AT&T 984 Phone Compatability

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 5

I would like to go with Vonage for my office but I am concerned about equipment compatability. We have five (5) of the AT&T 984, 4-line phones which essentially operate like a key system without the key unit. They intercom, conference, etc. and do this on their own through the telephone wiring.

When we were solicited a year ago by Time Warner Business Class Voip and we got to the discussion of equipment we were told our phones were not compatible with their router.

Does anyone have experience with these phones with Vonage? Will they work? Any issues? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Posts: 22 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Feb 24, 2009 Posts: 22

You should be able to use Vonage, I downloaded the manual for your phones and as long as you know how to split (Separate) the (POTS LINES) you have now. The only change would be Dial-tone from Vonage instead of Local phone Company.

Posts: 183 · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject:

Before you do that... do you use Centrex from the telco to perform PBX style duties?

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks to both of you.

We're currently on Verizon and do not use Centrex to perform any type of PBX functions, rather the phones do this on their own by communicating via the wiring within the office. I had to rewire slightly when we transitioned from our Panasonic Key system (it died) to essentially bring two lines (standard phone company two wire dial tone) via one four wire RJ11 into the back of each phone. While they're not high end phones, they were affordable and offer all the intercom, conference, transfer, and privacy features of a good four line office phone.

I'm installing Vonage tonight at home both for the cost savings and to "kick the tires" on the service prior to changing over what I consider mission critical office lines. My plan is to take a couple of these AT&T 984 phones home over a weekend and hook them up and give them a try to see if they'll work with Vonage and the V-Portal Router.

Posts: 22 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Feb 24, 2009 Posts: 22

Good luck

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 5

An update...

Vonage is installed at home and works great. VERY happy so far with the quality of service and features.

Brought 2 of the AT&T 984 phones home and they work perfectly including all inter-phone communications such as call transfer, intercom, hold, etc.

I have ordered Vonage for the office.

AT&T 984 phones are good to go on Vonage!