I have instructions on how to UNLOCK Linksys PAP2 Adapter.

Posts: 4 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:03 am Post subject: Locked device....

I bought two Linksys PAP2 devices whislt on visit to the USA in february. Carefully reading on the box, all Info I could gather about functionailty was:
"With an appropriate Internet telephone service provider, you'll get clear telephone reception and reliable fax connections, even while using the Internet at the same time for normal data operations."
On the front it says:
Internet Phone Service Start-Up Kit
No Contracts

To me that reads that I can use it with my local VoIP provider.....

Can Vonage tell me why they refuse my use of a device that I have paid a normal list price for ($60) ?

I have full understanding that if I was to - and indeed had the option to use* - Vonage service that they demand full control to provide their service at competitive rates.

So where is the gain for Vonage in not allowing people who have bought the devices to use them ?

I'd even pay a realistic fee to have my device unlocked - say $5. The service could be fully automated, hook up your PAP2 to Internet, logon to Vonage site, pay and go Smile

Automatic unconfiguration.

I and looking at posts on the subject - many more would be happy, Vonage would be richer and credited for being fair.

Brgds

/M@gnus

*Vonage only sells their service to residents of Canada/USA/UK.

Posts: 1389 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:14 am Post subject:

Vonage is not in the hardware selling business, they are in the Voip business....where did you buy the devices from?

Posts: 216 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:15 am Post subject:

I am not sure what the box looked like when you purchased your PAP2s but every one that I have seen says "VONAGE" in huge letters across the front of the box. They also say "VONAGE" on every other side of the box. I am not sure what gave you the indication that it would work with any other service provider.

Posts: 1389 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:18 am Post subject:

Here is also a link to a pciture of their available adapters, and you will see the PAP2..
http://www.vonage.com/help.php?category=38&nav=5

Again, simple research ahead of time, or even asking a salesclerk could have saved you the frustration.

Posts: 4 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:11 am Post subject: The box...

I did buy my PAP2 in a shop on Long Island..

It does say Vonage in several locations on the box.

It doesn't say that it is a Vonage adapter - it says Linksys Adapter.
It says Minimum requirements:
High-speed internet connection(cable/DSL/other)
Broadband Router or Gateway to share internet connection
Standard analog touch-tone telephone or FAX machine

But foremost it states on the most central highlight:
VONAGE
THE BROADBAND PHONE COMPANY
Internet Phone Services Start-Up Kit
*No Contracts<<<<<<<<This is what I read -what does it mean?
*Perfect for Home or Business
*Money Back Guarantee
*Keep your Number

I read every word on that box - and could nowhere find that Vonage was the only VoIP provider that it would work with., took the words "No Contracts" and "With an appropriate Internet telephone service provider, you'll get clear telephone reception and reliable fax connections,"

But then I missed looking at forums beforehand - I just trusted what was printed on the box - had it stated that I had to be a resident of UK/USA/Canda to use it and that a contract with Vonage was required to make it work I would of course not have thought about bying it.

What I'm disappointed with is the lack of that information, and the unwillingness of Vonage to provide the info to allow me to unlock the device which I bought - on the assumption that No Contracts means that I do not need to have a contract with Vonage to use the adapter.

If they offered me a service I would be less upset.... Cool

Posts: 216 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:32 am Post subject:

I guess the difference between us is that when I look at that packaging I assume that VONAGE is the only provider that I can use it with. If I wanted to use the adapter with another company I would read the box and look for confirmation that I could use it with another company. When you look at that packaging you assume that VONAGE is not the only company that you can use it with and read the box looking for anything that says you cannot.

I guess I am just a pessimist. Wink

Posts: 22 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jul 12, 2005 Posts: 22

After a support call with Vonage, this is the response that I recieved.

" Once the device has been activated with Vonage, the web interface is no longer accessible by the customer..."

" All features offered in the normal (not admin) web service are provided through the devices IVR functionality and information..."

" There is no way for us at this time to enable the customer to have access to the device's configuration or informative web interface, sorry"

I would really like to hear if there is any other way to enable this...

Posts: 1389 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:51 am Post subject:

Buy a non-vonage specific pap2-na, if you could get your hands on it.

Posts: 4 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:07 pm Post subject: PAP2-NA

VoipSupply.com sells the unlocked device for $59.99. However, according to DSLReports forums, Vonage won't allow a user to connect one of the unlocked devices to its service.

By the way: Vonage' claim the PAP2 can't be unlocked is BS; it can, they just won't do it.

And, for the record: I paid $60 for my PAP2 when they were first released, I didn't claim any rebate for it and believe I should be able to access all of its features and still keep my service with Vonage, if I so choose. The 'subsidized device' argument doesn't fly with me.

Posts: 1389 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:30 pm Post subject:

Peter,

Well, not quite...If you checked out their site you would see the real issue..
General Information

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THIS PRODUCT

**You must be buying at least 5 of these units to continue with the checkout process**
This product is ONLY available to qualified service providers who sign an authorization agreement with Linksys and will NOT be sold to end-users. Please contact our sales department to discuss the purchase of this product. Call 1-800-398-VOIP to speak with a representative.
IF YOU ARE NOT A SERVICE PROVIDER, DO NOT ORDER THIS PRODUCT AS YOUR ORDER WILL BE CANCELLED.

So, that right there could be a problem.

If you did not claim your rebate, then that is your issue. Rebate or not, you are still in the same boat but could have put the $60 to better use. Your loss. Again, do your homework. If is a Vonage specific device, you know that going into the agreement..

Magnus, No Contract means you are not locked into a 2 year agreement etc, like you would be for say a cellphone etc. But good news for you, there is a wireless Linksys router available in the UK that is unlocked...