freakn wrote:
Most likely you have sen a headline like this somewhere, but if not ... the #2 independent (as in isn't an ISP or Cable provider) VoIP provider up and disappeared with 200,000 customers left wondering while having no official notification. The website works, my phone still works, but voice mail doesn't and no one answers customer service.

Don't forget, the #1 provider, Vonage, with 2 million customers is still in court proceedings with Verizon.

Poor cheap ass VoIP. I wonder who my VoIP account is going to get sold to. Hostrocket.com?

Wow... Thanks for the heads up!

Decius wrote:
Wow... Thanks for the heads up!

I've been digging in looking for a replacement for my "few days shy of 2 years" VoIP (lucky for me, that $200 annual prepay runs out in a few days). There are a few no-names out there with $200 annual ... but a no-name handling your voice calls along with the possibility they go down like Sun Rocket isn't too pleasing of an idea. The ~$15 Vonage doesn't look so bad, well, if they were not on the verge of bankruptcy after payments to Verizon, and don't forget another infringement court case pending from Sprint-Nextel.

The cable operators own 70% of the VoIP market with Vonage and SunRocket combined owning about 26%.

I'm planning on weathering out the storm and see who buys up the "we're cutting all expenses" SunRocket. Hopefully that'll happen before my phone dies. I got a feeling I am going to end up giving up 911 access and hooking Skype In / Skype Out to my house's inside phone wires.

freakn wrote:
I'm planning on weathering out the storm and see who buys up the "we're cutting all expenses" SunRocket.

Well, look at it this way. You could buy SunRocket, and then you'd have to honor all those multi year contracts paid for with money that is gone. Or, you could not, and the customers will be forced to switch, and you can pick them up, and they'll pay you.

Sent at 1pm :

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!

So ya, they are going to keep everyone's prepaid money, while getting more money from these two companies to send out this advertising e-mail.

Check out the second company. The website was registered 3 days ago. The only option for "Signing up" when you go to the home page is to transfer your Sun Rocket number. They can use your current SunRocket hardware, and "quickly" transfer your number. Check out the two contact numbers of TeleBlend and SunRocket ... SR Support is 877-252-4549 while TB Support is 877-252-4548. This is really fishy.

This all appears in the WSJ, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118479699440570808.html?mod=wsjcrmain , and more on DSLReports http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r18701325-Who-the-f-is-TeleBlend

[ Video Link ]

freakn wrote:
Don't forget, the #1 provider, Vonage, with 2 million customers is still in court proceedings with Verizon.

Yep, that's who I use. I hate to think I'd have to switch to Comcast.