Service Activation On Vonage Pretty Instantaneous

Today I placed an order for Vonage VoIP service as another line for my home office. I was pretty impressed that 20-some seconds after entering in my credit card, I got a confirmation email with dial-in numbers to set up my voice mail and greetings (note that I did not port a prior telephone number [which would likely create a whole bunch of other business & technical process flows to kick in]). I was able to dial from my normal landline and start configuring the voice mail box even without having the VoIP gear that Vonage is planning to send me via snail mail. I presume instant activation means that Vonage already has blocks of numbers already allocated to them so that there’s not any crazy network configuration/re-configuration for fresh, new telephone numbers. I have to admit that Vonage has a pretty snazzy service activation process compared to what I’ve seen for plain old telephone service from traditional carriers and despite my prior post saying quality of service (QoS) is not the same.

Although I can’t make or receive calls without the VoIP gear (which should arrive in two weeks from Vonage?), I’m now wondering whether Vonage is equally aggressive about billing me for service … not to mention that after I receive the gear it may take me two weeks to figure out how to reconnect my home network …

Update (6/6/05): I like how when you get Vonage voice mail, you get an email message indicating the caller ID and the time of the call. Of course my first few email message alerts were lagged about 3 days, but they seem to be coming in on a timely basis now (e.g., within one hour of the message).

Update (6/8/05): Pretty slick service. Got the new Linksys router yesterday and hooked it up my existing wireless network today (DSL to the home). Went much easier than I expected although I had to go hardwired Ethernet for a moment to configure the new router. Got a Uniden 5.8Ghz cordless phone to go with the setup (best phone I’ve ever had – highly recommend this line of phone from Office Depot). There is an interesting feature that Vonage has called "Network Availability Number". Basically if your Internet connection is disrupted, you can automatically have calls forwarded elsewhere. If anyone wants a free month of service (*) with Vonage, feel free to contact me via email, and I can use Vonage’s refer a friend program. No warranties from me – I’d just be using Vonage’s interface. *FREE month refers to a credit of up to $49.99 towards the second month of service based on the plan the referral selects.

Update (6/9/05): Well, I’m getting some feedback from folks that the voice transmitted from my VoIP line sounds a little bit computerized (not bad) even though the inbound sound that I hear is excellent. Perhaps it’s a difference between using DSL (which I have) and cable. People ought to do some due diligence there as I don’t have enough data points.