Way to go Vonage.

Posts: 188 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Mar 07, 2004 Posts: 188

This just in from the Stupid Department, it looks like instead of offering useful new features, Vonage is going to lock in customers by requiring them to sign a contract.

http://www.ipdemocracy.com/archives/002239 vonage_to_give_free_installs_in_exchange_for_contracts.php

If this is done, it will be the last straw for me. Sorry.

Posts: 60 · Full Forum Member Joined: Jan 19, 2006 Posts: 60

Read a little harder... "One strategy Vonage will pursue this year to maintain customer gains is to offer free professional installation in exchange for two-year contracts."

Now, obviously most of here don't require professional installation, but there are some who would benefit from it. Personally, I don't feel free "professional" installation is worth a 2-yr contract, unless they lower their rates by ... maybe half... $6.99/mo & $12.99/mo for a contract term of 2 years? Maybe.

Posts: 44

strange_69 wrote:

This just in from the Stupid Department, it looks like instead of offering useful new features, Vonage is going to lock in customers by requiring them to sign a contract.

http://www.ipdemocracy.com/archives/002239 vonage_to_give_free_installs_in_exchange_for_contracts.php

If this is done, it will be the last straw for me. Sorry.

I'd rather take a sharp stick in the eye than sign a year-long contract. I've been down THAT road before. A contract does NOT benefit the subscriber at all . . . it guarantees that customer service will only get worse, since you're locked in and at their mercy.

Count me out if Vonage goes this route.

Posts: 208 · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:

What's the deal? You obviously read above that it's only a part of a promotion where you get a complimentary installation of your device. As the previous person said... Most customers won't need this.

It probably costs quite a bit of money to do this promotion, so I'm sure the reason for the contract is so they get a return on their investment - YOU - the customer.

Otherwise, what's stopping the customer from getting this professional installation done and bailing a month after that? Nothing.

Vonage still has to pay the technician to get out there and install the device, so the money is gone.

So, if you don't want a contract, go wiki router installation and junction box disconnection. At least it gives people that need the installation an OPTION.

Posts: 4751 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4751

I agree. I can see where this deal would be perfect for a small percentage of Vonage customers. I wonder if the professional installation will include evaluation of the customer's internet service and connection of house wiring. That would really appeal to some.

Posts: 414 · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:10 pm Post subject:

Steve48 wrote:

I agree. I can see where this deal would be perfect for a small percentage of Vonage customers. I wonder if the professional installation will include evaluation of the customer's internet service and connection of house wiring. That would really appeal to some.

Vonage currently offers professional installation, what they are talking about it changing it from being fee based ($99 per line) to being free for a contract of 2 years. Their current pro-install function would remain the same, that is come out to location and set up the device, disconnect the demarc and connect the Vonage adapter to the home wiring, and install any additional jacks where necessary(additional fee per jack of $45). If there are any issues upon testing they will do basic troubleshooting then contact Vonage and troubleshoot with them to try and find a resolution. They are phone installers, so the home wiring is there main area of expertise.

Posts: 4751 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4751

Thanks. Sounds pretty good for some people.

Posts: 134 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Mar 23, 2005 Posts: 134

Personally, I think it's a very bad idea. There is NOTHING an installer or 'repairer' can do for a poor internet connection coming from the telco or cable operator. So are people gonna get locked into a two year agreement with shoddy service that is out of Vonage's control?

It works for cell service, but that's because the cell carrier is control of their own network. Vonage just doesn't have that control.

Posts: 4751 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4751

It depends on Vonage's attitude about the installation. If the installer checks out the internet service and declares it to be no good, and Vonage insists on sticking to the contract, that would clearly be bad. But if they accepted the word of their own installer and agreed to forget the whole thing if the internet service is bad, then that would clearly be good. We've seen reports from people in here who went for months before finally concluding that it would never work.

Posts: 11 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Oct 01, 2006 Posts: 11

Vonage: Get ready for 7 more outgoing LNPs...I'm out....