vonage and answering machine issue

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 2

With all due respect to Steve48 - luckily stumbling on a solution by purchasing another device is NOT getting it working - it is avoiding the issue.

If you search Google this is a common problem which Vonage has not successfully addressed. Vonage says "our service is fine - the answering machine is your problem.

My Phonemate answering machine works fine on pots and on other Voip - just not Vonage. It does not even pick up.

People have hypothesised it is due to no "supervisor disconnect" or the multiple busy tone not being recognized. Basically, I have yet to hear a definitive answer as to why, a solution, or even a list of compatible answering machines that can bypass this Vonage issue.

I have the Motorola router and my total ringer equivalence is under 3 - the answering machine is 0.08 REN

Anybody with any answers?

Posts: 174 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Dec 06, 2006 Posts: 174

I have two lines and two answering machines. One is a Sony and the other is a combination AT&T cordless phone/answering machine.

Both Voicemail and Call forwarding is delayed for 30 seconds at the web site.

I have long delays because, when the values are not long enough, the call forwarding and voicemail will snatch the call away even when it has been answered by the machine or a live person. I've been there, done that.

With these 30 second delays, everything works perfectly now.

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

drillw wrote:

With all due respect to Steve48 - luckily stumbling on a solution by purchasing another device is NOT getting it working - it is avoiding the issue.

Actually, I agree. Nevertheless, I'm glad that Azteen found what was a satisfactory solution for him.

Quote:

If you search Google this is a common problem which Vonage has not successfully addressed. Vonage says "our service is fine - the answering machine is your problem.

My Phonemate answering machine works fine on pots and on other Voip - just not Vonage. It does not even pick up.

People have hypothesised it is due to no "supervisor disconnect" or the multiple busy tone not being recognized. Basically, I have yet to hear a definitive answer as to why, a solution, or even a list of compatible answering machines that can bypass this Vonage issue.

I have the Motorola router and my total ringer equivalence is under 3 - the answering machine is 0.08 REN

Anybody with any answers?

I have none. I do know that the VT2442 works with my answering machine and my old RTP300 did as well. That was a Casio. I've also used the VT2442 with two cordless phones with answering machines- an ATT and a Vtech. Whatever is happening with your Motorola adapter and Phonemate doesn't happen with my Motorola and several answering systems.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for the info Steve48; I too am glad for Azteen and thankful there are forums such as this. I tried getting Tier 2 help but after 15 minutes on hold, 5 minutes asking to be transferred to tier 2, they hung up on me. I was even patient and polite..... 8-p

I think I will try Packet 8. That seems a cheaper trial then going out and hunting for an answering machine that *might* work with Vonage. They have the same price plans as Vonage and more bells and whistles. I will try and post if they work out better. www.packet8.net

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

Good luck. I have no idea whether another Voip service will have similar problems with some answering machines. If you have a friend using the other service, it might be interesting to try your answering machine on his/her system before jumping ship.