Any Rumors Yet on Call Blocking Feature?

Posts: 533 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject:

Exactly, that's where the whitelists come in. I wouldn't expect Vonage to implement something like that anytime soon.

Posts: 422 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject:

What amazes me the most is that Vonage has all these advanced features that traditional phone companies don't even dream of (simulring, etc.), yet something as simple as Call Block is still not available.

Think about it-- a number blacklist or whitelist is nothing more than a simple ACL (access control list). A call comes inbound to a Vonage subscriber and their system makes a number of decisions on routing, which phones should ring, how long it rings before going to voicemail, is call rejected for anonymous source, etc. etc.... or if a number is not valid, they play a message and the call is not completed.

So what is so hard about saying (a) this inbound caller is on a blacklist, so play a message and don't complete the call; or (b) in the case of whitelist-only service, if the originating phone number is not on the whitelist, play a message and don't complete the call.

One would think this is such a simple, rudimentary problem to solve that I cannot imagine why it isn't implemented.

Posts: 42 · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: My 1 year commitment is up

I've been with Vonage 1 year now and so far I love the service.

BUT . . . and this is a big BUT . . . the lack of selective call blocking is a deal breaker for me and the #1 priority for my selection of my next VOIP provider.

Vonage, you're getting ready to lose another subscriber.

Posts: 422 · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 9:01 am Post subject:

AT&T CallVantage's puny little feature set pales in comparison to Vonage, but even they have Selective Call Blocking. Granted, it does cost $1.99 mo. extra.... but at least they have it.

Posts: 1115 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Nov 08, 2006 Posts: 1115

Another VOIP provider here in Canada has selective call blocking via the web page, but I am not sure how great their service is.

Posts: 422 · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 9:11 am Post subject:

If it wasn't for AT&T's lousy implementation of (their version of) SimulRing, and nearly useless call logs which don't show duration and only go back 60 days, I'd probably switch my primary number over to CV just to get call block. AT&T's call quality is absolutely superior, and so are their support/service reps, who all appear to speak English as a first language.

In spite of their support (which gets an F- in my book, if an F can have a minus), their shaky financials, their tendency toward sleezy marketing tricks and spam, and all the other things we used to love about them but have grown to hate.... I still give Vonage high credit for the number of features they offer, and how well they're implemented. (which is why I'm really confused how they could leave out something so basic as Selective Call Blocking)

Posts: 42 · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 9:16 pm Post subject: I'd be willing to PAY

Jeez . . . I'd be willing to PAY $2.00 a month for selective call blocking. Hear that Vonage ?

If you build it, they will come.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 02, 2008 Posts: 2

I am a former SunRocket customer who converted to TeleBlend when SR went bust. Both have/had selective call blocking and it is a great feature that I have become accustomed to. TeleBlend service has been going downhill lately and I am looking for a landing spot. I was ready to sign on with Vonage until I realized the lack of selective call rejection. For now, I am hanging in there with TB and I am sure there are many more in my same position. Vonage, can you hear me now?

Posts: 114 · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:30 am Post subject:

I'm not sure of the current rules of this forum as the relate to commenting on other services (I've been a member for years, but haven't posted in a while).

All the features you describe, such as scheduled DND (with option to leave VM or force the call through in emergency), call blocking, telemarketer blocking, white lists, blocking certain numbers, etc. are available on VoicePulse (who I switched to a little over a year ago). No limits on white/black lists, no extra costs for using them, and fewer taxes/fees. My monthly bill dropped from $31.xx to $26.49. Both Vonage and VoicePulse have $24.99 "unlimited" packages.

And VoicePulse, for me, has been more reliable.

-Craig

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 02, 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for the tip on VoicePlus. I will keep them in mind. Right now TeleBlend has seemed to stabilize with the exception of a caller ID issue, so I will stick with them a while longer and keep watching for Vonage to get selective call blocking. I have always heard good things about Vonage and hope they eventually get it.

It's a small world???? Screen name of outrun with real name of Craig looks like a former RX300 owner.