[Asterisk-Users] Re: Who's happy with their voip service?

[Michael Graves]

On Sun, 08 May 2005 10:48:04 -0700, Bryce W Nesbitt wrote:

>>I started out happy as a clam with my new Broadvoice account and 
>>asterisk machine.  About 10 days ago things began to change....
>>Who's happy with their voip service using asterisk?
>>Where do you get reliable DIDs? 
>>The 'carrier partner' they speak of.. can you get the did directly from 
>>them?
>>Are all the voip providers this flakey?
>>  
>>
>I've tried 5 providers, and I can't say that I'm happy with any of them.  I'm far to small to deal with 'carrier partners' directly (e.g. Level 3, XO or RNK).  So I have to deal through resellers.  And they all seem to be operating on shoestrings and duct tape.
>
>I'm OK with the awkward setup, confusing configuration, and (for Asterisk) all but useless documentation.  But high latency, dropouts, unplanned outages, lack of clues, echos, all take the shine off things.  With Asterisk I have very few tools to monitor connection quality, especially on the outbound leg of my calls.  I at least want to know when it sucks, and have some control over parameters.
>
>I keep a POTS line at home.

I started out a year and half ago using VoicePulse Connect as I much
preffer using IAX based providers. They were good for a while but had a
month of more of problems in mid-2004 and never offered DIDs in my
area.

Then I signed up with Nufone. Again, no local DIDs but very reliable
service.

Next I added a Clearpath account with an 800 number. While not heavily
used this has been 100% reliable. It was a beast to get established
since the folks at Clearpath can be difficult to reach.

Then I added a Voipjet.com account for outbound calling. Had a little
trouble now and again as they were a startup at the time. However their
rates are great and service has been 97% reliable.

I added a Sixtel.net account when they offered DIDs in my area. Their
service has been ok...not a reliable as voipjet or nufone...but ok.
their service people have been responsive when I've called.

Since all of these providers are prepaid services I never close an
account. I modify my dialplan to cascade from one to another in the
event that there is a network outtage.

I too keep one analog line in my home office as my primary inbound
number. However, in the coming week I installing a new * server and
hope to remove the TDM card in the porcess. I'm starting out by call
forwarding my SBC line to a Sixtel DID. If that works out over time
then  I may transition  to a wholly IP based system....or not if having
the analog line remains a necessary backup.

Michael

--
Michael Graves                           mgraves at pixelpower.com
Sr. Product Specialist                          www.pixelpower.com
Pixel Power Inc.                                 mgraves at mstvp.com

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