Well, I am sure most of you heard that Vonage has gone bankrupt, but I am just curious how they handled it. Did they give time to find another provider, or did they cut and run like Amp'd Mobile did?

Amp'd basically told their customers that they won't have a cell phone provider in 3 hours. Just curious if Vonage did the same thing.

Cody

Well, I am sure most of you heard that Vonage has gone bankrupt
Uhh... really? Source?

http://www.betanews.com/article/Vonage_Litigation_Could_Bankrupt_Us/1176907519

where did the article say vonage has gone bankrupt?

The definition for gone is "to move or proceed". So when he posted Vonage has gone Bankrupt he was simply stating that Vongage has proceeded to go bankrupt. :P

http://www.betanews.com/article/Vonage_Litigation_Could_Bankrupt_Us/1176907519
Could != Did.

What am I missing? This is old news related to their SEC filings.

yes this is from the Aug 9th SEC filings as posted on their website. They ARE NOT bankrupt now, and in fact had better financial reports last quarter than some previous.

Edit: eh! its even older than that, but again in Au 9 it was mentioned.

IF (big if) Vonage goes bankrupt, or the court stays the opinion , then this will mean more of a monopoly for Ma Bell, which is JUST what they want.

Of course, a few things to keep in mind here:
Firstly, this is a legal battle, and not a "criminal" suit, but a "civil" suit, as no criminal judgements are being pursued, because no criminal actions have taken place.

Because this is a legal battle, and due to the nature of these , this won't be decided any time soon. Once a decision is made, it will be appealed, and again, and again, and again. This is just a tactic by Verizon to try to scare individuals away from their true competition, nothing more.

Is Vonage bankrupt? Considering they're still accepting new customers and providing services paid for, I'd say most definitely not. Are they under financial pressure? Of course. Verizon has been around a good deal longer than Vonage, has more of the capital reserve to go through these, and THAT will decide the legal battle more than anything.

Even if they lose this lawsuit, Vonage says they have methods in place to cover their customers. Of course this is only what THEY say, but come on, it'd be hard to be in business this long, and ignore this lawsuit responsibly.

I've been with vonage for 3 years now, and I've got to say that $30/month for unlimited calling/ld/etc is absolutely ASTOUNDING. I've had no issues at all with teir service, and don't anticipate any.

Was very surprised when I saw this thread title, glad they're going anytime soon since I still have yet to try their service ;)

Wow I thought this was a public thing, maybe not. I work at a Consumer electronics retail store where we offered Vonage products and sign-ups.
Well I went to work the other day and we were told to pull all of the vonage products off of the floor, and that signups were no longer allowed. We got a 1-800 number to give customers with questions about their service, rebates etc.

As of far this is the latest publicated article I could find.

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/56959.html


Cody

EDIT: I will grab a copy of our ad corrections letting people know about it when I am at work.

Cody,

Date check:
Part of the ECT News Network
04/18/07 1:26 PM PT

same general time as previous.

vonage is a public company now, they can't just go bankrupt in the night and it be hidden.

Well, I am sure most of you heard that Vonage has gone bankrupt, but I am just curious how they handled it. Did they give time to find another provider, or did they cut and run like Amp'd Mobile did?

Amp'd basically told their customers that they won't have a cell phone provider in 3 hours. Just curious if Vonage did the same thing.

Cody
So, I just checked Pacer. No bankruptcy for as of today. I'll put it on my watch list though.

Well I went to work the other day and we were told to pull all of the vonage products off of the floor, and that signups were no longer allowed. We got a 1-800 number to give customers with questions about their service, rebates etc.


That simply means that the company you're working for/with has ended their relationship with Vonage. This isn't surprising, due to the lawsuit, and initial ruling. Of course, this is all going to be tied up in a legal battle that will be very very long, undoubtedly.


As of far this is the latest publicated article I could find.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/56959.html


Over 4 months old there, just around the time of the ruling, which of course stated "no signups". This of course has been appealed, and they have been allowed to continue new signups during this appeal process. Of course, if they weren't, it would be detrimental to Vonage itself.

Next time, you might want to post a bit more up to date information. 4, 5 months old is rather old.

Like I said that was information I found online. Not my primary source. And usually they companies on the verge of going bankrupt don't hand out phone numbers to find out whats going to happen with their service, rebates etc. I will scan a copy of the statement once I get it from work, plus I will hopefully get the original statement from Vonage.

We wouldn't have just ended our relationship with vonage, it was a big money maker for us, we got a pretty decent incentive for vonage signups plus a high PMI on the hardware.

Cody

We wouldn't have just ended our relationship with vonage

A lot of people did after the ruling, big money or no, because they did not want to deal with the mess years down the road. Again, you're going off of information that is not new at all.

Vonage can not continue to accept "new customers" if they're going bankrupt at all. They warned that they MAY go bankrupt, back in what, APRIL? However, their financial statement (http://pr.vonage.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=259062) (posted Aug 9th, mind you) shows that they're doing good, and that they're making a good bit of headway.

Again, you're talking old news, spreading false rumours. Next time, you might want to provide a bit more "official" source. Vonage is not, and has not gone bankrupt. In order to do so, as a publicly traded company they have to take a number of steps, and there would be a good deal of notification. Of course, they STILL wouldn't be accepting new signups (which, btw they are) if they were going bankrupt.

Your company, for whatever reason, chose to end it's partnership with Vonage. This isn't an indication that they're bankrupt, it may be individuals waiting to see what happens from the ruling, whatever, but it's NOT an indication that vonage is going bankrupt, is bankrupt, or anything of the like.

As well, as shown in the report (see above url), Vonage is making progress in the area of the lawsuit, so if they DO lose, they have a backup. Again, hardly an indication of a "bankrupt" company.

Vonage is possibly, if not DEFINITELY the largest in the VOIP industry. I doubt very seriously that with the number of customers they have that they're going to just go "bankrupt" without any notification.

That business is going down if they don't strike a deal with Verizon so that they can sign up new customers. That's truly unfortunate for Vonage.

That business is going down if they don't strike a deal with Verizon so that they can sign up new customers. That's truly unfortunate for Vonage.

Again, more rumours. Vonage has a replacement in place for Verizon's so called "patented" systems, and has been accepting new customers for quite some time, if they ever STOPPED.


Again, legal junk that won't be resolved for years from now, if it ever is.

I've had an account with Vonage now for over a year. Zero problems, they won't be going bankrupt anytime soon -- is it potentially a problem?
Sure, they're up against a giant who is hauling their *** through court, patent problems or not.

I suspect they'll get through though. I've always had a lot of faith in them though, I love 'em :)

They haven't generated positive cash flow from operations in 3 years and their stock price is on a nose dive. On the other hand their current ratio isn't too bad and they might be on the tail end of their growth cycle. IMO they could swing either way. If they can find a way to survive the patent issues they might just do it.

IF (big if) Vonage goes bankrupt, or the court stays the opinion , then this will mean more of a monopoly for Ma Bell, which is JUST what they want.

Of course, a few things to keep in mind here:
Firstly, this is a legal battle, and not a "criminal" suit, but a "civil" suit, as no criminal judgements are being pursued, because no criminal actions have taken place.

Because this is a legal battle, and due to the nature of these , this won't be decided any time soon. Once a decision is made, it will be appealed, and again, and again, and again. This is just a tactic by Verizon to try to scare individuals away from their true competition, nothing more.

Is Vonage bankrupt? Considering they're still accepting new customers and providing services paid for, I'd say most definitely not. Are they under financial pressure? Of course. Verizon has been around a good deal longer than Vonage, has more of the capital reserve to go through these, and THAT will decide the legal battle more than anything.

Even if they lose this lawsuit, Vonage says they have methods in place to cover their customers. Of course this is only what THEY say, but come on, it'd be hard to be in business this long, and ignore this lawsuit responsibly.

I've been with vonage for 3 years now, and I've got to say that $30/month for unlimited calling/ld/etc is absolutely ASTOUNDING. I've had no issues at all with teir service, and don't anticipate any.

$30/Year for unlimited long distance is even more astounding. Try Skype and quit overpaying for your Vonage VoIP. I've been using Skype for MONTHS now and the call quality is very clear and I have no problems with it at all.

$30/Year for unlimited long distance is even more astounding. Try Skype and quit overpaying for your Vonage VoIP. I've been using Skype for MONTHS now and the call quality is very clear and I have no problems with it at all.

Skype is hardly an alternative to vonage. While it's good, it's not an alternative to vonage.

Firstly, skype is software based, while Vonage is hardware (router) based. If individuals aren't within range of some public "wi-fi" or on some soft of broadband phone network (mobile), skype won't work for your phone.

Secondly, skype requires specific phones. With Vonage, I can just go down to the store, pick up a phone, plug it into the router, and voilla, it works.

Thirdly, for "call forwarding", you pay with skype. With Vonage? Nope, not at all.

Skype doesn't even compare to Vonage. They may both be in the same industry, but it can't even compare.

$30/Year for unlimited long distance is even more astounding. Try Skype and quit overpaying for your Vonage VoIP. I've been using Skype for MONTHS now and the call quality is very clear and I have no problems with it at all.

Price isn't everything.

Can't remember where I saw it but I read an article just a day or 2 ago that the whole deal may go away since it all involves one small part of the technology Vonnage uses to provide VOIP. Supposedly anytime now if not already they have developed a work-around that will allow them to discontinue use of the disputed technology.

Then there may be some minor settlement where Vonnage says "we aren't admitting infringing on your patent but we will go "X" $ to make this all go away.

Really the little bit of the big picture of making VOIP work is very arguably not a point where Vonnage did anything wrong by patent infringement.
However fighting the monster is draining their funds so they would rather switch than fight.
Hope it's true. Vonnage has always blown away any other VOIP provider for me. Been using them for years and NEVER has anyone suspected we were not on a conventional phone.

Can't remember where I saw it but I read an article just a day or 2 ago that the whole deal may go away since it all involves one small part of the technology Vonnage uses to provide VOIP. Supposedly anytime now if not already they have developed a work-around that will allow them to discontinue use of the disputed technology.

Could be from their latest financial statement (http://ir.vonage.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=259062) where they state:

"At the same time, we have substantially completed the deployment of workarounds for the two name translation patents and have completed the development of the wireless patent workaround. This is a significant step toward moving ahead with our business in the wake of the Verizon litigation. We look forward to the Court's ultimate decision and remain confident in the strength of our appeal."



Then there may be some minor settlement where Vonnage says "we aren't admitting infringing on your patent but we will go "X" $ to make this all go away.

Personally, I'd love to see just the opposite. Vonage doing this would only set precedence and allow Verizon to just mop up completely with other companies. Not really a good thing. Of course, if it becomes clear that they're going to lose, then why waste company money on a lawsuit, but to them it's not there yet, and I don't see it there either.

A company can operate without "positive cash flow" for quite some time, as long as they have the assets to maintain whatever they need to do this. Apparently, Vonage has them. With 2.4 million lines (not customers, lines), I'd say they're doing pretty good for themselves. As long as the growth continues, it's safe to say that they will succeed. Now that they've deployed what needs to be deployed to get away from the Verizon crap, there's more money back into the company, money that was spent and dedicated researching this deployment.

Skype is hardly an alternative to vonage. While it's good, it's not an alternative to vonage.


Thats an opinion - not fact.


Firstly, skype is software based, while Vonage is hardware (router) based. If individuals aren't within range of some public "wi-fi" or on some soft of broadband phone network (mobile), skype won't work for your phone.


Wrong. You can get Skype WiFi phones (which means you can use it as your home phone easily if you have an access point - or even on the go at a free or paid hotspot!). How is Vonage any different? It has to have an internet connection at all times as well.


Secondly, skype requires specific phones. With Vonage, I can just go down to the store, pick up a phone, plug it into the router, and voilla, it works.


Wrong again. You can go to your local Best Buy (or an online retailer) and buy a small piece of equipment (for around $40 - I think thats close to the cost of Vonage's VoIP equipment) that plugs into your ethernet connection and then into your home phone line(s) to give you dialtone, which you can then plug any "regular" landline phone into.


Thirdly, for "call forwarding", you pay with skype. With Vonage? Nope, not at all.


I guess for me it's a feature I wouldn't need. I have a cell phone with unlimited incoming calls 24/7.


Skype doesn't even compare to Vonage. They may both be in the same industry, but it can't even compare.

Again, another opinion, not a fact.

Price isn't everything.

It may not be, but when I can call anyone in the US or Canada for unlimited minutes for $30/year (just under $3/month), that's pretty nice. And when the call quality is as good as other VoIP providers I've dealt with (Vonage, Packet8, Comcast (kinda), etc.), that's and even better deal. And, when I can call people overseas (friends on mission trips, exchange programs, etc.) for just pennies a minute (or even free if they just download Skype), that's pretty nice too.

Has it gone into bankruptcy? I am still receiving mailers. I was considering signing up but this has really been news to me.

Has it gone into bankruptcy? I am still receiving mailers. I was considering signing up but this has really been news to me.


:lovewht:

Read through the entire thread, this is almost a month old now.
No , vonage is not bankrupt, has not gone bankrupt, and will (probably) not go bankrupt. If they do, this will be a major event, and will be met with public filings, as they are a publically traded company.

Trust me, if Vonage goes bankrupt, you'll hear that on the news, before you'll hear (or see) it here.

I've been with Vonage for years, since they first opened their doors. I have never had one single problem. I switched to them from BellSouth (BellSatan). After switching, my cost for phone service became 1/3 of what it had been, and lots of people noticed how much clearer the connection was and asked if I had gotten a new phone. I told them "no, just a new provider."

I have never had even a second of downtime with Vonage. Their system is always up and running 100%. They offer way more features than anyone else. They offer BOTH hardware and software options (like skype). They offer a ton of innovative features you won't find anywhere else.

I only called their support one time (due to my own stupidity) and they answered instantly, understood what I was asking and answered my question perfectly the first time. In my opinion, they are by far the best telecommunications company out there.

I see them taking a lot of heat on this board, but I don't know why. They serve an extremely important role in discouraging monopolies and keeping competition strong.

They are not bankrupt but have had cashflow issues. They have a very large client base in the US and its grown here in the UK as well over the past year. They are making money but the amount invested by them in VOIP technology they are in debt and one which will take years to payoff unless they get more signups. If their creditors call the money in they will have to file for bankruptcy but this does not mean that the service gets cut off etc. The term allows them to refinance and structure whilst not paying the creditors. I have a feeling that the company could be liable for a buyout sometime next year if market conditions do not change. I've been with them for over a year and the service is fantastic.

I would never switch service to try to save a few bucks.

I've been with Vonage since January 2005 and cannot say enough "good" about them. The calls are always crystal clear and since most of my business is in other parts of the world - calling USA,Canada, & UK is free, and everywhere else is cheap in my opinion. I also have a toll-free number which I don't believe other services offer.

As much as I do like the idea of what Vonage offers, and they definitely hit the price point. Unfortunately I have NEVER had good quality out of the service, so I cannot say it is bad to see them go. Maybe hey should have focused on improving what they had more, and pleasing the clients they had vs Just trying to gain new clients by running tons of promotion.

Sounds like this strategy can be used in another industry I can think of :-P

Is it possible that your internet connection was the problem? When it comes to Vonage service, that is the only weak link. The real problem is with the ISP, but Vonage is unfairly blamed for it.

I did look into that, but I have 15mbps FiOS at my house, so it didnt take long to rule that out. I may have been a fluke though, because I havent heard my complaint from very many people at all. Oh well, in the end Cell Phones ftw.

Just because you HAVE 15mb Verizon doesn't mean you're PULLING 15mb, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they're deliberatly screwing things up for Vonage. I mean, come on, they ARE after all trying to milk them for some ridiculous patent BS

Lol, I'm really not even worried about it. It may have been something I set up wrong. Though I am fairly sure that virtually regardless of how good my connection was (outside of being completely down) it would be able to handle the requirements for Vonage, assuming of course that i wasnt using it for anything else at the time. I may have had a fault adapter or something. No telling. I would actually be pretty surprised if they DID deliberately sabotage Vonage for Verizon customers, lol.

I would actually be pretty surprised if they DID deliberately sabotage Vonage for Verizon customers, lol.

Well, given the lawsuit, they've already tried to start that. What's to say they aren't doing that on their own network?

All it takes (really, it's simple) is blocking off Vonage's ports. Those ports have been blasted over the internet so many times and ways it wouldn't surprise me in the least if that was the case. Although, that is a stretch, it's also a stretch to believe that, given the current state of the lawsuit with them, they're not going to try something stupid like that.

It's also possible you have a very bad connection, or had very bad equipment, you're right there.

I gave up on it long ago. Besides I dont really use my home phone much at all now-a-days anyway. Thanks for the help though!