beta test VT2142 ?

Posts: 61 · Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject: beta test VT2142 ?

Anyone else get an email asking if you wanted to participate in the beta test trial of the VT2142 with Vonage ?

Posts: 497 · Vonage Forum Evangelist Joined: Apr 29, 2005 Posts: 497

I didn't get an email, but does anyone have any information on the VT2142? All I've been able to find is two rebate forms for it:
Circuit City Rebate - $90
Generic Rebate - $50

Posts: 4777 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4777

Me too. It seems to get associated with the VT1005. I wonder if it's another adapter with 1 LAN port?

Posts: 61 · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:44 am Post subject:

Here is the email I received. For whatever reason it just sounds fishy to me.

Dear John Doe (i changed)
We are inviting you to apply to participate in the beta test trial of the new VT2142 single port router with two phone ports for Vonage phone service. For a 30 day beta period, you will be able to use the VT2142 and Vonage Premium Unlimited service at no charge. In return for your participation in the beta program, you will receive a credit of $29.99 on your Vonage account. You may use the credit as you please - toward your phone bill or to try out a Vonage add-on feature such as a virtual number. Your existing Vonage service will continue as normal during the beta trial. We ask that you please apply on or before Tuesday, July 11th. Space is limited. Please read below for detailed information pertaining to the beta trial.

Installation of the VT2142 is very simple. You may connect it to an existing router if you have one, or directly to your broadband modem. The VT2142 offers a single LAN port, so you may connect a PC to it. If your existing Vonage device is a router, you may connect the VT2142 to it; however, you will be required to change the default IP address of the VT2142. Directions will be provided to accomplish that.

As a participant in the beta trial, you will be asked to:

a) Activate your beta device on to a separate beta account with its own unique phone number. This number will only be active for the duration of the beta period. It will be independent of your current Vonage service. A valid credit card will be required for activation. Your credit card will only be charged for any international calls or 411 calls that you make.

b) Provide weekly feedback via an on-line survey regarding your experiences with activation, installation, and usage of the phone and various Vonage calling features.

Upon successful completion of the beta program, we will credit your main Vonage account $29.99. The conditions for this credit include:

1. Successfully activating and using the VT2142 Single Port Router.
2. Completing the weekly on-line feedback survey.
3. Returning the VT2142 in satisfactory condition. A pre-paid return shipping label will be provided.

To apply to participate, please click on the link below. This link will take you to an application on SurveyMonkey.com.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (i changed)

Thank you for your interest and continued support of Vonage.

You may click on the link below to opt out of this offer or simply disregard this email.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/r.asp?A=xxxxxxxxxxxxx ( I changed)

Posts: 176 · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject:

I received that exact Email. I am leaning on the not going to try it pretty heavily. My wife asked why not and I said that we have not had one single problem in over a year, why invite trouble? Also it is a new number so no one would be calling and I very rarely use the phone. Also I couldn't just plug it into my phone lines, as I need my primary number for our calls. So, it really doesn't leave us with much of an opportunity to test it. My Computer Room is on the second floor, and we spend most of the day on the first, so using a phone up there is more of a hassle than anything else.

And another thing, I don't want to give out my Credit Card info for this test, they already have it on file and charge my bill to it, so what is this? Not liking that.

Posts: 4777 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4777

Sounds pretty phishy.

Posts: 1715 · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:14 am Post subject:

Considering all of the problems and firmware versions we've seen with new adapters (RT31P2 & RTP300 anyone?), this sounds VERY fishy to me. Since when has Vonage tested anything? The RTP didn't even have the right call progress tones/beeps until a good 3-4 months after it shipped. Reading the archives about the RT31P2 makes me think we got off easy with the RTP300 problems. Even the VT2442 has quite a few issues which still need to be resolved.

Posts: 61 · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:17 am Post subject:

I'm still not sure this is really a 'Vonage' email. The mention of a credit card just throws up a flag to me. I NEVER give that kind of info out UNLESS I'm the one who started the wheels rolling to begin with.
If this is not a true Vonage email then how did someone get my email address and associate it with Vonage ? Hopefully Vonage is requesting beta testers for products before they go out. I would just like to find out for sure one way or the other.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 10, 2006 Posts: 1

I got the same e-mail. I responded to the link, it's just a normal survey. No credit card requests. After completing the survey they tell you that they will contact you if they choose you to test.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 22, 2006 Posts: 2

Given that there is no obvious warning on Vonage's site, I suspect this is a valid - if ill-advised offer.

I agree that it's pretty lame.

I already have two fully populated 4 port routers.
Introducing another router into the mix isn't going to happen for a month of free service - unless the device has compelling features - I see none.

This is a single lan port version of the model they are currently giving away for free.

I would have to set it up, attach a phone to it, test, report back to Vonage, and then send it back to Vonage.

I charge my oldest best clients $40/hour for similar services.

Integrating it into *any* existing network and doing even cursory testing is going to take at least a couple hours of my time.

I'm not giving away $80 worth of labor to save $29.99 on my phone bill, to test a sub-featured product on a number that would never be used.

Add to that - whatever negatives Linksys may have, my experiences with them far outshine Moto.

Way to go Vonage tardo's.

Get your crap in one sack before I lose faith in you entirely and move to a different Voip provider in fear of you going under and taking me and my 4 lines with you