You should see the junk in front of that.

I also agree on the DID cost, and the per min cost.

I am a fan of up front pricing, instead of smoke an mirrors, but sometimes smoke is needed.

My original thought was a 75 cent cost for a DID, and have a inbound/outbound of 1.3 cents. Also charge dead cost of $1.50 for e911 (A real pain!!!)

But that was about the time I left, and the mad man then did almost hour to hour crazy changes.

Maybe we need a straw vote here in this forum to see which way people want to go.

I also will have a real phone number direct to me on Monday, I will post the number and extension.

Thanks for all of your loyal support, you know me I will get this all done.

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19966182 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:27:15 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19965142 gbh2o : Glad you're back to lend an honest voice representing VS. I enjoyed doing business with you at VS and in a couple of your earlier business 'lives'. I tend to believe what you say based on past experience. ;-)

I don't mind paying for inbound, as long as I don't also have to 'pay through the nose' for a DID... we both know the DIDs aren't that expensive by themselves. There are basically two ways to go; charge a DID price high enough to balance out the inbound use, or charge a low DID price and charge inbound by the minute. You just can't do both and expect customers to do it... especially without notice. I also didn't like the constant changes in the minimum recharge amounts.

I did like the i2bridge, and it easily solved a couple of problems for me, but I found the costs prohibitive after a while... now I just do it through an asterisk box. The i2bridge removed the gamble that Embarq could keep my DSL alive on a reliable basis.

I never could figure out the reluctance to allow us [* users] to use VS as an outbound trunk. VS prices were reasonable and I would have thought that using more minutes would just have enhanced your buying volume and price point. Maybe I was wrong? Now other companies get my $. I keep a mix of the cheap and the reliable providers so that calls can always be completed, with usable clarity.

I still have a balance in one account that I didn't close. I was trying to figure out if I could just donated it to any deployed service member's account that used a softphone; I don't use softphones and * isn't allowed. So the balance has just sat there since rational use of i2bridge ceased being possible.

VoiceStick had a lot of potential. I've just been waiting for it to join the rapidly growing list of the departed. I sincerely hope that it's not to late and you can use those stock shares for more than wallpaper, toilet paper or insulation in the future.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19965142 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:39:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964643 BruceN : Mazilo, I have missed you. You are also direct and plain spoken. I always know where you are coming from.

I can use all the straight input I can get. You seem to always know who is doing what. IM me any time, please!

I have my work cut out for me.

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964643 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:06:00 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964629 mazilo :
said by BruceN See Profile :

Well I am back at Voicestick.com (i2telecom). I hope that a few of you have GOOD memories of me. My name is Bruce Nicklin. I was with Voicestick for one year and we had everything going in the right direction. (not perfect but heading correctly).
I hope your come back can steer VP to a better direction. Welcome back and it sure is nice to hear from you again.
--
Mazilo
US Phone: +1-678-601-0907
UK Phone: +44-703-194-2574]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964629 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:03:31 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964498 BruceN : Just thinking out loud, we do have a PRI in Atlanta that will do 30+ incoming calls at no charge to us.

We are also developing a new web site that will address all those concerns. IM me for the url, I don't want to publish it in the wild.

Also we are changing the telco switch to an open source switch that will allow us to do some of the things on my want list.

While I was gone the network guys moved forward, it was mostly the sales, marketing, and customer support that got all screwed up.(Yeah like that was not enough :)

Keep the input coming, I need it to be able to pull a rabbit out of my hat.

I will have an office number next week if anyone wants to bend my ear.

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964498 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:38:36 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964434 BruceN : The CEO is a great guy, but hates to clean house. The cleaning should have been done long ago.

I needed too to also be convinced that I would not waste 75% of my day arguing the case of common sense.

I get along great with Paul (the CEO) and I also trust him. He just hated to clean house, and it took a long fall down the shaft for him to make the move.

My deal is payment in stock, no cash. So I have a vested interest to gain back market share and enhance shareholder value. My being a shareholder is a big driver.

OK, how do I convince you????? It is going to just take time. I don't think I even care today if I convince anyone today. My current mission is to clean up a large bunch of missteps that have been put in place.

IM me late Monday to see if I am still convinced :)

I enjoy the input, IM me any time. I am on the computer most of the time.

Now I am off to fix some accounts that need fixing.

Thanks, Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964434 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:27:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964264 slow mo : Welcome back.

I've used VS for a long time. I still have the outbound only N2N plan.

The international rates have gone up since VS started charging incoming. This is puzzling. I am still using VS for all my international calls but have been contemplating changing to Voipbuster. This is something I would like to see improved.

Losing i2Bridge is another big one. I understand DID's cost money and don't expect to get it for free. Could there be a dedicated number for outbound only N2N plan holders to call and dial the internal account 333 number to somehow replace i2Bridge? I wouldn't mind being charged for incoming and international rate. When I am on the road, using cell phone to make international calls is just too expansive.

Any plans to start sip incoming?

Thanks.

EDIT: P.S. Voipbuster does have a New York # to call and it bridges my cell # to my account for international calls.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964264 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:50:20 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964233 fixup : I think the key part is: you still don't own this company; how long you'll be in charge?

I have left VS because of all those stupid things that guy did. I hate to go back if another stupid guy will take up you in a year or so.

How can you convince us on this?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964233 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:39:58 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964142 BruceN : Hey thanks! If you Google me you will see I have a long history of owning great small companies (I don't own this one)

If you give customer legendary service you will shock them. It has worked in the past, it worked last time at VoiceStick and I will do it again!

Bruce ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964142 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:21:46 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964128 BruceN : Thanks for the input. Yes I sent my son Matt out to see if he could calm down some of the insane stuff but the same bully that I had issues with walked all over him (Matt is 16)

But as I mentioned before that person is LONG gone. I know what you mean about "HOW" it was done. Policies changed at whim!

For those that know me, I have a long track record of owning companies, and that is NOT how to make friends or keep business up and moving.

My deal is one where I am ONLY paid in stock, and the stock is ONLY going to go up if I can get this thing back on track (And I will!)Stock is ITUI

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.

As to free incoming, I am going to look at it. It is free of course on monthly plans, but is now charged for on pay as you go plans. It was my idea to charge for it, BUT it was supposed to ALSO include a major drop in out bound costs. That part did not happen.

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.

We had accounts that had zero income yet costs to us at $200 to $300 a MONTH!!!!!

I have some other MONSTERS that I am going to focus on in the first few days, rates in general are going to take a week or two.

Also we going to change calling switches and NOC locations so that they will be inside of the building (THANK god)

Again, thanks for the input. I need it, and love it!!

Bruce]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19964128 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:19:37 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963951 HolmanGT : BruceN,

I am not a Voice Stick customer. I just wanted to say that I think your gesture here is very unique, good business practice and generally uncommon in the industry.

I am very impressed and I can assure you that you have peaked my interest enough to look into the merits of Voice Stick as something that I may want to be a user of.

Best Regards to you and what I would hope will become a trend setter for other companies. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963951 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:44:34 EDT Re: [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963856 meister_sd : Bruce, welcome back!

I think two of the biggest issues were the free incoming minutes plan was removed and the second, maybe bigger, were the constant changes in the terms that even violated your own TOS, such as advanced notice.

I had been with VS for a few years and when they cut off the free incoming minutes, that is when I stopped being a customer. Mostly because of HOW they did it, not THAT they did it. I would still like that plan brought back.

I believe it was your son who took over here in the forum for a while and while I think he did what he could, it felt that he was being tied down somehow but wouldn't/couldn't say that.

Hopefully things will return to the way they were - great plans, great service, etc... I would also like to hear from you with regards to the things that changed since your departure and what is going to stay changed and what will be changed with your return.

Thanks,
-Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963856 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:23:17 EDT [VoiceStick] Well I am back and in charge of VoiceStick http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963621 BruceN : Well I am back at Voicestick.com (i2telecom). I hope that a few of you have GOOD memories of me. My name is Bruce Nicklin. I was with Voicestick for one year and we had everything going in the right direction. (not perfect but heading correctly).

Last May my contract as VP ended, and I was not able to renegotiate anything that was acceptable plus I was under extreme stress with the one person between myself and the CEO. We had loud disagreements almost everyday, most concerning proper business practices.

This person is now gone, I now work directly for the CEO, and they are renewing a good contract with me.

That being said it appears from the large number of negative comments here that the person that was in charge after I left took the company in the wrong direction, offended customers, and did several moves that just make no business sense.

So I offer to all of you a place to come and vent, get relief, have an issue fixed. Just IM me. I promise to review and answer every IM that I get personally. If I agree with your want or request I will make sure that it happens. If I do not agree I will at least give you a straight answer.

Sorry for all of the problems that have come up. I will get it all fixed.

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

Bruce ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19963621 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:33:02 EDT