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July 24, 2007 | Comments: (0)
SunRocket quick-fix: Forward calls
I was was one of the unlucky SunRocket customers affected by the company going belly up, leaving service -- and VoIP itself -- in doubt.
I jumped to Vonage -- patent lawsuit be damned -- and received my free VoIP box, but it takes 10 biz days to port your old number.
Not a problem. While SunRocket is dodgy at best now for full functionality, call forwarding to a virtual new number (to be replaced by my SunRocket number when porting is complete) can be done at sunrocket.com. It worked instantaneously for me.
And I assume I won't be charged for using it, given I prepaid for a year at $199 (have used it for three months.)
I am assuming my money is lost in this fiasco, but have placed a call with Sherwood Partners, which is handling the belly-up. WIll let you know, Tech Watchers, what I hear on that (holding my breathe).
For the record, SunRocketers have many options for alternative service, and all companies including Vonage are trying to grab SunRocket's share following the company's demise. (See full letter to customers below.) But judging by the coverage on TV news of this, and banter by TV anchormen and women, VoIP just got slammed a big one with consumers. One Sacramento newscaster said she was using Vonage, but it too could just disappear like SunRocket one day, "so who knows with these Internet startups" (or something like that).
Thanks, SunRocket management. You take the cake for worst handling of a matter such as this.
*****LETTER FROM SHERWOOD PARTNERS******
ear 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 Teleblend 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!
Click here to order (or 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. Teleblend 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 shipping
* FREE and Quick transfer of your current number
* UNLIMITED calling to the US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Click here to order (or copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: http://www.teleblend.com.
Posted by Mike Barton on July 24, 2007 03:10 PM
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yeah. for some reason it took me a few days to think of forwarding my calls to my new number. Someone left a comment on my blog that it was not working for them. I hope this continues to work for me until my number port is complete.
http://www.tonycode.com/blog/archives/36
Posted by: TOny at July 24, 2007 06:33 PMMy Sunrocket account had been working just fine until this morning (July 24). I can now only make outgoing calls but cannot receive incoming ones. The "forward calling" feature doesn't work either.
Posted by: Sholom at July 24, 2007 07:59 PMIt appears no-one has noticed or not mentioned, of the several e-mails from Sherwood Partners, there is a HIDDEN GOTCHA!
That hidden Gotcha! is some form of tracking information, which passes some variables to a NON-DISCLOSED website before continuing you to the location that is shown in the e-mail. This appears yet another deceptive practice of SunRocket. My best guess is that is may be for their accountants to determine amount of commission should be paid to the creditors from whichever of the two you chose. If you must choose one of them, type the URL in yourself and eliminate them paying the middlemen as a result of your transfer. There are many services out there equal or better than SunRocket and the recommended two they list and there is one difference, they do not pay a cent to the creditors for your business.
Many I know are going back to their wired phone service or major players, such as Earthlink who is not likely to disappear soon and charge MONTHLY.
Watch those e-mails from Sherwood Parnters, they contain hidden information. Aside from tracking customer transfers, they could be used for transferring your personal records from SunRocket. I would recommend you to NOT use the links provided, but type them in the browser URL box so you visit ONLY the link they are showing and not passing values to an unknown third-party web site on the way. I am highly suspicious about this whole situation (the mysterious teleblend) and the information concealed in the links in the e-mails.
Steven
I also paid the $199 and was in my second year having paid it in 2006 and received two free phones when I signed up. The service JUST started working a few months ago but initially was like Vonage, who I had when they first came out and quickly dumped because the call quality was pitiful.
I filed a Regulation E with my bank (TCF) on the prepayment but they advised me since it was not within 60 days I may not get any consideration at all. I am anxious to hear what you find out since I only used 3 months of the prepaid year just like you. You are not alone...
Posted by: Dante at July 25, 2007 02:09 AMTry Joi phone
I am signed up and I am getting great reception.
http://affiliate.joiphone.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=835
Good luck,
HL
send your remaining time on SR that you did not
receive "merchandise" to your credit card company with proof of your invoice. Several have rec'd some money credited to their cc account. The credit card company goes after the money from Sherwood /SR.
Chase is good and I heard Cap One too.. Good Luck.
After SunRocket went down, I switched to Lingo’s annual $195 calling plan. Their deals are absolutely transparent and I have had no problem with this sudden transition.
Posted by: josef jack at August 5, 2007 08:06 PMThough SunRocket directed their customers to Packet8 or TeleBlend, I have decided to go with Lingo. I think their deals are absolutely transparent. Above all, they have new plans to rescue SunRocket customers such as monthly $21.95 promotional calling plan and annual $195 calling plan.
Posted by: jorge cruise at August 12, 2007 08:50 PMWhen SunRocket went down, I went browsing to see which VoIP company can provide the best transition deals to the previous SunRocket customers. Finally, I noticed the promotional offers of Lingo for SunRocket customers located at http://www.lingo.com/shop/promotions/sunrocket.jsp. They have good plans for SunRocket customers. Moreover, they have a good coverage over US and 22 countries across the world. Above the all, anyone can avail of its annual international calling plan just for $195.
I thought Lingo could be a better option for ex-SunRocket customers. Their important calling plans have good promo offers such as one month free, free shipping, free second phone line, free office assistant, free activation, free equipment and 30 day money back guarantee.
I've decided to switch to Lingo, which has a $195 annual plan with one month free, free shipping, free activation, free equipment, free second phone line, free office assistant and 30 day money back guarantee.
Posted by: anthony robbins at August 15, 2007 10:37 PMTOP STORIES
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