Posted on 06/22/2021 6:28:23 AM PDT by AbolishCSEU
Well I tried to migrate away from GV as a free service for my husband's micro business. I was annoyed with the lack of support and that occasional wonky issues would crop up (having to do with ring tones; all settings were perfect on my android) that I would research and resolve. Obviously having to use the Google cabal wasn't too thrilling either.
I ported to Ooma. Here are the issues with Ooma:
1. Ooma Telo only supports one POTS port (not really an issue for me any more since I have an extra phone line as I now use as a fax line from my ISP).
2. no mute function on the ooma android phone app (I use this function extensively to state who is calling before I hand my phone over to "the boss" aka hubby)
3. no way to search phone call logs.
4. disconnect doesn't disconnect immediately on the ooma phone app; take about 3 to 5 seconds (very annoying).
5. "support" is overseas and practically useless.
6. their equipment is pricey compared to my original obihai box; the ooma premier service gives you another phone line, however you have to add an ooma "linx" box to be able to use it to the fullest for another $49 plus tax.
7. lost SMS capability on the ported line (and all lines).
8. settings on portal and smartphone app are wonky; they apparently stop working for no apparent reason; i ended up reinstalling the ooma app twice in the last month.
9. support actually UNCHECKED my ability to forward the business line when talking to a rep that they stopped forwarding. I had made a screenshot that both settings were toggled on and correct. I think the support rep was from Gabon or something and she unchecked it on the back door!
The ONLY thing I was aware of when I talked to Ooma sales before purchasing was the lost SMS capability which wasn't too bad. It was not explained to me that you can't search call logs either on the portal or in the app. A BIGGIE for us.
All the other services are too pricey for us going from $20 to $40 and up a month when we already pay for another line with our ISP.
/scrooge flame suit ON
You get what you pay for....if the telecom is critical to your business don’t you think the extra $20-$30/month worth it?
It would’ve helped to provide a context before rushing into review a product very few people use. Also, explain your acronyms on first use.
for voip it would be if it were not that we are paying $179 a month for a biz internet account that includes one voip line
“It would’ve helped to provide a context before rushing into review a product very few people use...”
I was going to however, it probably would turn into a “how DARE you use a google product.”
Ok sorry. I had this under a tech keyword so was assuming that anyone who was a tech wonk would know what POTS stands for “plain old telephone system”
Not sure if I used any other acronyms after that.
LOL! OK.
Gotcha. However, many--like me--browse FR under "Everything" so all articles show up no matter what category they are in.
It’s OK.
You can forward it to your mobile
It’s relatively cheap.
A micro business is a hobby.
If you develop a real biz, $20-30/mo is insignificant.
I have two bonded business DSL lines with ATT plus a business VoIP line and I only pay $82/mo.
Business internet and VoIP gives me better service levels and priority during outages...
Did you sign up for the regular Ooma service (geared toward residential phone use), or Ooma Office? I have the regular Ooma for home (with Premium), and use Ooma Office for my company. They’re not without their limitations, but both are significantly less expensive that the traditional alternatives. And they’ve been largely ‘bulletproof’ in my experience.
One caveat/disclaimer, I do NOT use the Ooma apps for my iPhone at all. Rather, I use the simultaneous ring feature to my mobile for my home’s 2nd line. Main line at home can just go to voice-mail - that’s usually only tele-scammers that get past Ooma’s spam-call filters.
for very modest costs, voip.ms provides excellent land line service, though their support is essentially non-existent.
I use the two-port obitalk gateway and a free 3rd party voip.ms management service, https://myvoipmsalt.com ,which is more useful than the native voip.ms management interface ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.