KUDZU: Vonage

While they may have a catchy song in their commercials, and the commercials might be amusing, this in no way reflects the quality of their product.

I ordered Vonage and when I began to use it, it dropped calls and went out frequently. This was in no way a dependable line, especially if you are trying to use it for something important, like talking to a client. One could lose clients, and even a JOB if these clients pay to speak to you.

I emailed Vonage to cancel and received no response. Emailed again, no response. And a third time, no response. SO after five days of being ignored, I called and cancelled on the phone.

Now here's the rub: You get an Return Authorization number for the outside of the package to return their equipment, but they charge you 30-some odd dollars until they receive the equipment. Then they return that amount and what you paid to start your service--somewhere around $80. But they do expect YOU to pay to ship the package back. I think that's not the way to give good customer service. Not that it matters to them, since returning equipment means you are not oging to be a customer, and so they dont' have to care.

So I have to go to the post office and pay to send back their equipment.

Buyer Beware: the teechnology is not such that you will have a dependable phone line with any VOIP product--those that use broadband connections for phone service. If your cable goes out, your phone goes out. I had dealt with this before when i tried Cox Cable's Digital phone servvice. I DID LOSE a phone job from that case. And they were horrible at figuring out the technical aspects. Maybe another blog--but sufficeto say, Cox is NOT your friend in the digital age.

A good, old fashioned land-line is still the best way to go. And it's my next action.