"New" RTP300 is bad, they're sending me a refurb o

Posts: 276 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 276

For the last several weeks I've been experiencing some major static on my lines. (VoIP speed tests speeds were great, but QoS was averaging around 45% or so consistently.)

At first, I thought it might be because the RTP300 is plugged in to the same outlet that a bunch of Christmas items are connected via one power strip. When moving it didn't help, and when every possible troubleshooting tip attempted didn't help, I finally got someone from "advanced technical support" to tell me what I believed the problem was all along: my Vonage adapter itself.

I've had this RTP300 since I got it new in February 2006 when signing up with Vonage. Now, nothing Vonage or I can do can get rid of the major static I'm experiencing. So, Vonage's advanced support--someone who actually spoke English, too, thank God--told me they'd send me a replacement adapter. So what do they send? Another RTP300. A refurbished one. Their Email to me tonight confirmed I'm getting a refurbished RTP300 and am to return to them the static-plagued one I currently use.

Maybe it's me, but I'm not too happy that they're replacing what was a new (and now 10-month-old) RTP300 with a refurbished one! When I complained about this to the advanced support rep., he told me that Vonage doesn't send new replacements adapters, only refurbished ones.

I'm wondering if I'm better going out and buying a new one retail and using THAT as my new one.

I'll be a bit surprised if this refurb works better than my current one.

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

Give it a try. You can always buy one at retail later. My RTP300 was great until lightning fried it.

Posts: 276 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 276

Oh, I'm not worried about giving the refurb a try. As I said, I'll be surprised, but not disappointed, if it does.

I'm willing to bet I'll end up having to get a new retail adapter. Which one is the only "difficult" choice I'll face, I guess. The Motorola 2442? Linksys PAP2? Very Happy

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

If you already have a router, then the PAP2 is fine. Otherwise the VT2442 is a good choice.

Posts: 276 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 276

I've already got a main router, so there's no need for me to worry about that. I suppose it doesn't matter which adapter I get--the PAP2 or the 2442.

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

Or the D-link VTA. I'd go on price.

Posts: 276 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 276

I've got a Staples coupon for $20 off any product, so if I go that route, I can get a PAP2 for $39.99 with free next day delivery. Not bad. All this is on hold until I receive the refurb RTP300. I'll see how that thing works.

Posts: 276 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 276

The refurbed RTP300 is supposed to arrive tomorrow. We'll see if it resolves the static problem, which is weird. Today and yesterday, my QoS runs around 78%, which still isn't as high as it should be, IMHO. Over the weekend, it was 40-48%. Yuck!