Is SunRocket In Its Death Throes?

from the no-more-users dept

Fri, Jul 13th 2007 7:18am — Carlo Longino

Late last month, we reported that SunRocket, the second-biggest independent VoIP company was having some problems as the fundamentally poor economics of the the VoIP business caught up to it, and VoIP patent issues hindered its ability to attract further funding. Now, Broadband Reports says it looks like the company could be finished, as a poster in their forums said it's no longer taking new users. While BBR is treating this as a rumor, the folks there were unable to get the company's order system to work, so it doesn't look good. The burgeoning VoIP patent thicket doesn't help things, but the real issue is the falling cost of voice calls. While companies that can tack VoIP into a bundle -- like cable companies, which are seeing a lot of success with their VoIP offerings -- can make this work, it's not going to get any easier for independent companies. Update: BBR has another report that SunRocket may have laid off all but 20 to 25 of its employees in advance of a sale to the owner of another small VoIP company. Such a deal would, in all likelihood, merely postpone SunRocket's demise rather than prevent it.

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Filed Under: voip
Companies: sunrocket

166 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 13 Jul 2007 @ 8:24am

yeah cable companies charge you 40 bucks a month for the same thing you get at vonage for 25, there is still money to be saved by the consumer.
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- Tom Meier, 18 Jul 2007 @ 9:24pm
  
  SunRocket
  I've been a SunRocket customer for over 2 years and have enjoyed great service, 100% uptime, and great phone features such as caller ID, call forwarding, outstanding calls logs, and all my calls are routed to me via e-mail. It's ashame that they're experiencing problems. I dread the thought of costlier Vonage or Comcast service.
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- Richard Alan, 20 Jul 2007 @ 11:19am
  
  Re: Vonage for 25--not so
  As SunRocket is gone I called Vonage--the price was $25. per month plus a total of $6.13 cents in taxes and other fees.
  The fees: I asked about one for $1.30 per month and was told did not know. Price of $31.13 per month (from $199 per year with sunrocket to 370.+ per year.
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anonymous coward, 13 Jul 2007 @ 9:12am

actually, cable companies (specifically Comcast) charge me $50 /month for a VoIP service with one third the functionality of Vonage...

Luckily (I think?) the Comcast VoIP service is so spotty that I keep requesting service credits and getting them, so I haven't actually paid for the service in a couple of months.
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SP, 13 Jul 2007 @ 9:31am

Umm, screw big cable...
Gee I've been a vonage customer for 3+ years. As have many other loyal Vonage customers. Big cable's VOIP services SUCK ASS compared to vonage. Dont tell me the only business that can provide VOIP is big cable...Christ, it almost sounds like Charter or Comcast just paid you to say that.

SUNrocket sucks but that doesnt mean the other VOIP providers don't have a chance... talk about biased reporting..damnit Techdirt...you continue to piss me off day by day...
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SP, 13 Jul 2007 @ 9:31am

Umm, screw big cable...
Gee I've been a vonage customer for 3+ years. As have many other loyal Vonage customers. Big cable's VOIP services SUCK ASS compared to vonage. Dont tell me the only business that can provide VOIP is big cable...Christ, it almost sounds like Charter or Comcast just paid you to say that.

SUNrocket sucks but that doesnt mean the other VOIP providers don't have a chance... talk about biased reporting..damnit Techdirt...you continue to piss me off day by day...
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- Gid, 13 Jul 2007 @ 10:12am
  
  Re: Umm, screw big cable...
  I've worked in the VoIP Industry for four years. Even my hobbies involve VoIP.
  
  The facts are there. Cable companies are picking up alot of customers from the POTS markets by offering the 'Triple-Play' option to end consumers (Voice, Data, Television). Who wouldn't smack their lips at a $20 million business increase?
  
  SunRocket faces the same problems as everyone else in the VoIP industry, poor economics and lots of competition.
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DJS, 13 Jul 2007 @ 9:59am

Ever tried Sunrocket?
I've read many reports about Vonage and their problems, but I wouldn't say that they suck. Your statements sound biased.

I have used Sunrocket for 2 years and I haven't had problems with them. I also only pay $16/month.
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- Jennifer, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:54am
  
  Re: Ever tried Sunrocket?
  I've been using Sunrocket for about 10 months, and have loved it up until now.
  
  My service no longer works, and when I try to call for service help, the recording simply states that they are no longer accepting service or sales calls, then it disconnects.
  
  I'm a little concerned that this company has already gone out of business, and has neglected to tell it's customers.
  
  Have you had the same problems?
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- Mark, 17 Jul 2007 @ 2:48pm
  
  I liked Sunrocket best -- too bad
  I agree- I had sunrocket 2 years and loved it- best of all I have seen and heard.. too bad!
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- Jaxlinc, 18 Jul 2007 @ 4:24pm
  
  Re: Ever tried Sunrocket?
  Umm, Where is this guy now ? Maybe he went with SunRocket.. down the tubes !
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- Anonymous Coward, 18 Jul 2007 @ 8:51pm
  
  Re: Ever tried Sunrocket?
  sunrockets are thieves. the just got my money couple days ago and now I find out that they are going out of business.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Nyle, 13 Jul 2007 @ 10:06am

Vonage
I've been a Vonage user since 2002. (A year after they were founded.) I still have the same Cisco ATA VoIP box and my service has only had minor interruptions when Vonage has had some server issues. This has affected me making one phone call total so I just used my cell.

My service is like $15 a month for 500 minutes. (You have to use something like 700 each month to justify the unlimited plan. Something I never do.)

I am so tired of the "paid off press" running horror stories about Vonage and other non-big Telco/Cable providers. While I didn't find TechDirt's coverage as telling as some of the larger news outlets it still doesn't help.

Vonage has been running 100% during this wonderful anti-competitive lawsuit from Verizon(Ma Bell) for patents that are so simple they shouldn't' be patents. Vonage has stated that they have work arounds for all of the patent issues. The only thing that will kill Vonage is if everyone in the press keeps talking like they are already dead.
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- Nyle, 13 Jul 2007 @ 10:08am
  
  Re: Vonage
  Quick follow up: If Sunrocket does fold I would hope that somehow their customers could be roller right into another independent VoIP providers user base.
  
  Perhaps, Vonage could pick up all of SunRocket's customers before they end up with a large monopolistic corporation.
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SP, 13 Jul 2007 @ 12:06pm

Bullshit. The "triple play" packages are still insanely expensive. And that $99/month for cable, internet, and phone gimmick usually only lasts for the 1st 3 months, then after that you'll be paying close to $200/month. NO THANKS.

I can get my phone service for $15/month through Vonage. I have DirecTV for TV and DSL for Internet. Sure, I have to use 3 seperate companies to provide these services to me, but combined, it's still far less than Cable's "triple play." Let me do the math. Vonage ($15) + DirecTV ($50) + DSL ($20) = $85. And I'm not on any stupid "limited promotional pricing" where after so many months they raise the rates. Show me a cable company that can offer me these 3 services for UNDER $85 a month...and where they promise me that rate, FOREVER. It's not gonna happen.
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- cachao, 4 Aug 2007 @ 10:21am
  
  Re: DSL for $20?
  Hi
  
  How do you get $ 20 DSL? In this so called capitalist society, there is a monopoly on internet providers. I have no choice as far as I know than to get it through comcast here in Cambridge, MA. If you know how to get DSL separately, please let me know. veryzon does not service here.
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Alex, 13 Jul 2007 @ 12:14pm

I Love SunRocket
Well, I've been with SunRocket for 2+ years and I love their service. It wasn't perfect at the beginning, but it has improved significantly in the last year or so. Anyway, their unlimited plan for $16 a month is hard to beat. Especially, when you use VoIP as a secondary line after cellular. And I will be really sad if they'll go under.
One thing for sure, if that will happen, I'll go to Vonage camp (as the "second best" for my purposes).
And forget Comcast bloodsuckers. I'd ratehr buy more minutes for my cell phone plan, than pay them $40 for VoIP. Enough of their crappy cable TV service.
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- tink, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:02am
  
  Re: I Love SunRocket
  Well, Alex. How do you like SunRocket today? Able to make any calls?
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  - mark, 17 Jul 2007 @ 2:54pm
    
    I Love SunRocket
    Funny - yes I am still making calls on sunrocket even though they closed. (Twilight Zone music here please!) I called Time -warner and they are $45 and their cable service stinks. I tried Vonage and it's cheaper but lots of problems...too bad- Sunrocket closed - their services and prices saved me alot of money and I liked it...
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NED, 13 Jul 2007 @ 12:37pm

Have had Vonage for 3+ years and love it. We have 3 numbers so family and friends make a local call to get through to us and all is well. Now live in a ComCast area and use them for cable internet. I have frineds that use the ComCast Voip service and my service through Vonage is better. They complain all the time about their service while mine is good through Vonage and all through the same internet connection. Love Vonage best service we have ever had.
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Jul 2007 @ 1:08pm

I see the comment posters at least read the words this time. Too bad they didn't understand the meaning.

The article is just saying that from a business prospective, independent VOIP providers aren't making as much money in VOIP as cable providers. By selling the service cheaper than their competitors you would think that in theory you would get more customers, and thus more money.

This isn't true.

For one, most people are sheep. They buy brand names. Vonage isn't as 'big' of a brand name as 'Comcast' and since people are 'happy' with their cable TV, they figure the VOIP phones will be the same 'quality'.

These people don't understand the technology behind it, or the business models. They want their TV and their phones and they will pay extra for the Coca Cola equivalent.

By its very nature, a independent service provider is going to be facing an up hill battle and most will lose. For those of you with Vonage or whatever, enjoy it while you can.

For the meanwhile, I'm going to continue to use Comcast VOIP because I personally can tell no difference between them (I get my Caller ID, call waiting, voicemail and the sound quality is a little crisper than my cell phone and I don't have to remember a different support number if anything DOES go wrong). It works fine, doesn't cost much more, and thanks to the 'bundle' saves me some money on my cable so it works out to be about the same over all.

But yea. Just had to point out, I don't think he was ragging on the independent VOIP provider's service quality as much as how hard it is for them to make money compared to a big company.
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toodles, 13 Jul 2007 @ 3:00pm

SunRocket
I work for SunRocket and it's all true. Don't bother calling the customer service to verify the rumors because not only are these employee kept in the dark about what is happening to SunRocket but have also been threaten with what little jobs the have left to be terminated if they speak of any negativity.
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- Jennifer, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:58am
  
  Re: SunRocket
  I've been subscribing to Sunrocket for the past 10 months, and I have loved it up until now.
  
  I don't seem to be able to use my service, and I can't make a call to the 800 number because the recording simply states that they are no longer accepting sales or service calls and then it disconnects.
  
  Why aren't the customers being informed of what's going on?
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  - Josh, 23 Jul 2007 @ 2:26am
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket
    Because customers no longer matter!
    Customer care is like an after thought in many of these start-ups. Even well-meaning CS managers have their hands tied by the higher ups.
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Ray Dukes, 16 Jul 2007 @ 10:09am

SunRocket Demise
I lost my phone service today and tried to contact SunRocket and am getting a message that says they are no longer taking service calls. Does this mean they are dead. I have no dial tone and can not contact SunRocket. Seems to me they have gone under. Anyone else have this problem?
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- Prakash, 16 Jul 2007 @ 11:15am
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  yes i have the exact same issue.
  prakash
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- Srini, 17 Jul 2007 @ 6:00am
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  Ray,
  Absolutely correct. I am having the same problem at my home. I don't have a dial tone and unable to contact SunRocket. Not sure what else to do. I have paid them the full year subscription of $199.
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  - kamash, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:26am
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket Demise
    We also paid for a whole year starting just a few months ago in March. Probably out the rest of the money :(
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  - Carolina, 26 Jul 2007 @ 1:27pm
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket Demise
    I also paid a full year of service, they won't reply to email and the phone # doesn't work. My bank cannot do much because I paid over 2 months ago so I cannot do a debit card claim. Any ideas?
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    - Cachao, 4 Aug 2007 @ 10:24am
      
      Re: Re: Re: SunRocket Demise
      I also paid a whole year's fee for Sun Rocket renewed in 3/2007. Does anyone know of any legal action taking place against Sun Rocket?
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- allen, 17 Jul 2007 @ 6:29am
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  ditto
  no dial tone
  no answer when sunrocket is called.
  try call forwarding to another telephone number
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- kamash, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:24am
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  yeah, I think they are dead! I also can no longer make any calls. I've had sunrocket for 1-1/2 yrs and only kept because it is dirt cheap. The customer service was horrendous!!! They would literally argue with you instead of crediting the amount due to you. Anything for you to just hang up and give up! I'm actually relieved they are out of business! You get what you pay for.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 18 Jul 2007 @ 9:02pm
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket Demise
    I payed $238.00 couple days ago for no service
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- Tink, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:05am
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  I'm in WI and having the same problem. Can't get thru to Cust. Svs., no dial tone...dead.
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- jerrell, 24 Jul 2007 @ 10:48pm
  
  Re: SunRocket Demise
  yes. I was shock when my phone was not working at all. they offer me a special that I pay 200 for 2yrs of service. This is only my first year. With no customer service. I do not know what I should do.
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Sunrocket customer, 16 Jul 2007 @ 11:18am

As of July 16, 2007 their customer service phone n
Their customer service number only provides a message saying they are no longer taking sales or customer service calls.

where does this leave the existing clients?
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Jul 2007 @ 12:38pm

Bye Bye SunRocket
I live in Northern VA and have several friends who work for SunRocket. From what I am hearing there is no one left. They have ALL been layed off and the company has now closed. I'm sorry for their customer's who may have lost the numbers they have had for a long time.
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- MJ, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:03am
  
  Re: Bye Bye SunRocket
  I HOPE THIS IS NOT TRUE -- BECAUSE I HAVE JUST CONTACTED THE NEWS AND HOPEFULLY BAD MEDIA WILL MAKE SUNROCKET THINK TWICE ABOUT RIPPING PEOPLE OFF -- ESPECIALLY AFTER A FEW OF US RENEWED OUR CONTRACTS. I WAS A HAPPY CLIENT WITH THEIR SERVICE -- AT LEAST THEY COULD OF WARNED US IN ADVANCE VIA EMAIL OR MAYBE A PHONE CALL. MY FAMILY RELIES ON THIS PHONE SERVICE FOR EVERYTHING. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THIS EQUIPMENT IF THE COMPANY GOES BROKE?!!!!
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Flavio, 16 Jul 2007 @ 1:37pm

CordiaIP good and economic
I've tried vonage and cordia and definitly gonna stay with cordia. They gave me the Phone adapter for free and the first month for free. The only thing i paid was 9.95 for shipping and one time activation fee. You need to use a promotion code though, a friend gave me this one and it worked "1monthfree". www.cordiaip.com
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brandon, 16 Jul 2007 @ 1:46pm

can we port our number to another voip company?
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Jen, 16 Jul 2007 @ 1:56pm

I just called about 4 voip comapny's asking if they can port my number from Sunrocket. they told me that nobody's picking up from their end. I'm switching compaines at the moment. Check out whichvoip.com for some choices. Make sure you read the reviews!
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Rob, 16 Jul 2007 @ 2:35pm

SunRocket goin out of biz
Tried calling them today (7/16/07) & you get an automated response "we are no longer taking customer service or sales calls, bye bye"

& I've only been w/em for approx 3 mos....paid the whole yr up front as well. Never rwally had any major issues w/em at all....service was pretty good for the price.

Figures....about par for the course for me.
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brandon, 16 Jul 2007 @ 3:01pm

called AT&T (the're not going out of business)

$19.99 per month unlimited local 7 long distance, voice mail, call waiting, caller id, call forwarding

switching now
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:38pm
  
  Re:
  yea rite more like $199.00 a month
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brandon, 16 Jul 2007 @ 3:02pm

called AT&T (the're not going out of business)

$19.99 per month unlimited local 7 long distance, voice mail, call waiting, caller id, call forwarding

switching now
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Anakin, 16 Jul 2007 @ 3:30pm

the resaon your service is not working is tat sr is gone for good...i work in prov and have seen this with other companies...once they turn off the service your you are screwed with your number... the account has to be active and if they have closed all accounts you will never see the numbers again
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SMS, 16 Jul 2007 @ 5:18pm

SunRocket fired all staff today
SunRocket fired its remaining staff today - a bankruptcy filing will in all likelihood be announced within the next few days. It is highly debatable who long the network will remaining function once the telco carriers stop receiving payment.
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No Longer a SunRocket Employee, 16 Jul 2007 @ 5:55pm

Bye Bye Birdie
I WORKED at SunRocket and today all the managers went into a meeting left all of us out there wondering what was going on.. While when you called SunRocket it says "We are no longer taking Customer Service calls".. Then after I get back from lunch the manager comes out and lets us know sunrocket went under and we no longer have a job... Pretty crappy.. We had no idea this was coming except for the fact thursday we stopped taking sales calls then today when people tried to call and add numbers.. For some reason WE HAD NO NUMBERS AVALIABLE!! Is that a coincidence or just me? Also we got a new billing system and after you cancel it takes 38 days to get your refund.. So the question is.. Since SunRocket went under and it has been less than 38 days since some people have canceled/we got our billing system... ARE YOU GOING TO GET YOUR REFUND??? I apologize in advance for all of you SunRocket customers.. Wish we could have warned you...
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- jasoos, 18 Jul 2007 @ 11:24am
  
  Re: Bye Bye Birdie
  No doubt the company went bankrupt. I have not received any bill for 9 months and my renewal is also taken care off by itself. Thank you Sunrocket staff for all your help. I enjoyed your service and free for sometime.
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Pat from Piney, 16 Jul 2007 @ 6:00pm

SR
Yep mine just quit as well, no more SR. Hell, I guess I'll call embarq back... and get the local service restored. At least it's a Public Service Commission company and has to provide reliable phone service...
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John Sutton, 16 Jul 2007 @ 6:21pm

Sun Rocket Down The Tubes
That's what I get for paying a year in advance. I gave up Vonage for a better deal and got shafted.
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Jul 2007 @ 7:22pm

SunRocket is the best
O've been a sunrocket customer 4 2-years and there service is the very good! it 2 bad that the big guys are putting them OFB, all the big guy sre going 2 do is rases their rats after a few months of getting you to pay for contract, the big guys will get you 2 join them under a contract and after raseing the rates you wil not have , TV, phone,or email because all of your commuincation, TV, Cable, Cell phone, and lan line will be disconnected because the bill wil be to dam high to pay.
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Confused, 16 Jul 2007 @ 7:55pm

Started working again
I'm able to dial out again. Wonder how long it will last?
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Adam, 16 Jul 2007 @ 8:10pm

Switch to Jivetel
You can switch to Jivetel Voip. May not be as fancy but they are here to stay. They resell RNK Voip. RNK is phone carrier and has their own fiber network as well as their own voip network.

check them out at
www.jivetel.com
www.rnkcomm.com
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- Anonymous Coward, 19 Jul 2007 @ 4:02pm
  
  Re: Switch to Jivetel
  stop pitting marking entires....
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- VOIP Master, 22 Jul 2007 @ 3:56am
  
  Re: Switch to Jivetel
  I use NIkkom for 3 years now and I love it. The resell RNK also but they are charging just $24.95 per month for the free unlimited US, Canada and 42 countries. Excelent call quality and service. All features are free. You can even get 3 free numbers.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Sales Bastard, 17 Jul 2007 @ 4:40am

Try My VoIP Service
Would you spam monkeys give it a break? The *best* line I saw was "check out whichvoip.com and read the reviews".

If you're resorting to spamming comments of dead VoIP provider news, you're probably one of the next to go under. I don't see any Vonage employees pushing their services here.
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tepot, 17 Jul 2007 @ 4:58am

Refund?????
Seeing I paid up front for a years service with 3 free months.. and have used less than my 3 free months, will there be any refunds happening? I am guessing it will be time for a class actiaon and take a penny on the dollar if we are lucky.
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Tim, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:27am

Me too
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Tim, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:30am

Me too
I too had SR and am now without a phone line. Oddlu I get calls in, but nothing going out. Switching to vonage and really want to keep my number. I have had it for almost years! Ported it from verizon to SR. Doubt it can be ported, and I prepaid in April (200). I have been with them since the begining and the value was great for what you paid. I agree about the cable company's bundles - what a rip off! I am paying 115 now for digital cable with DVR and internet. They want another $40 (and that is a bundle they say) to add phone. I wanted a second DVR for another room and they wanted $28 for that! Cable companies are a rip off! I hope vonage works out for me - others I know have it and say no problems.
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S. Bender, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:33am

No Service
Haven't had service for over a day. Have not been able to contact the company so I guess they scammed us.
Is this something for a class action suit to recover our monies. I think they need to address the concerns of their current customers.
Thanks for no service SUNROCKET.
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Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:40am

Former Employee
I am as sorry for the customers as I am for myself in losing my job, medical insurance, etc, etc. SunRocket took away the ability for level 1 and 2 agents to perform refunds and put it all at "corporate" level about a month ago. It use to only take 3-7 business days for the refunds to process, but with the "new" system, it takes 38 days. Just long enough to earn interest on all the double and triple-billing or maybe to just shut down the whole thing. We were also told to ask customers to not dispute the charges with their credit card companies as "charge-backs hurt SunRocket's credit". Sorry they Gotcha! They Gotme, too.
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Karen, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:55am

SunRocket is killing our company
SunRocket has failed to release our phone numbers and now our customer cannot reach us. It is going on 7 days now since our original carrier has released us and SunRocket has failed to activate our number and no one is answering the phones. I hope to create a class action suit and bring them to THEIR death.
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:56am
  
  Re: SunRocket is killing our company
  They are closed. Bankrupt.
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- Jeff, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:18am
  
  Sun Rocket Class Action Suit Needed!
  Add my name to list of plaintiffs for the class action suit! How dare we lose our phone numbers due to Sun Rocket's poor business model and inept leadership.
  
  I, like many other outraged posters, have had my number for over 15 years. As silly as it sounds, those seven digits are very personal. And to think my number is going down with Sun Rocket's sinking ship is completely ridiculous! Come on, fellow Sun Rocketeers, let's band together and fight for what's rightfully ours...our digits!!
  
  Any ideas on how to tackle Dead Rocket???
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  - Vicki, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:02pm
    
    Call the FCC
    I'm with you, Jeff. We have been trying to port our number away from SunRocket for the past six weeks. They said they would release it on July 5, then, on that day, notified the new provider that they wouldn't release it until July 24 -- with no reason given.
    
    Customer service was bad (although the employees have almost all been courteous); now it is non-existent. I was told by our future provider that the number cannot be ported if it is not active. We have had this number for over 14 years and I'm not giving up without a fight!
    
    I called the FCC this morning and was told they are investigating SunRocket and will call me back when they know more about it. (I'm hoping they will release our numbers.)
    
    All former SunRocket customers: CALL the FCC! We have to make this a huge issue for them.
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  - geraldsolley@yahoo.com, 22 Jul 2007 @ 9:09pm
    
    Re: Sun Rocket Class Action Suit Needed!
    I would be glad to work with you, I too am a customer, I just paid for 15 months. I think since my phone works and it is the 22 of july, that they may have contracted a deal for persons whom already paid to continue a voip service.
    Pleass let me know if you have service, and let me know if you wish to pursue civil litigation for breach of contract and in property loss. YOUR phone number BELONGS to you.
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bill apostol, 17 Jul 2007 @ 6:48am

sunrocket work around
i can not dial out most of the time and people tell me that most of the time the sound is broken up when i answer the phone...

this has worked for me to place outbound calls... first, if your sound is bad, reset your voice modem, then to to the sunrocket web portal and enter the number you want to call into your 'phone book'. then 'dial' it from the computer... your phone will ring, answer it... you will hear your music on hold playing until your party answers...

hope someone steps in and bails out sunrocket quickly!
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 6:54am
  
  Re: sunrocket work around
  I am sorry, but it's not working because SunRocket closed down yesterday. I was a CSR and there is no SunRocket service. They are filing bankruptcy.
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smash, 17 Jul 2007 @ 7:04am

I am trying to get my money back via the credit card company. Open a billing dispute. And if we are lucky we may get the benefit of the card companies fraud protection policy. Check with your credit card company. Amex said they cannot block further charges. Sucks that they cannot do it. So any further fradulent charges should have be resolved by a dispute.
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kevin, 17 Jul 2007 @ 8:00am

Free people search directory
I wanted to mention a helpful free directory service for all Sunrocket users. People are able to find you via your old Sunrocket phone number in the event that you can not transfer it. The website is called www.lookmeup.org
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cd, 17 Jul 2007 @ 8:25am

Yeah RIGHT, the 'NO GOTCHA' phone company, what a bunch of bolonie. Well i'll say they got us pretty darned good.
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Ti Gaston, 17 Jul 2007 @ 8:39am

No Sunrocket service
I awakened this morning to no phone service. I tried to reach Sunrocket to be told "Sunrocket no longer answers telephone or e-mail requests for technical Support. Is it over? Has any body heard about refunds. I just re-uped for this year at $199.00!
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:04am
  
  Re: No Sunrocket service
  Yes, they fired us all and closed the center down yesterday, July 16. No notice, nothing. Locked the doors.
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Sergio, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:08am

Sunrocket alternative
I've just received an email from Phone Labs, they are going after the SunRockets customers and offer a $10 discount + free ground shipping if you use the coupon SUNROCKET when you place an order on their website Phone Labs www.phonelabs.com

They offer the Dock N Talk that allows you to use your cellphone as your home service. You can use your landline equipment with your cell phone plan, great deal if you have Unlimited Nights and Weekend and free Mobile to Mobile.

A good solution to replace your sunrocket and save money!!
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Superbike, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:45am

SunRocket is Dead
The doors are closed and nobody is home. Try your numbers. None of them work. This is a sad state of affairs for the little VOIP giant, probably undermined by the cable companies, the mini bells, and other businesses that do not want to see consumers with affordable phone services.
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Lost, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:21am

Very Sad
I have been using SR for almost a year without any issues. Its been great, I don't know about customer service because I never needed them. I was looking forward to signing up again...

My ISSUE is with getting my phone number released. We have had that number for over 10 years. I saw one note about SR transfering customers to other companies - does anyone have knowledge about this? Any idea about when the phone numbers will be released?
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Rich, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:26am

Freakin Pricks!
I have had Sunrocket since Febuary of this year and referred my Mother In Law to them for service. The numebr they had transferred is their livelihood and my business number goes through sunrocket too whcih is my livelyhood too.

I am going to call my CC and dispute this since they won't answer the phone they can't argue it.

I hope they burn in hell!
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Jennifer, 17 Jul 2007 @ 10:59am

Refunds
I cancelled my SR about a month ago when I saw the annual charge come through. SR was always very good, but I decided to go strictly with just my cell phone. Since I have found out about the closing, I am very concerned about my refund of a few hundred dollars. I filed a dispute with my bank. My bank is recommending people to file disputes so that you can get your money back.
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Frank, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:15am

Verizon Freedom Value is Trolling
Verizon is sending out letters with a deal.
Unlimited calling for just $19.99 a month (plus taxes and fees)for 12 months.
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Gustav, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:33am

Try the magicJack
If you liked the service Sunrocket provided I suggest you check out the magicJack, www.magicjack.com. This device offers the best call quality I have ever experienced and it is incredibly easy to set up. It is all plug-n-Play. I was set up with my new phone number and was making free local and long distance calls within 5 minutes of receiving the device.
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Neil, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:17pm

SunRocket customers get $5 off and free shipping f
magicJack offers Canada and US calling at $19.95 per year

plus $20 for the device

enter promo code "sunrocket" at checkout and get $5 off the device, and free shipping, before Friday July 20
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- Howard E. Deutch, 17 Jul 2007 @ 3:53pm
  
  Re: SunRocket customers get $5 off and free shippi
  How do I order MagicJack and get the $5 off the device, free shipping and $20 for the device. The web site doesn't indicate how to do that.
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  - Bill, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:01pm
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket customers get $5 off and free sh
    There is a chat room on the MagicJack website. When I went there today, Neil was one of the moderators. I'm sure he can tell you.
    
    There must be some box somewhere on the order form web page where you enter the discount term 'sunrocket'.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 18 Jul 2007 @ 3:52pm
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket customers get $5 off and free sh
    fallow the checkout at the end enter promo code sunrocket. it will calculate. i just completed purchase of it.
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- f9pilot, 18 Jul 2007 @ 2:16pm
  
  Re: SunRocket customers get $5 off and free shippi
  Not $5 off, just free shipping---and it's $39.95 for the device and the first year of service.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 18 Jul 2007 @ 4:33pm
    
    Re: Re: SunRocket customers get $5 off and free sh
    a 5$ rebate supposely will be included.
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Kevin, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:24pm

If it helps...
https://direct.nuvio.com/sunrocket/
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- Bill, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:45pm
  
  Re: If it helps...
  The Nuvio website says, "We will have you up and running in 24 hours, and expedite porting your current phone number."
  
  My question is what happens to calls to my existing telephone number? Currently inbound calls are still working (except there is no voicemail). So, if I sign up with Nuvio will I lose all my calls to my existing phone number?
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Ted Nyman, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:25pm

Alternate service Voip.com
Voip.com
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EasyFund, 17 Jul 2007 @ 12:32pm

Agree - Voip looks good - Was able to KEEP #'s
Voip.com July 03, 2007 Offer could not have come at a better time... Voip.com Releases Lowest Price Guarantee and Cash Back Rebate Offer By Calvin Azuri TMCnet Contributing Editor Voip.com, a provider of Voice-over-IP consumer technology, has rolled out its most aggressive promotional offers for the residential phone market till date, according to a PRWeb news report. Earlier, voip.com had hit the market with a lowest price guarantee offer for local, long distance and international calls. The Internet marketing company has now released its second wave of summer campaigns by offering $50 cash back for residential sign ups. The price guarantee also aims directly at at low-cost phone carriers trying to focus on cheap calling plans. Martin Toha, president of voip.com was quoted in the report saying, "We took price out of the equation without sacrificing quality. Now there are truly no more excuses for not using voip.com's services." Voip.com's Cash Back promotion is a joint effort with a recently launched VoIP Consumer Guide - VoipConsumer.org. The collaboration’s focus is to help consumers find the most reliable and most affordable phone services. The rebate offer is provided only with voip.com's unlimited yearly offer, which is already clubbed with a 'no fees' promotion. Company analysts report positive feedback for the promotional campaigns so far. Residential phone service sales increased by 15% within two weeks in June.
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Your SunRocket CSR, until yesterday., 17 Jul 2007 @ 1:12pm

Too little help, too late.
I am sorry we (employees) were lied to and made to lie to the members. No, we didn't always know all the answers, I think because we weren't suppose to, but like most of you have said, we were polite and most of us cared more than you'll ever know that we couldn't help more.

Back in June, SunRocket completely replaced the billing system and took away the ability for CSR's to view or process credits. Only the highest level had that ability. They also told us to state that all refunds would take 38 days for processing. We all knew and stated that this was hokey, as they use to process within 3-7 business days. We would send up "incidents" (tickets) reporting member's being double and triple-billed, but those "incidents" sat in the tier 3 (highest level) queue with no one doing anything about them for weeks. Even our supervisors did not know why they were not being worked. We were also told to strongly encourage the members NOT to dispute charges with their credit card companies, as this would make the process take longer and charge-backs hurt SunRocket's credit. I see now it just gave them time to stash the money. I am very sorry to have been a part of that.

Unfortunately, I also learned while working there, that if your service is cancelled or stopped, it is not technically possible to transfer a number from that account. You must have 2 open ports to port a number. Even if your account is still active, if you start the process and the service is cancelled anytime before the transfer, you could still lose the number. I don't advise anyone to go to any voip companies. It seems that you CAN believe what you read on some of these blogs and boards.

We were told business as usual right up until they turned off the phones and said "go home".

Again, I am truly sorry to have been part of the "Gotcha", but know that they "Gotme", too.
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 1:25pm
  
  Re: Too little help, too late.
  I also want to say something about loyalty. Myself and many of the people working for SunRocket hired on with them after losing their jobs at MCI because this was MCI "family". We didn't know what it was or how it would go, but we worked hard for these people and tried to be proud of them. I even have the SunRocket service in my house! So businesses go under, a lot it seems with some, but can't you treat people better who risked so much to help you out? We were flat-out lied to by SunRocket and Bell Industries. We got news-letters saying how there was no way Bell would let us go, as they had just spent 1.2 million on a new phone system.
  
  GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  - Josh, 23 Jul 2007 @ 2:57am
    
    Re: Re: Too little help, too late.
    loyalty no longer exists. It's all about the bottom line in contemporary business.
    
    In a different era, the company would have given notice to it's customers and employees but they knew questions would be asked and feared reprisals.
    
    The executives handled things like this to cover THEIR butts. My heart goes out to all the parents who walked into work one day and were told they no longer had employment. We live in a C.M.A. (Cover my ass) world.
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PADDY, 17 Jul 2007 @ 1:16pm

sunrocket refund
I signed up for the promo offer pay $199 for an year and get the second year free. I have used it for less than a year and now SR went under!
If anyone has info about how to get a refund back, please do post.
thanks in advance!
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Scott Morgan, 17 Jul 2007 @ 1:32pm

The "Gotcha" company bites the dust.
This could be a very appropriate time to file your displeasure with SunRocket at the FCC. Collecting advance deposits for service ($199 x 200000) might be a problem. Follow the money.
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B Patt, 17 Jul 2007 @ 1:48pm

SunRocket
In addition to ourselves, we have two other family members on SunRocket service. It has been down since last night and the support line states they are no longer taking customer service or sales calls. So, we think we just no longer have a phone until we order with another service.

Very nice. Forget VoIP, I'm going back to a land line.
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snakster, 17 Jul 2007 @ 2:21pm

still SOME service
I don't know why, but I have actually had service a couple times. Last evening I was able to place one call. A couple times last night my phane rang, but only got choppy sound at best (it was my new provider trying to contact me to confirm my order). When I walkied in the door this evening, my phone rang and I was able to have a converstaion with my parents. Unsure how this is possible. Thoughts?
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- Anonymous Coward, 17 Jul 2007 @ 6:42pm
  
  Re: still SOME service
  I was on a long-distance call and it dropped, when I tried to call back I got a fast busy. I was able to make a local call, though. Just now (a couple hours later), just for giggles, I tried a long-distance number and it went through. I know they have their own servers in Indiana, so maybe no one will make them take them down right away?
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Elvis McNeely, 17 Jul 2007 @ 2:35pm

my sunrocket died
I too was a sunrocket customer. Too bad for them. I originally wanted to go with packet8 before deciding upon Sunrocket. I am somewhat glad this is over because I have had many problems over the year. I am hoping packet8 will give me better service. Today I went ahead to http://www.packet8.net and it turns out they are giving a ton of discounts to get sunrocket customers. I deciding on the annual plan which came to $160 bucks. That is $13.35 per month folks. All activation and shipping fees waived. Here are the details: http://getpacket8.packet8.net/sunrocket I think my dead rocket brought me some luck today! Thanks DeadRocket!
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KC, 17 Jul 2007 @ 2:49pm

june 17, 07 5:38pm Estern time, serivce is on
My friend's phone is off, mine is still on, but I can't dial out int'l calls. Calling my bank to dispute the charge.

...

Oh My God. Just got the info from the claim person at Chase bank, two weeks ago I switched to a supposedly better plan which was $199 for a full year upfront. A bank lady just told me my account was charged $327.95 instead of $199.
W T F ?
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KC, 17 Jul 2007 @ 3:03pm

follow up
Claim person at the bank told me that I'll get a total credit back within two days.
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KC, 17 Jul 2007 @ 3:04pm

follow up
Claim person at the bank told me that I'll get a total credit back within two days.
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Bill, 17 Jul 2007 @ 3:14pm

Transfer Initiated - Fingers Crossed
Today, I setup to transfer my 15-year old phone number from SunRocket to my cell phone provider. They claim it will happen within 24 hours and that no one at SunRocket needs to be talked to. We will see. I have my fingers crossed!

I'm also ordering that MagicJack product and in September I'll transfer my number to MagicJack. That's the plan!

BellSouth ripped us off for years. VoIP WILL BE the only telephone service in the future anyway. It is pure consumer economics. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, VoIP service is simply another application. VoIP does not require a phone company of any kind.

If everyone had VoIP today, then even the VoIP phone companies would be out of business. "Phone companies" (AT&T [POTS], Vonage [VoIP], etc.) only exist because legacy POTS lines still exist. Today for example, two users using Skype can talk to each other over the computer and not pay a penny. Many many similar "softphone" examples exist.

The only negative I've seen recently is that the pace of new broadband connections is slowing. Sooner or later we will get to a tipping point.

Perhaps the MagicJack is the beginning of the end. It solves one key problem. It puts the users phone connection at the edge of the network, provides support for legacy handset devices and packages the digital requirement in a $20 device.

How many decades did AT&T rip my parents and grandparents off? How many decades did AT&T hold back telephone progress? They were destroyed and have arisen once again. They are no different than they were the first time. They will be destroyed by VoIP unless they are successful in creating enough folks that say things like the above "Very nice. Forget VoIP, I'm going back to a land line."

It is sad to read that some consumers do not realize we are in a battle.
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- Vicki, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:14pm
  
  Re: Transfer Initiated - Fingers Crossed
  Bill, please post tomorrow to let us know if you were actually able to get the number ported over. We were in the process of porting our number to a different carrier and have been told it is not possible if the number is not active.
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Marc, 17 Jul 2007 @ 3:30pm

Question
Does anyone know what the BILLING says on your bank statement for sunrocket? I am having a hard time finding the transaction and am afraid they billed more than the $199
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Creg, 17 Jul 2007 @ 4:45pm

FCC complaint inre Sunrocket Inc.
The Sunrocket fiasco needs "Federal" attention. Go to FCC website, fill out form 475, give all info inre your Sunrocket fiasco, include how much $ they scammed from you, file the above form electronically (on FCC website), copy or print your complaint info, copy or print your complaint number (Acknowledgment & Fax Cover Sheet), keep all above info for possible further action inre Sunrocket.
Good luck
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Ingrid, 17 Jul 2007 @ 4:45pm

VIOP.COM CAN PORT
I just switched to VOIP.COM and for now if you have not canceled you SR before shutdown.They can port your old number the the new system. The same price of $199.00 per year holds and the reviews look great. The cash back offer is no longer valid. But My number is worth it.
Go the the URL and you can check to see if your numbe can be ported..........
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Jon, 17 Jul 2007 @ 4:53pm

Sunrocket online check
Checked sunrocket online account and it seems to be logging missed calls ha ha even though the phone is off.....?
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Jeremy, 17 Jul 2007 @ 5:29pm

Just filed a dispute charge with American Express
I just got off the phone with my American Express and filed a dispute charge. They said "no one will be there to dispute it so I am not sure you will have any luck, but I can go ahead and create the dispute if you want and we can see."

Guess I'll try everything I can. My SR still recieves calls but won't dial out.
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- Elvis McNeely, 17 Jul 2007 @ 9:28pm
  
  Re: Just filed a dispute charge with American Expr
  American Express won't leave you hanging dry. I have filed several disputes in the past and AMEX never had any problems being fair and issuing a credit back. Now, they might have a loss on their hands because I am sure a small percentage of all of us (200,000 deadrocket customers) use AMEX. But AMEX shines in this area, keeping the customer happy.
  
  I called up AMEX today as well and explained the deal and the lady is going to run the dispute. The thing that is on our side, we paid for a service and didn't get it - at least not completely. I was just charged on the 10th of this month for the full year. So I told the AMEX rep that I would pay for 6 days of service but not anymore. That is fair and AMEX and any other credit card should see it that way too. If not, leave them and go to AMEX or Discover!
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Payback, 17 Jul 2007 @ 7:00pm

Just wrote to major news stations
I just wrote the following email to ABC, CBS and NBC I hope one of them takes my cue and gets the word out about this and gets the ball rolling on this because I too have been "gotten" I am due back quite a bit of money since i paid a year in advance as well back in mid april. Read on:

I thought you might be interested in hearing about this story as this affects over 200,000 VoIP Telephone users. As of yesterday customers of the company Sunrocket have found themselves with out service with no warning what so ever. This is a company that advertises that if you pay $199 for 1 year up front, you get 3 months free with a "No gotcha's garantee". Now it seems that they have laid off all their employees, locked their doors, and turned off their service.Any idea's about what to do? I am one of these customers who has prepaid for a year and now face not only the lose of my telephone number but most of the money that I have prepaid for what was supposed to be 15 months worth of service. Thanks for any help you may provide in putting the word out there for us.

I hope this helps in providing us all with some sort of compensation for our losses.
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sr customer, 17 Jul 2007 @ 7:01pm

Call Forwarding
Used SR's website to forward my calls to my cell phone. Seems to be working.
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ryan, 17 Jul 2007 @ 7:21pm

sunrocket class action possibility at www.sunrocketclassaction.com
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- scam_detector, 18 Jul 2007 @ 12:38pm
  
  Re:
  be very wary of sunrocketclassaction.com. they show no credentials and are asking for sensitive information! Scam? Maybe...
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  - Vicki, 18 Jul 2007 @ 3:41pm
    
    Re: sunrocketclass action.com
    This is my concern, also. There is no name given for the law firm and no indication that the page is secure. Seems like pfishing to me.
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KCBelles, 17 Jul 2007 @ 11:40pm

Shame
Really liked SR - never had an issue with the service - a pity they couldn't make a go of it. I've filed both with the FCC and with that class action lawsuit site - be nice if we could get refunded the balance of months we didn't use. Paid back in Feb for a full year using my debit card - don't think I'll be able to "dispute" the charge 5 months later.
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kamaa, 18 Jul 2007 @ 7:05am

same issue no dial tone no contact
i cnnot get in touch with sun rocket! and i have no service what to do?
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A Spencer, 18 Jul 2007 @ 7:12am

Get a refund
Call your bank and file a dispute. My bank put 10 months back on my credit card. Because I only used 2 months of service of the year contract.
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Griffey Jr., 18 Jul 2007 @ 8:20am

SunRocket Has Died
In a very unprofessional way the company shut down and left us out...
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anand sk, 18 Jul 2007 @ 9:50am

i cant get it to work anyways
i cant make calls anymore from sunrocket. it is finished i think. this is as on 17th july 2007
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Jeremy, 18 Jul 2007 @ 12:43pm

Bellsouth / ATT
FYI,

I was a loyal Sunrocket customer until they screwed me. I posted that I filed a dispute with my Amex card and am awaiting the results. Anyways, last night I was looking online for another VOIP company since I make a lot of long distance calls, it was handy.

I almost signed up with Vonage but found that for the same cost my local phone company (Bellsouth/ATT) have an "unlimited" plan for the same cost, $24.99. I immiediatly signed up and it will kick in tomorrow morning. It will be nice to have reliable phone without worrying about surfing the internet, etc while on the phone. I advise everyone else to do the same.

Vonage worries me about the issue they are having with Verizon still. I worry they may be next to close down. And these other companies are offering the sun rocket, $199 a year plan. But come on, after getting screwed by Sun Rocket I am not about to front another $199 up front. No thank you, I rather do a month to month deal.

Anyways, I'm glad Bellsouth can hook me up on unlimited long distance for the same cost as vonage, plus I get the extra's vonage has like caller ID, forwarding, etc.
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KC, 18 Jul 2007 @ 2:41pm

Local companies
24.95 does not include any features such as call forwarding, vm etc.
Also, local LAN line companies charge ridiculous taxes, you'll probably pay another 25 bucks just in taxes.

About CALLVANTAGE, if anybody wants to know about the nightmare I went through with them for 8 months email me. mockba21@hotmail.com
Don't sign up with them, no matter what. Nobody can say a company or service is great until they actually run into some issues and see how those issues are resolved by the company. CallVantage (ATT) sucks knots.
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KC, 18 Jul 2007 @ 3:45pm

LOL
There are also a few shameless plugs here.
MyPhoneCompany's website looks like a 3rd grader did it.
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nitin, 18 Jul 2007 @ 4:29pm

Sunrocket is Deadrocket
Yeah mine suncorcket comes alive once in a while..Called Optimum Voice and they said they will transfer my old Sunrocket number to their system..They are charging 34.95 and $20.00 discount so 14.95 per month..thats good...
guys call optimum online.
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- jkelly, 19 Jul 2007 @ 8:29am
  
  Re: Sunrocket is Deadrocket
  I phoned Optium on the 17th and they said that they could not give me old number as SR was out of business but if my SR account was passed to a new provider they would be able to port it for me. Is the $20 discount for new customers of Optium only. I already have TV and internet with them and they are going to charge me the full $34.95.
  
  I still have local service on Sunrocket but no international
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KC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 6:17am

Another truth about VONAGE
I work for ADT and we can't provide alarm service for Vonage customers, I believe it's the only VOIP provider alarm companies don't work with. There's only one way to go around it is to go with Vonage's own alarm system which they send you in mail and you install it yourself. Not sure how good that is.
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dezigntek, 19 Jul 2007 @ 7:02am

Sunrocket - any chance of
I've had sunrocket service since March. Got in as a 2/year plan for $200. I got the email they closed doors today. Called Customer Service.. and got the "Not taking calls or sales" msg. and call ended. I wonder if a law suit will result that pays the remained of service contracted to those that have service remaining? Maybe that's a long shot but I'll cast my wishes in that direction.
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- Brian, 19 Jul 2007 @ 9:03pm
  
  Re: Sunrocket - any chance of
  I also did the 2 year deal and would love a refund.
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jkelly, 19 Jul 2007 @ 8:39am

I phoned Optium on the 17th and they said that they could not give me old number as SR was out of business but if my SR account was passed to a new provider they would be able to port it for me. Is the $20 discount for new customers of Optium only. I already have TV and internet with them and they are going to charge me the full $34.95.

I still have local service on Sunrocket but no international
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KC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 11:41am

Am i the only one with service?
Service still on. No int'l calling though.
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- Anonymous Coward, 19 Jul 2007 @ 4:09pm
  
  Re: Am i the only one with service?
  Still have service in Missouri. I am one of the CSR's who were walked out Monday. We went in today to get our last checks, etc and I asked about the service. The servers are still up, I am told, but there is no one to service them if they go down. So if you have service, your service (node) is working, but as soon as there is a glitch, it's gone.
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KC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 12:08pm

Email from SunRocket
Dear Customers, After significant effort by the Company to avoid this result, SunRocket is in the process of closing its operations and therefore will no longer be able to provide you with the phone service that you have been accustomed to. However, this email provides you with an opportunity to sign up with select service providers who we believe will offer outstanding replacement service In order to assist you, we have entered into negotiations with a number of service providers. As a result of those negotiations, we have entered into agreements with 8x8, Inc., provider of the Packet8 service, and Unified Communications Corp., provider of Teleband service to offer you the best options and we are proud to recommend the following alternatives to you. Please make your decision to move to a new service provides immediately as future service is uncertain. 8x8/Packet8 The Packet8 Internet phone service incorporates patent protected technology from 8x8. Inc., a publicly traded company in business for more than 20 years. The service works in the same way as SunRocket.s and offers a virtually identical feature set. . No Startup Costs. FREE activation. FREE equipment. FREE shipping. FREE first month of service. Quickly port your number at no charge A Savings of over $100! Copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: http://getpacket8.packet8.net/sunrocket/ or call 1-800-868-0068 and mention special offer code SUNROCKET Unified Communications Corp./TeleBlend The TeleBlend Internet phone service incorporates patent-protected technology from Unified Communications Corp., a privately held company in business to provide outstanding customer service and telephony products. Teleblends has been working behind the scenes already to restore and continue service for all Sun Rocket customers The service works in the same way as SunRocket.s and offers an identical feature set with our Unlimited Transfer Plan. . No Startup Costs. FREE activation. USE your existing hardware. FREE and Quick transfer of your current number. No Need to port your number to another provider. UNLIMITED calling to the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico Copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: http://www.myteleblend.net It has been our pleasure to service you at SunRocket!
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JC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 12:33pm

I still have service as well... strange.
I didn't even know anything was going on until late yesterday evening.

I've had SR since last fall. I had tried Vonage before, but dropped them before 30 days because I could never call cell phones in Japan. SR never gave me a problem with any of my calls, most calls being cellulars in Japan. I tried to call last night, received a message "error ##. can not complete call" Coincidentally, I received an email later that evening stating that SR has closed. I immediately logged into my SR account online, checked everything, and still see incoming calls, missed calls, etc. Just no int'l service. Not sure what's going on. Sucks cause I signed up for a whole year in March. Haven't even used 6 months worth.

However, I'm guessing the calls were probably alt-routed with someone else. It has be to routed somewhere because all voip calls eventually have to go through a PBX switch no matter what if you're calling a lan line.
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Mark Whiteman, 19 Jul 2007 @ 1:28pm

Refunds
If you paid in last 60 days with a credit card, dispute the charge immediately.
The ticking clock is running.
Longer than 60 days-chalk it up to experience.
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NoVa, 19 Jul 2007 @ 2:01pm

refunds
I would really like to get my refund. I just signed up for another year in May and will lose all that money. Any news on refunds?
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KC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 2:26pm

:(
Did anybody get a refund from their bank yet? I'm having a nightmare with Chase Manhattan Bank. They keep telling me that I have to contact SR myself. (like there's someone to contact)
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- A Spencer, 19 Jul 2007 @ 5:03pm
  
  Re: :(
  I recieved my refund the next day from chase. I also to decided to switch to my phone service to insight (my local cable company) with cable, phone, and roadrunner internet, it is only $10 more added to my monthly bill.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 19 Jul 2007 @ 5:06pm
    
    Re: Re: :(
    PS it was over 60 days since i renew my contract with SR
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TC, 19 Jul 2007 @ 4:36pm

E-mail from SunRocket
I e-mailed sunrocket when my phone stopped working and got the following reply from them
--------------------------------------------------------
From: sunrocket@sunrocket.com
Date: Jul 18, 2007 4:11 PM
Subject: Important Message from SunRocket
To: xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Customers,

After significant effort by the Company to avoid this result, SunRocket is in the process of closing its operations and therefore will no longer be able to provide you with the phone service that you have been accustomed to. However, this email provides you with an opportunity to sign up with select service providers who we believe will offer outstanding replacement service

In order to assist you, we have entered into negotiations with a number of service providers. As a result of those negotiations, we have entered into agreements with 8x8, Inc., provider of the Packet8 service, and Unified Communications Corp., provider of Teleband service to offer you the best options and we are proud to recommend the following alternatives to you. Please make your decision to move to a new service provides immediately as future service is uncertain.

8x8/Packet8

The Packet8 Internet phone service incorporates patent protected technology from 8x8. Inc., a publicly traded company in business for more than 20 years. The service works in the same way as SunRocket.s and offers a virtually identical feature set.

. No Startup Costs
. FREE activation
. FREE equipment
. FREE shipping
. FREE first month of service
. Quickly port your number at no charge

A Savings of over $100!

Copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: http://getpacket8.packet8.net/sunrocket/ or call 1-800-868-0068 and mention special offer code SUNROCKET

Unified Communications Corp./TeleBlend

The TeleBlend Internet phone service incorporates patent-protected technology from Unified Communications Corp., a privately held company in business to provide outstanding customer service and telephony products. Teleblends has been working behind the scenes already to restore and continue service for all Sun Rocket customers The service works in the same way as SunRocket.s and offers an identical feature set with our Unlimited Transfer Plan.
. No Startup Costs
. FREE activation
. USE your existing hardware
. FREE and Quick transfer of your current number
. No Need to port your number to another provider
. UNLIMITED calling to the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico

Copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: http://www.myteleblend.net

It has been our pleasure to service you at SunRocket!

-------------------------------------------------------
Does anyone know anything about this MyteleBlend service? It sounds pretty good that they can use the existing Sunrocket gizmo but I wonder how long they will be in business?
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Dave, 20 Jul 2007 @ 7:10am

Disputing charges
I called Discover and disputed the charge. The CSR said that he had received TONS of calls from Sunrocket customers already and gave me no problem in the dispute. I received a temporary credit instantly. More to follow...
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Jim T, 20 Jul 2007 @ 7:23am

Got a credit from Chase for 1 year SR contract
Hi,

Just got off the phone w/Chase (my credit card) and they have gotten many calls regarding SR. Chase is crediting me for 6 months ($104.63, half the $209.26, the SR yearly plan + taxes) and will "pursue" SR. Pretty awesome!!

As of last night I still had SR service (in and out), although no voice-mail. I transferred the service to TeleBlend for $12.95/mo (actually 15.54 if you include taxes) until end of SR contract. We'll see how that goes and if my # gets transferred over smoothly. I also ordered a MagicJack. Can't beat the price of $39.95 for device and 1 year license, then $19.95/yr after that (today's price...coud go up I guess). Does anyone konw if you can transfer your current # to them? Doesn't say on theri web-site.

JT
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Jim T, 20 Jul 2007 @ 7:40am

BTW, (as mentioned by Neil) if you order a MagicJack use coupon code "SUNROCKET" at checkout to get free shipping. Note, only shipping ($3.95) not a $5 discount (at least as of yesterday).
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KC, 20 Jul 2007 @ 9:50am

Packet8
Does anybody have it? How is the service etc?
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Al Wynn, 20 Jul 2007 @ 10:51am

Sun Rocket
I was a customer of Vonage soon after they started. I left them for Sun Rocket mainly because the voice quality and other issues like echoing and delayed packet transfer made it almost impossible to use their service. Sun Rocket except for the very beginning has been very good. Not perfect however. Their DST didn't seem to work consistently and it was impossible to fax to europe until I got a new fax machine which compensated for the VOIP shortcomings where fix is concerned. Now this!
BUT last night when I came home I was astounded to see that I had a message on my answering machine and 5 minutes later my son called. Then I checked my phone and found a dial tone and my gizmo indicating that my line was connected was lit. We have had dial tone ever since.
WHAT'S GOING ON? Is the company back in business? Not according to their web site! Will their service remain up? Has someone taken them over?
If anyone knows I'd really like to know.
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- Anonymous Coward, 20 Jul 2007 @ 6:47pm
  
  Re: Sun Rocket
  My phone came on last night also. To little to late I already recieved a refund from my credit card company. in addition after trying to sigh up with viatalk and getting a recording stating im number 1 million on the waiting list to talk with someone I decided to contacted my local cable company. What a nice suprise, I found I can add a phone to my cable and internet service for only five or ten dollars more a month. The service is cheaper and I have no wait to talk to someone if i have a problem.
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pingo, 20 Jul 2007 @ 12:14pm

another options for those out of service from sunr
sorry to those that lost service.

here is a coupon for your readers to consider Pingo

10% off SunRocket Customers Coupon code: sunrocket
Expires 7/20/2008
Valid to new customers

SunRocket Customers Landing Page
https://www1.pingo.com/en/secure/signup/landing.do?coupon=sunrocket
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KC, 20 Jul 2007 @ 12:39pm

Chase Claim
Just got off the phone with chase bank. They took care of it, gave me back full refund of $328. They also said that they get tons of claims from SR customers.
BTW, my service is still on in NYC.
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Jeff, 20 Jul 2007 @ 2:52pm

Another $199/year company
My friend uses this company....

www.bbtelsys.com
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John, 20 Jul 2007 @ 5:04pm

Good Resource for what to do
Here’s a good resource on how to get your money back, port your number and which new provider to choose: http://www.consumercompare.org/voip/sunrocketupdate.php
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KC, 20 Jul 2007 @ 7:58pm

ViaTalk
same happened to me. They said I'm number 45 in line, 20 minutes later of hold, i'm number 40. I just hung up. Looks like another company to go down. Unfortunately my local cable co. is Time Warner, and they want 40 bucks a month for a phone in addition to 45 i am paying for internet with them right now. :(
No way out.
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- Anonymous Coward, 20 Jul 2007 @ 8:59pm
  
  Re: ViaTalk
  from what i seen online with time warner, you can get cable tv, roadrunner, and phone for $99
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PookiePrancer, 21 Jul 2007 @ 10:22am

Got lucky
I've had Sunrocket for 2 years. Luckily, my contract was about to expire at the end of this month anyway, so I dodged a bullet. Also, my service, after some hiccups early this week, appears to be back to normal...weird. No matter; I've decided on Packet8. Just talked to Cust Service; they don't anticipate any problems porting my number over, and said it should be less than a week (much faster than typical).
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David Lewenz, 22 Jul 2007 @ 1:50am

The viop challenge
The big stick always carries the wright, As smaller viop's figure out you loose money for unlimited service for $199.00 more will fall to the wayside, 200,000 folks lost $200 on sunrocket, I am happy paying my cabel company $39.95 a month just for the insurance, they will be around next year.
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Dan, 23 Jul 2007 @ 7:48pm

Switch to Open Tone Communications
Why? 1.You can speak to a real person if you are interested in the product or if you have questions about the service you currently have.
2.We don't have $199.00 for one year of service because there is no margin and unless you are a heavy gambler or AT&T you will go bankrupt. (we did the research)
3.We will customize your service to the areas you are interested in and even give you a point to point connections via cell phones in areas like the Philippines.
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ah hah, 24 Jul 2007 @ 10:49am

yeah sure
I'll give my cc info to a company in phillippines. Next thing you know someone bought a house in Manila with your credit card.
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john craig jr, 25 Jul 2007 @ 6:35am

Sunrocket
i too have had sunrocket almost a year and havent had a issue since getting it in september 2006. 208.00 a year cant beat that ! Not even Vonage offers $199 bucks a year
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KC, 25 Jul 2007 @ 8:02am

Any ViaTalk or Packet8 customers here?
How is the service? Any issues at all? Also, if anybody had Vonage service before, any problems with service or voice quality?
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KC, 26 Jul 2007 @ 5:47pm

Push it with your bank
they should give you credit for unused time.
My service is still on, but I got an email from SR stating that within 10 days it will be done with.
:(
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RKZ, 27 Jul 2007 @ 7:31pm

Switched to Teleblend
After reading a lot of emails about how we should not sign up with one of the 2 companies that took over, I signed up with Teleblend since it was completely painless; and I wanted to be sure my number was ported quickly; they have bought at least part of the SR equipment and that money is being used to keep Sunrocket functioning until 8/6 or something like that. I pick up the phone, it works now. There is still a glitch with the international calls but they are working on that. My SR service was not up until mid-Sept. but in the 10 months that I did have SR service, I saved a lot of money over the cost of AT&T, so I got my money's worth, not like some of the folks who had just signed up or renewed. I will investigate other companies with the extra time to see if I should switch. But so far, so good.
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KC, 8 Aug 2007 @ 8:28pm

My SR still on
august 8th, three days after final disconnection notice service is still on. ANybody has any input on that?
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observer, 11 Aug 2007 @ 8:23am

Teleblend
I switched to Teleblend on 8/1 and have had very irregular service since. It seems it is still running on Sunrocket servers. When I try to dial out, as of 8/11, a Sunrocket message announces that I should contact Teleblend and sign up with them. So even Teleblend charged me $21 ($13 + $5 for extra number + tax) on 8/1 they still do not provide the service.
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brianrobbins17@gmail.com, 12 Aug 2007 @ 11:04pm

SunRocket is no more
SunRocket is no more in the list of VoIP providers. I am recommending Lingo to SunRocket customers. In my opinion, Lingo offers comparatively better services to VoIP users. At present, they have good promo offers for SunRocket customers such as monthly $21.95 promotional calling plan and annual $195 calling plan plus one month free, free shipping, free second phone line, free office assistant, free activation, free equipment and 30 day money back guarantee. I think this could be a better option for SunRocket customers.
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aaa, 17 Aug 2007 @ 8:05pm

SR rubbed the balance money on each contract from
All SunRocket(SR) Customer,

I was a SR customer, as I understand that SR played a bankruptcy game to the customer, it looks that they planned this game when they have a promotion for $199/yr plan, they rubbed the balance money on each contract from the customer, TeleBlend(TB) takes over everything from SR except contract, they just changed the company name from SR to TB.

Do you have any idea to handle this issue, it is not a small issue, it is a big,big,big, huge issue, it is related to 200,000 customers

We have to ask goverment to protect us to have it in fair, where is the goverment? where is the policeman? where is the lawyer? where is our congressman? did they know the issue or not?

Reagrds,
A SR Customer
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Zelma Ambrose, 21 Aug 2007 @ 8:59pm

I have decided to switch to Lingo. They offer over 20 calling features, including several exciting advanced services such as low international rates to over 230 countries, free in-networking calling, local number portability, universal phone number, money back guarantee and online account management.
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observer, 23 Aug 2007 @ 12:14pm

Teleblend
As of today, 8/23, for the first time I got a dial tone - after 23 days. Just a basic service - no international calls, no second number. They still don't provide a control panel to set phone features. Well, there are none so far.
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