ViaTalk Update in ViaTalk

ViaTalk Update in ViaTalk http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21063799 en Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:43:14 EDT Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:43:14 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21271874 tony520 : well viatalk credited my account $1.00. it looked like the fees went up because now they itemize very thing but it is not to bad since they dropped the 911Fee to 0.48 from 1.48]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21271874 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:56:24 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21237314 ptrowski : From what I understand the billing for the $3.45 was from the month before, and will be reflected on the next bill. I could be completely wrong though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21237314 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:07:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21237227 tony520 : they lied!!!!!!!!! there 911 fee did not go down its still 1.48 and i was charged some extra fees this month, viatalk is history]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21237227 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:51:33 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141811 Russell_ :

said by hoolahoous

:

so asking again.. will people having Prepaid annual plan see monthly prices go down by a dollar or not ?

I don't see why it should - you need to take each in it's entirety. I'm on a prepaid and I'm happy that VT has (finally - perhaps on legal advice?) decided not to change my contract from under me (yes, I know about the TOS, and I've always wondered about their legality). If you want to switch to the new model I'm sure VT will be happy to oblige and (my gut feeling is) you'll pay more :-).
--
Russell]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141811 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:55:46 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141803 pstation : Mine appears to have went up $4.10. Looks like I'll be canceling. at $30.50 I may as well get service directly from the phone company.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141803 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:54:12 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141637 pende_tim : OK, here is a question (or 2).

Since the regulatory fees are now being itemized and being paid as line items, why is the "regulatory fee" of $3.45 or 2.45 or what ever still being charged? What is that fee for?

Also why is VT collecting sales tax on the service when they do not have any bricks and mortar in most states?

Tim
--
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141637 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:03:12 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141328 hoolahoous : so asking again.. will people having Prepaid annual plan see monthly prices go down by a dollar or not ?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21141328 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:33:42 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21134829 XPAMD :

said by cdru

:

Plus, why is is there sales tax on a service where the company has no physical presence in my state?

Does your state ask if you've purchased anything on the internet/mail order/ or fax when you do state taxes every year for which sales tax wasn't taken out? If yes then they most certainly can tax you.

The state can legally come after you if they believe you didn't report said purchases which should have been taxed.

Why do you think the state of New York went after, I think it was Vonage?

VT isn't the only one's changing their minds about not charging state sales tax. Not long ago Packet8 began charging sales tax.

That's why I believe they're trying to avoid a legal snafu with any state. Only Brendan can tell us for sure the reasons are, but I bet LEGAL is right at the top of the list.

I don't like it either, but I'll live.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21134829 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:28 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21133549 CajunWon : My guess
the new system allows them to more easily segregate fees such that the State fees can be paid directly to each state, rather than apportioning. $1 of the State fee is already collected within the $3.45, therefore the $3.45 fee is reduced by $1+.
Any way you look at it -it is a fee increase measured by your state and applicable sales tax.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21133549 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:15:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21131131 ptrowski :

said by Russell_

:

What lower fee? Maybe I've missed it but if there has been a single instance of a lower fee, I'd love to hear it since all I've seen (I must admit, I've not read every single post in every thread) are reports of increases in fees. Also, remember if, on the average, fees were going to go down it would not have made business sense for VT to switch to this billing system.

I did ask why my monthly $3.45 was not $2.45. I was told it was for the prior month and the next invoice should show the reduced monthly fees that are charged separately.
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21131131 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:59:14 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21130959 B : 1. I thought ptrowski's fees had already more than doubled.

2. I haven't seen any reports of net-lower fees either.

3. I don't think they switched billing systems primarily in order to implement new tax breakdown, but I could be wrong. So I don't think "business sense" is really the issue; they don't claim to be changing fees again for revenue reasons. The implication, I think, is that their total revenue should not change at all in aggregate.

4. VT has represented or implied that all of its fees, old and new, were entirely necessary and passed on to governments and agencies. Whether one takes that as gospel or not is another story. So one would think that the new billing method should make things crystal clear to each user, but I don't think it's working out that way.

5. There's really no way for us users to tell unless lots of people come by to report their new fee totals. It's a lot easier to simply either trust or distrust what Brendan says. Pick your poison. Personally I believe what he's written, even if I still don't understand the basis for the various baloney fees.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21130959 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:24:16 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21130895 Russell_ : What lower fee? Maybe I've missed it but if there has been a single instance of a lower fee, I'd love to hear it since all I've seen (I must admit, I've not read every single post in every thread) are reports of increases in fees. Also, remember if, on the average, fees were going to go down it would not have made business sense for VT to switch to this billing system.
--
Russell]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21130895 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:11:00 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21129807 ptrowski : I thought it would be once you renew but could be wrong.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21129807 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:11:22 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21128936 hoolahoous : So I am confused. Do people with annual plan get to see the lower fee or not ? I got charged standard $3.45 this month too.

506120 Fri Sep 12 07:46:57 UTC 2008 Regulatory Recovery Fee $3.45 ----]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21128936 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:53:26 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124298 VTBrendan : Hi,

What we believe this to be is a uncompleted call, not beginning with a 1, of an incorrect number of digits, that would if the proper length be an international call (or something like this? I got a brief explanation) billing out at an international rate (likely while nothing other than an error message is being played back by the upstream provider). Shoot support an email or a call, or PM me and I'll take care of it for you personally. This issue is already resolved in our new platform.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124298 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:30:28 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124277 dcurrey : Log into the CP and clink on transactions. You should see what it was.

This happened to me also. Only for $0.10. They seem to think I called Afghanistan. Not to much trouble getting it resolved.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124277 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:25:56 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124001 johnzprecisi : I just received this email charging my credit card one cent. All my fees are paid up anyone have an idea what this is about.
========= GENERAL INFORMATION =========

Merchant : VIATALK
Date/Time : 17-Sep-2008 01:16:13 AM
Transaction ID : xxxxxxxxxx

========= ORDER INFORMATION =========
Invoice Number : xxxxx-xxxx
Description : Phone Service
Total : US $0.01
Payment Method : Visa]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21124001 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:33:07 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21123883 cdru : Just got my final invoicing for September:

Thu Sep 11 05:15:59 UTC 2008 Regulatory Recovery Fee $3.45
Wed Sep 17 05:00:21 UTC 2008 Renewed package [4184 - VTUnlimited] - 1 Month $22.95
Wed Sep 17 05:07:04 UTC 2008 Sales Tax $1.73
Wed Sep 17 05:07:05 UTC 2008 FUSF (VoIP) $1.70
Wed Sep 17 05:07:05 UTC 2008 Telecommunications Relay Service Surcharge $0.03
Wed Sep 17 05:07:05 UTC 2008 E911 Tax $0.70

So not only do I still not have my referral discount (3 * 10%) showing up that was suppose to be in place months ago, but now it looks like I'm being charged twice for fees for an extra $4.16. Even if the double fees were a "mistake", my "savings" is a increase of $.71. I'm happy to announce that every month I continue to get more and more frustrated with ViaTalk's billing department.

Plus, why is is there sales tax on a service where the company has no physical presence in my state?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21123883 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:58:12 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21116064 psevge : I got that amount as a response to a ticket. I have sent you the ticket ID via PM.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21116064 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:47:45 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21115955 VTBrendan : Hi,

Can you send me your VT number so I can check on that? That $1.48 should be $.48

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21115955 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:33:49 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21115196 psevge : For California (I am on the annual package, month-to-month should not be very different), this is what I got,

per month fee,

Regulatory Recovery Fee $1.97
E911 Cost Recovery Fee $1.48

Total: $3.45

per year fee

CASF $0.54
CA High Cost Fund A $0.28
Telecommunications Relay Service Surcharge $0.43
Universal Lifeline Telephone Service Charge $2.47
CA Teleconnect Fund $0.17
State High Cost Fund $0.54
E911 Tax $1.10
P.U.C. Fee $0.39
FUSF (VoIP) $14.80

Total: $20.72]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21115196 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:02:00 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112207 ptrowski :

said by mogulman

:

So your fees are $7.09 ?? Wow!!!

Here is how it comes across. The increase was on the second bill. I assume it is the taxes. The month before it was $22.95

Description : Phone Service
Total : US $3.45
Payment Method : Visa

Description : Phone Service
Total : US $26.59
Payment Method : Visa
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112207 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:19:07 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112185 mogulman :

said by ptrowski

said by B

said by ptrowski

:

I got my invoice, looks like I went up $3.64 this month.

Went up to $3.64 from $3.45, or went up by $3.64?

-- B

Up by $3.64

So your fees are $7.09 ?? Wow!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112185 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:15:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112153 ptrowski :

said by B

said by ptrowski

:

I got my invoice, looks like I went up $3.64 this month.

Went up to $3.64 from $3.45, or went up by $3.64?

-- B

Up by $3.64]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112153 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:08:33 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112114 B :

said by ptrowski

:

I got my invoice, looks like I went up $3.64 this month.

Went up to $3.64 from $3.45, or went up by $3.64?

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21112114 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:58:57 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21111988 ptrowski : I got my invoice, looks like I went up $3.64 this month.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21111988 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:25:10 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108655 kieranmullen : For those who like living on the edge, rollercoasters etc. »www.ooma.com/ might look good for $249 which isn't bad for 1 year if unlimited service and If they do last more than 1 year hey no extra fees. :-) I have 3 providers now. Do I really need one more? hmm... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108655 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:42:20 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108081 B : That's cool. Of course you don't owe us any of that information, but I appreciate any you can provide or share.

Transparency is almost always good...

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108081 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:27:48 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108059 VTBrendan : There actually are specific and exact ways that certain things have to be presented and worded on customers invoices, I'll see if I can dig any specific examples up on Monday.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108059 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:23:47 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108029 B : Thanks for the PM, Brendan. Yup, I see that the new approach and billing system, going forward, is to make things more localized and accurate.

I was primarily referring to the older (current) $3.45 fees as going into a single (presumed on my part) pool. Whether or not that's entirely true, I gather that VT could no longer get away with averaging (again a presumption on my part) its various tax obligations into single-priced fees?

It does stink for those whose bills will creep up; I do realize that others may go down.

But in the end it doesn't matter if your service is good and your overall total price is competitive.

I take it that the gist of your more "controversial" post above is that regardless of how providers "eat" or ignore the local tax obligations, governments may come calling at any time. Personally I prefer to see a single total price cross-country rather than endless itemizations of real and imagined government fees (this "RRF" stuff is particularly repugnant), but it appears the tide ain't changing except for a few remaining pay-one-price providers.

In the past I and others have made the argument that your expenses are your expenses, and that none of the various government fees requires that you bill and itemize them separately. But I can understand if you prefer it that way or if reality dictates you do it that way.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21108029 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:16:44 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107935 VTBrendan :

said by B

:

It's still not clear to me, and I'm still of the opinion that all the add-on fees are "baloney" in nature in that they are (or have been) added to a single pool of expenses, but some information is better than no information, and I appreciated his comments.

-- B

While I understand it's easy to think that way because it makes the guy taking the money from the customer the bad guy, it really isn't the case. I'll PM you a few things related to this that might help make things more apparent.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107935 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:52:20 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107905 VTBrendan :

said by dipswich

:

I guess USF isn't really the biggest topic of the thread. But, USF, E911 and tax collections are the same. As long as it gets paid, it doesn't have to get itemized to the consumer.

I know you made a point about not accusing anyone, but that language is one of the oldest ploys in the political playbook for making an accusation while distancing for accountability purposes. It just struck me as dowdry to mention VoicePulse and "states... going back and collecting taxes in arrears" in the same sentence, then following it up with "Some appear to be choosing to not [remit taxes]".

The question posed to me specifically compared us to VP, hence their inclusion in my response, and I dont believe I made any sort of comment implying that I have any sort of clue what is actually going on there, as I don't.

I was simply listing some of the potential pitfalls that can come along with a state or counties inability, at least what I would consider anyways, to properly manage the situation, yet somehow infallible ability to go back and collect no matter how poorly or nonsensically things were done in the first place, can cause.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107905 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:46:14 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107774 B : I'm not usually one to pipe in with this frequent thought, but... bashing what VTB said in candor certainly won't encourage him to be more forthcoming in the future.

I really doubt he was counting on disparaging or damaging a particular competitor (as if a simple comment here could); instead he was offering a rare glimpse inside his own operation, and on the tax situation all of them face.

It's still not clear to me, and I'm still of the opinion that all the add-on fees are "baloney" in nature in that they are (or have been) added to a single pool of expenses, but some information is better than no information, and I appreciated his comments.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107774 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:19:29 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107723 anon : I agree fully with dipswich.

Seems to me that VT has enough problems of its own---as shown by the very fact that this VT forum exists and is so well used---that VT should strenuously avoid even the appearance of dissing some other company.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107723 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:10:19 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107493 dipswich : I guess USF isn't really the biggest topic of the thread. But, USF, E911 and tax collections are the same. As long as it gets paid, it doesn't have to get itemized to the consumer.

I know you made a point about not accusing anyone, but that language is one of the oldest ploys in the political playbook for making an accusation while distancing for accountability purposes. It just struck me as dowdry to mention VoicePulse and "states... going back and collecting taxes in arrears" in the same sentence, then following it up with "Some appear to be choosing to not [remit taxes]".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21107493 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:09:02 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105874 VTBrendan : Hi,

I may have misinterpreted the gist of the conversation, however I thought we were basically specifically *not* talking about FUSF? Also I made it a point to say that I wasn't accusing anyone of anything as I try not to pretend to know the internal workings of organizations of which I am not privy to inside knowledge.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105874 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:33:47 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105718 dipswich : Whether the item is line-itemed on the bill (charged separately) or just paid by the provider based on revenue, it doesn't matter how the gets the money. The rules make it clear ("may") that providers don't have to pass along USF costs.

§ 54.712 Contributor recovery of universal service costs from end users.

(a) Federal universal service contribution costs may be recovered through interstate telecommunications-related charges to end users. If a contributor chooses to recover its federal universal service contribution costs through a line item on a customer's bill the amount of the federal universal service line-item charge may not exceed the interstate telecommunications portion of that customer's bill times the relevant contribution factor.

(b) [Reserved]

[67 FR 79533, Dec. 30, 2002, as amended at 68 FR 15672, Apr. 1, 2003; 71 FR 38797, July 10, 2006]

I thought you, as a competitor, would avoid any insinuations, even though you may not have intended it as such.

said by VTBrendan

:

I'm not quite certain what stance VP is taking on this, but they are likely required to be collected and the states have no problem in going back and collecting the taxes in arrears for several years and forcing payment even if they were not collected to begin with.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105718 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:47:35 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105486 VTBrendan : Not sure I follow. Are you referring to what you quoted, or my post above?

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105486 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:47:02 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105458 NY Tel :

said by burris

said by Luv2Camp

:

Shop around, overall I cannot find the same service for anything close to what I am paying Viatalk for.

And I know that I would never be able to get such a fast response and action from Time Warner's CEO than I have had with Viatalk!

If you let your fingers do the walking and look at the forums, you might be surprised to see other favorable options.

Agreed. Don't you just think that this graphic is appropriate in this instance?

To believe or not believe....that is the question....

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105458 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:40:35 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105431 VTBrendan : Hi,

I'm not quite certain what stance VP is taking on this, but they are likely required to be collected and the states have no problem in going back and collecting the taxes in arrears for several years and forcing payment even if they were not collected to begin with. We have been dealing with this exact scenario in NYS as of late.

I don't want to throw out any sort of accusations because I don't know the inner workings outside of my own company, but basically what it up is the various regulatory bodies that setup and enforce these taxes have put them in place, and its your responsibility to remit them. Some appear to be choosing to not do this. Ignoring them may possibly make things better in the short term, but just because you didn't collect them in a given month doesn't remove your responsibility to remit them.

This is a scenario that could likely cause serious financial stress on a provider if not handled correctly, especially smaller ones (say future 9 for example, who is in 'beta' but still legally required to both provide 911 and remit taxes and fees for the services provided) who either don't care to or don't have the resources to handle the level of complexity involved.

This is a bit long winded, and not as exact as it could be, but this is a sensitive subject to comment on given the various ways its being handled, especially in regards to another company.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105431 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:34:37 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105349 nycityny :

said by VTBrendan

:

I can absolutely assure you that as much as you don't want to pay these taxes, I likely just as much don't want to have to collect them, do all the associated filing and paperwork, and remit them, while at the same time having to explain to our customers who may leave as a result that we don't really have much in the way of control over this. Not trying to make a sob story out of this, just trying to get across that we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't have to, as it doesn't help us in the least bit.

Just curious. Why do you have to start charging the taxes and VoicePulse does not? I still pay $26.49 to them which is $24.99 plus 6% for FUSF. Nothing else.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105349 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:17:36 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105067 VTBrendan : Hi,

In the meantime if you send in a ticket or call up our support team, they have the ability to pull this info up for you.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21105067 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:00:09 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104861 GVG : Ok]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104861 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:08:03 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104848 VTBrendan : Hi,

I will have an update for you on that, on Monday. Also, I'll send an email to the guy working on it now so that I don't forget.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104848 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:05:55 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104758 GVG : What happened to the web page we were promised last week that would let us see what our new fees would be?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104758 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:43:52 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104492 VTBrendan :

said by jubangy

:

If one of the fees was supposed to go down how come my total bill went up $6. I used to pay 22.95 a month, plus the 3.45 bs fee, now I look and was charged 32 and some change, but the email I received about my package being due said 22.95 go figure. VTBrendan can you please answer this?
The shit from vt in the last couple months I think it is time to shop around.

Hi,

If you PM me your VT number I can look at it and see whats up. It really depends upon where you are located and how many and what amounts are charged by the various tax jurisdictions that you may reside within. We have not added anything that we are not required to collect and are remitting along to the various entities that impose the tax. I can absolutely assure you that as much as you don't want to pay these taxes, I likely just as much don't want to have to collect them, do all the associated filing and paperwork, and remit them, while at the same time having to explain to our customers who may leave as a result that we don't really have much in the way of control over this. Not trying to make a sob story out of this, just trying to get across that we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't have to, as it doesn't help us in the least bit.

Edit: I found your number so I will PM you related to this, and you can post specific information should you choose to. Can you PM me the email you got as well? I want to make sure that these are updated to properly reflect everything. Thanks!

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21104492 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:41:18 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21103222 dcurrey : Can you post a breakdown what what fees are being charged?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21103222 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:39:34 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21102649 jubangy : If one of the fees was supposed to go down how come my total bill went up $6. I used to pay 22.95 a month, plus the 3.45 bs fee, now I look and was charged 32 and some change, but the email I received about my package being due said 22.95 go figure. VTBrendan can you please answer this?
The shit from vt in the last couple months I think it is time to shop around.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21102649 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:46:32 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21098818 jester121 : Don't forget, Brendan has a $1000/hour consultant to advise him on this.

»Re: VTBrendan: Thoughts on recent billing issues and [new] CP

Seems to me that most companies pay taxes to each state/local taxing authority with money they get from people who use the goods/services in that particular state/local taxing authority. Now government generally doesn't care how you do the ciphering as long as they get their money, but this has to be an accounting nightmare, and any auditor in the world would have a field day with it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21098818 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:33:02 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21097619 anon :

said by jester121

said by asdf123456789 :

I'm kind of curious why

Be honest, you aren't REALLY curious are you? :D

I am curious, actually, and I would rather like to have an answer to the question. Although it seems all of the VT reps are avoiding this topic like the plague now...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21097619 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:14:25 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094179 ptrowski :

said by B

said by ptrowski

said by gtojim

:

Net2phone charges me $2.53 for E911 and taxes. VT has been charging $3.45.

I just closed my VT account so I will not know if VT's new system would have increased or lowered my taxes/fee's.

The $3.45 is for the USF and E911, not taxes.

No idea, I am not their accountant. :)
Could it be something in good faith to help offset the taxes? Maybe. Could it be your scenario? Maybe. Could it be something else? Maybe. I really don't know.

But slowly providers seem to be passing the taxes along. Lingo has a thread in the main forum about it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094179 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:55:28 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094155 B :

said by ptrowski

said by gtojim

:

Net2phone charges me $2.53 for E911 and taxes. VT has been charging $3.45.

I just closed my VT account so I will not know if VT's new system would have increased or lowered my taxes/fee's.

The $3.45 is for the USF and E911, not taxes.

Well that can't be true, now can it? It seems clear now (since the E911 fee is being reduced) that either the E911 fee always included non-E911 related expenses, or that it was all one big bundle of charges (nominal subscription + baloney fee 1 + baloney fee 2) out of which VT paid its various expenses including taxes.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094155 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:51:07 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094140 ptrowski :

said by gtojim

:

Net2phone charges me $2.53 for E911 and taxes. VT has been charging $3.45.

I just closed my VT account so I will not know if VT's new system would have increased or lowered my taxes/fee's.

The $3.45 is for the USF and E911, not taxes. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094140 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:48:40 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094136 B : If the crazy bill reports from Vonage and Lingo users are any indication, at least some people in some localities are going to see their bill jump a LOT when this happens.

I guess VT has been "averaging" their tax costs to date, embedding them in the main rate and/or the various baloney fees they charge.

I'd kind of like it to stay that way for consistency's sake. :( But man we've come a long way from single payment Bottom-Line(SM) pricing.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21094136 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:48:06 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21093815 gtojim : Net2phone charges me $2.53 for E911 and taxes. VT has been charging $3.45.

I just closed my VT account so I will not know if VT's new system would have increased or lowered my taxes/fee's. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21093815 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:52:51 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21092553 ptrowski :

said by DrFillster

:

Okay guys,

Help me out here: after going through the BS-o-meter, this is really an increase in the bill??

I thought our e911 was going down?

I think e911 is going down to offset the increase in taxes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21092553 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:32:03 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21092160 DrFillster : Okay guys,

Help me out here: after going through the BS-o-meter, this is really an increase in the bill??

I thought our e911 was going down?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21092160 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:31:32 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21076272 digger16309 :

said by N9MD

:

Obviously, there are one or more VoIP providers out there that will fit the collective responses given by each of us. ... And the optimal choice may not always be VT.

Actually, I was thinking that for each of those, the optimal choice may never be VT.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21076272 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:06:11 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21074581 TexasPlus :

said by N9MD

:

Obviously, there are one or more VoIP providers out there that will fit the collective responses given by each of us. ... And the optimal choice may not always be VT.

Especially at renewal time....
The percentage of churn is a very good indicator of how well any service in any industry is meeting the customers needs.
--
"The world is a book; those who do not travel read but a single page." -St. Augustine]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21074581 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:06:21 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21071042 N9MD :

said by Luv2Camp

First off, welcome to the BBR Forums, Luv2Camp ... and congrats on your first post. I will now proceed to rip it apart. :) ... [Only foolin'!] ;)

If VT suits your personal calling needs and usage, and if the quality and reliability of the VT service has been acceptable to you, and if your questions and problems have been speedily resolved by the VT CEO and/or customer service--- then we are all happy for you, really --- and there is no "argument" with your "higly personalized" post.

But, from a broader perspective of folks with a wide variety of needs and usage patterns, your comments are too vague. Peruse the list below, which is essentially a questionaire wherein the responses to each line will guide a potential VoIP customer to the VoIP provider that is closest to meeting his/her needs. You may find that, for many, VT is not the best economic or functional choice. And keep in mind that the 2-for-1 VT deal (Buy One Year Get One Year Free) is not ongoing for subsequent years.

• Primary vs. Backup line use for VoIP?

• Complete replacement for PSTN line?

• Monthly call volume (incoming & outgoing) --- low use under 200 to 500 minutes/month or high use > 500 min/mo --- lots of incoming with few outgoing or visa versa?

• Fixed monthly or annual plan vs per minute plans?

• Local area calls vs Nationwide? International calls?

• Feature requirements: Call Forwarding, Call Return, Call Treatments, Call Waiting, Caller ID with Blocking, Anonymous Call Rejection, Click-to-Dial, Speed Dial, SIP-to-SIP Calling, Free In-Network Calling, etc.

• Skilled Techie looking for a BYOD that can be "played with" by end-user vs. "out of the box" setup with no need to fiddle?

• Need for E911?

• Traditional telephone handset use vs Softphone use (usually for those who travel alot) vs Fixed Location with the computer always on (ala MagicJack)?

• Most important, does the end user have a high expectation that the phone line will be working 24/7 for incoming and outgoing calls ... connecting every time with clear audio?

Obviously, there are one or more VoIP providers out there that will fit the collective responses given by each of us. ... And the optimal choice may not always be VT.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21071042 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:18:55 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070851 jester121 :

said by Luv2Camp

:

And I know that I would never be able to get such a fast response and action from Time Warner's CEO than I have had with Viatalk!

I can't imagine choosing a phone company based on whether or not the CEO selectively responds to inquiries on a third party internet forum. Although, I guess given the issues VT has had over the past year the CEO's PR skills are important for their survival.

In 3+ months with Comcast's $20 phone service, I haven't had to call anyone for help with anything, and it hasn't even occurred to me to hunt out an internet forum to discuss their service -- because for every single call the service works the entire time we're on the phone!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070851 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:37:14 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070823 burris :

said by Luv2Camp

If you let your fingers do the walking and look at the forums, you might be surprised to see other favorable options. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070823 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:28:46 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070727 N9MD :

said by jester121

said by asdf123456789 :

I'm kind of curious why

Be honest, you aren't REALLY curious are you? :D

Perhaps the word you are looking for is "incredulous". :uhh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070727 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:09:21 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070660 Luv2Camp : Shop around, overall I cannot find the same service for anything close to what I am paying Viatalk for.

And I know that I would never be able to get such a fast response and action from Time Warner's CEO than I have had with Viatalk!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070660 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:55:20 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070265 jester121 :

said by asdf123456789 :

I'm kind of curious why

Be honest, you aren't REALLY curious are you? :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21070265 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:23:59 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21068925 anon : I'm kind of curious why the fee increase we experienced in January took effect basically immediately (»ViaTalk Fee Increase Notification), while this e911 fee decrease will not take effect until our contract renews.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21068925 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:01:14 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066194 TexasPlus :

said by XPAMD

said by TexasPlus

:

The number of bills/charges has been reduced, but I am still getting one bill/charge per month for my second virtual phone number, and a separate bill/charge per month for the "other fees". Are you folks ever going to get to the one bill/charge per month we have discussed? With merchant fees charged per transaction that seems it would save VT a bundle of money each month....

All you gotta do is either call 'em or submit a ticket asking they be consoliated, and they'll usually are able to do so.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Now what seems so crazy to me is that if the current billing system can do this, then why in the world haven't they done it to everyone with a virtual phone number? The ROI is pretty obvious. For round numbers, if VT has 10,000 customers that have a virtual phone number, and they can save 20 cents per customer by consolidated billing, that amounts to $2,000/month $24,000/yr being pissed away.
--
"The world is a book; those who do not travel read but a single page." -St. Augustine]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066194 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:29:59 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066131 dcurrey : Simple solution stop collecting prepaid on account you have no way of collected taxes and fees for. No problems with people complaining about why they get charged $2.50 a month.

If you want a 2 year contract (199 two year type deal) have people sign up for one. But bill them the $16.58 plus taxes and fees. Hell I would even allow the 50 early cancellation to be held by VT as a deposit. Why should I float a free loan to account that is not truly prepaid nor price locked in.

But personally after a couple years I think you could just lose the early term fee altogether. We show loyalty why not you.

Ok I am ranting and not really sure what this has to do with this thread.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21066131 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:13:51 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21065929 XPAMD :

said by TexasPlus

All you gotta do is either call 'em or submit a ticket asking they be consoliated, and they'll usually are able to do so.

As for the 911 fee, each muni 911 is usually only a few cents per line. I wouldn't be surprised if the telco's are eating part of the cost that the required fee goes towards.

Unfortunately VT has to use a 3rd Party to route 911 calls to the correct PSAP, unlike PSTN which bascially has dedicated trucks in the local co to the 911 call center. Which in turn cost's more. Hence why we were being charged more.

However I wonder if VT is only supposed to be charging for what the local municpality requires.

Letting a 3rd party handle this makes good business since states are now suing to get their taxes collected, and in turn heading any future legal conundrums headed off at the pass.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21065929 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:34:05 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064621 TexasPlus :

said by VTBrendan

:

Hi,

I will do my best to have some sort of system that allows you to check things before Tues, but we're not adding anything that we're not absolutely required to by law (trust me, as much as you don't want to pay this crap, I don't want to have to collect them even more), and we're reducing our 911 fee that offsets e-911 costs and eating more of those to help offset any increase someone might see. It will likely be just about the same as you would see anywhere else.

-Brendan

On a related billing topic: Long ago in a land far away (a year ago August?) you said that all fees/charges/extras/etc would be consolidated so that only one bill per month would be sent out covering items not included in the yearly price.

The number of bills/charges has been reduced, but I am still getting one bill/charge per month for my second virtual phone number, and a separate bill/charge per month for the "other fees". Are you folks ever going to get to the one bill/charge per month we have discussed? With merchant fees charged per transaction that seems it would save VT a bundle of money each month....
--
"The world is a book; those who do not travel read but a single page." -St. Augustine]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064621 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:30:18 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064496 kieranmullen : Gradual phase in of course. Might be painful at first but really it looks pretty silly billing .80 every month... Almost as silly as Amazon billing me $1 a month for their s3 cloud storage. However I uploaded everything I have this week so it should be a bit more now.

said by cdru

said by kieranmullen

:

Raise the bottom line price and be done with this mess. Look better and save the pain of billing it monthly and answering questions about it from clients.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064496 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:04:50 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064463 cdru :

said by kieranmullen

:

Raise the bottom line price and be done with this mess. Look better and save the pain of billing it monthly and answering questions about it from clients.

Playing Devil's Advocate...

If they separate fees from the service price, if fees go up they are able to adjust fees quicker (read: before your contract is up). If there was just one fee, they would either have to eat the cost until your contract was up, ask for more money monthly, or void the contract/refund your money and have you sign a new one. The first is the most consumer friendly but obviously costs the most. The last two are the least friendly for the consumer and you'd likely piss off a good deal of your user base if you attempted it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064463 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:59:11 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064297 VTBrendan : Hi,

I don't know about specific localities, however when I am able to get that system online people will be able to check on their specific location. If the state requires it to be collected, it will be there, if not, then no. I do know that where we are in NY requires it from examples that I have seen go through in testing.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064297 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:33:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064279 pende_tim : Does this mean we will be charged State Sales tax in, lets say, NJ? or lets say NC?
--
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064279 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:31:29 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064208 kieranmullen : Yes. I know it costs .20 per transaction for my merchant account. So it just seems silly to either 1)Bill it every month or 2) Bill it at all.

Raise the bottom line price and be done with this mess. Look better and save the pain of billing it monthly and answering questions about it from clients.

said by VTBrendan

:

Hi,

Certain stuff is supposed to be billed up front and some stuff is supposed to be applied monthly. I don't have the info readily available right now on specifically what is what, but if I can round it up I'd be happy to share it with you guys.

-Brendan

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064208 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:19:42 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064172 VTBrendan : Hi,

Certain stuff is supposed to be billed up front and some stuff is supposed to be applied monthly. I don't have the info readily available right now on specifically what is what, but if I can round it up I'd be happy to share it with you guys.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064172 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:14:16 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064159 kieranmullen : Although I think users should get a credit for the overcharging of the fees in the fast... I have another comment.

How much does Viatalk spend billing it monthly? If you have to pay taxes, why not pay it once a year, 3 months 6 months etc... I would imagine that it costs something to bill that out every month.

If it is illegal to hold onto the tax money for the year (you could get getting interest on it through the bank) then why not include it in the cost of the service?

0.48 x 12 (subtracting savings from 1 bill and interest gained) + $199.
--
KieranMullen
»360oregon.com

IP/Website Tools
»ip.drlinky.com

Please place your review on viatalks service here
»Company entry - ViaTalk]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064159 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:12:40 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064104 VTBrendan : Hi,

I will do my best to have some sort of system that allows you to check things before Tues, but we're not adding anything that we're not absolutely required to by law (trust me, as much as you don't want to pay this crap, I don't want to have to collect them even more), and we're reducing our 911 fee that offsets e-911 costs and eating more of those to help offset any increase someone might see. It will likely be just about the same as you would see anywhere else.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064104 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:04:11 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064084 mogulman : Are we going to be able to see what our fees/taxes will change to when the system rolls out? Even if we are on a grandfathered fee rate and have 6 months-1year left on our contract?

Just want to see if things are going to go up or down (assuming up), when my contract is up.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064084 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:00:57 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064053 VTBrendan :

said by Aveamantium

said by VTBrendan

:

Hi,

There are certain taxes and fees that are dependent upon the dollar amount charged (such as sales tax, etc. if a certain state or municipality requires it) that require the system to be rolled out in the fashion we have dictated in the email.

-Brendan

I'm on my BOGO offer still but I already renewed for next year a few months ago. My renewal will begin at the end of this month so will the new or old fee apply to my situation?

Hi,

Whatever you are currently paid through would be the date that changes would take affect upon, so you're all set as per what you agreed to until you renew. Upon renewal you will see what should be right on par with all other compliant services available on the market.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064053 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:55:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064031 Aveamantium :

said by VTBrendan

I'm on my BOGO offer still but I already renewed for next year a few months ago. My renewal will begin at the end of this month so will the new or old fee apply to my situation?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064031 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:52:26 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064020 GVG : Unfair to charge one set of taxes and fees to one set of customers and another set of fees to others, even if they are in the same state and town and have the same tax rates.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064020 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:51:46 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064008 VTBrendan : Hi,

There are certain taxes and fees that are dependent upon the dollar amount charged (such as sales tax, etc. if a certain state or municipality requires it) that require the system to be rolled out in the fashion we have dictated in the email.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064008 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:50:05 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063992 Aveamantium : IMHO, the "fairest" thing that VT could do would make the change for everyone at the beginning of next month.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063992 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:48:15 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063965 GVG : If I just renewed my contract for another year does that mean I am going to have to keep paying 1.48 until my next renewal? If so that is completly unfair.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063965 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:43:45 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063889 VTBrendan : Hi,

Its not that you've been overcharged, its that things will now be itemized on your invoice more accurately. The overall cost of providing the 911 service with everything included is well above the previous $1.48 mark, however we are 'eating' a good chunk of that cost.

-Brendan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063889 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:30:33 EDT Re: ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063858 cdru :

said by ptrowski

:

Upon service renewal, the 'Enhanced 911 Fee' currently being assessed to your account will be lowered from $1.48 per month to $0.48 per month.

Hmmm...you mean we've been overcharged $1/month for a fee? Where did that $1 go each month?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063858 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:24:32 EDT ViaTalk Update http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063799 ptrowski : To Our Valued Customer,

ViaTalk is happy to announce that we have partnered with BillSoft, Inc., the leading provider of transaction tax products and services. We have implemented their EZTax platform to provide more accurate and compliant telecommunications tax information and charges for our customers. This platform allows us to maintain the ever changing regulatory environment affecting the VoIP telecommunications industry on a national, state, and local level.

Implementation of this platform will result in more detailed and accurate information regarding the various taxes and fees that are required to be collected and remitted based upon the tax jurisdiction you are located in appearing on your ViaTalk invoice. We are happy to be able to provide this level of details to our customer, allowing them to see exactly what is being taxed and why, as well where it is going, putting us on par with other regulatory compliant providers and eliminating any potential confusion along the way.

The change will take effect on the next renewal date of your ViaTalk service plan after Tuesday, Sept. 9th, and will be reflected in the invoice generated at that time. The taxes and fees assessed will change to more accurately reflect the necessary remittances based upon your local tax jurisdiction requirements. Upon service renewal, the 'Enhanced 911 Fee' currently being assessed to your account will be lowered from $1.48 per month to $0.48 per month.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please feel free to contact support via email at support@viatalk.com, and thank you for choosing ViaTalk!

-The ViaTalk Team
»www.ViaTalk.com
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063799 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:16:56 EDT