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I guess its time to start a new thread.
I just signed up for this new service:
In response to the Google voice obi shutdown, Vestalink provides a drop in replacement for Google voice for with unlimited incoming and outgoing calling for $59.99 a year, or $89.99 for 2 years. (there are some limited plans for much cheaper). You can use your existing obi device with Vestalink, they even have a Easy Setup Tool that will auto provision your Obi device. You could even stay with your GV number by having it forward to Vestalink, and they will spoof your outgoing caller ID to show your number. Signup was very smooth, they responded to my emails within 5 minutes.

A couple of nice features:
1. Outgoing faxes can be sent from their portal by attaching a file from your computer (free).
2. You can add a second phone line for an additional $24/yr. ($2/mo) You are still unable to set a separate device for the second number.
3. Once adding a second line it can be set as a dedicated fax line which will be forwarded to email at no additional charge. This can be done with the first line as well, but then it will no longer ring on your device and can no longer be used as a voice line.
« Last edited by Dan on May 14, 2014, 02:38:01 PM »

Author Topic: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi  (Read 31991 times)

Offline DanH

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #120 on: August 15, 2014, 09:10:50 AM »
yup, Jeff helped me change settings on my router.. It was blocking it
:)

SIP ALG?
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline churnbabychurn

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #121 on: August 17, 2014, 09:29:52 AM »
:)

SIP ALG?
:)
Quote
Chat started
CBC
Hi I did a hard reset but getting the following error when making a call"

Jeffrey joined the chat

Jeffrey
whats the error?
CBC
No service configured error, please login to obi talk to configure device

I did the vestalink tool properly etc


Jeffrey
you need to reconfigure it again after reset

http://support.vestalink.com/ check Basic OBi COnfiguration

and run easy setup
CBC
I did all that after the reset still

I did it twice...


Jeffrey
ok try to manually add it

do the advance setup
CBC
K il try that, thanks


Jeffrey
ill wait for you
CBC
Service ProvidersNameStatusSettings
SP1VestaLink AccountService Not Configured

it says device not configured?


Jeffrey
you need to reset the OBi again

1. With a paper clip (or similar) depress the reset pin located at the bottom of the OBi.
2. While keeping the reset pin depressed, plug-in the power cord.
First, the Power LED will turn red, then become sold green.
Keep depressing the reset pin while this is occurring.
3. After 10 seconds, the Power LED will start to flash green (slowly).
You may now release the reset pin.
4. Within 5 seconds, the Power LED will start to flash green rapidly for about 3 seconds.
5. Next the Power LED will change to red briefly indicating the OBi is now rebooting.
CBC
like a hard reset and then add the device again to obi talk??


Jeffrey
correct
CBC
This is getting anoying, why is this happening/


Jeffrey
make sure its turned off first before plugging the power cord
CBC
What you mean trned of, there is no off switch


Jeffrey
remove the power cord first

then plug in the PIN
CBC
Remove power cord, insert paper clip and plug in


Jeffrey
correct
CBC
ok last try! thanks!


Jeffrey
go ahead
CBC
ok now shold I try the easy method or the hard one


Jeffrey
the easy method
CBC
no go, can I get a refund? seriously?


Jeffrey
i believe it's not our service who is not working properly

its your OBi device

as i check your account your softphone is functioning
CBC
This is the third OBI that is not working on vestalink.

I replaced the first one, when there was a lot of static

I can send you the amazon receipts


Jeffrey
ok if you want

you can also schedule a specialist to be the one to configure it for you

however there will be a $20 charge
CBC
Im not an idiot. I did it correctly multiple times


Jeffrey
no im not saying something like that

there is a possibility that something else is wrong

whats your router brand and model?
CBC
onnetworks N300 brand new


Jeffrey
there are cases thats some router have problems with sip alg
CBC
I even tried another old router


Jeffrey
which you need to disable first for VOIP to work
CBC
Thats in the router settings?


Jeffrey
correct

SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) and SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) need to be disabled on most routers and firewalls, if equipped. This is usually found on the Security/Firewall tab in the device’s web interface.

thats on the router
CBC
I dont see any of those options in the routers security tab


Jeffrey
https://support.vonagebusiness.com/kb/netgear-wndr3300/ check this

type this at the address bar 192.168.1.1
CBC
I am loged into my router


Jeffrey
select WAN setup

Check the “Disable SPI” box so that SPI is disabled.
CBC
found it disablede sip alg


Jeffrey
Check “Disable SIP ALG” so that SIP ALG is disabled.
CBC
anything else in there?

it also has an option secured or open?


Jeffrey
also disable port scan

NAT scan should be Open
CBC
anything with default dma?

dmz


Jeffrey
keep it blank
CBC
respond to ping on internet port?


Jeffrey
keep it checked
CBC
it was unchecked il check it, K?


Jeffrey
yes
CBC
ok gonna reset the obi and try again


Jeffrey
dont reset the OBi

just do the easy setup
CBC
ok


Jeffrey
the firewall should be open now
CBC
Now when dialing ***1 its says your IP adress is

Nothing!


Jeffrey
hmm... Obi is stocked

do the factory reset again
CBC
k


Jeffrey
after it reset wait for atleast 3 mins before doing the easy setup

just enough time for OBi to reconfigure itself
CBC
k

Hey it works!


Jeffrey
great
CBC
Your awesome thanks!!


Jeffrey
you are welcome

just remember those settings if your router suddenly reset

and the firewall was setup again
CBC
right il save this chat...Gonna frame it!:)


Jeffrey
lol

ok then

Thank you for contacting Vestalink Customer Support and have a wonderful rest of your day!

[We appreciate your feedback. If you would like to rate this Support Chat today, please select one of the options below by clicking on the bullet point. Thank you!]
I found this assistance helpful.
I did not find this assistance helpful.
CBC
I found this assistance helpful.

Jeffrey left the chat

Offline DanH

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #122 on: August 17, 2014, 11:49:47 AM »
:)

I called it - http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=41218.msg872864#msg872864

Although I would go ahead and un-check respond to internet ping.  I don't think you need that enabled.
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline TimT

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #123 on: September 17, 2014, 12:01:46 AM »
How do I make international calls ? It keeps saying it's not setup.

Offline A European

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #124 on: February 07, 2015, 09:29:31 PM »
Shame! ;(

Just used it as a regular home phone.

(It is not me the company it's the company that makes me wait on line forever ;)   )

Offline MarkS

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #125 on: February 07, 2015, 09:31:43 PM »
Shame! ;(

Just used it as a regular home phone.

(It is not me the company it's the company that makes me wait on line forever ;)   )
You know you can get free unlimited service with Google voice right?

Offline TimT

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #126 on: February 07, 2015, 09:32:50 PM »
You know you can get free unlimited service with Google voice right?
Lots of people signed up with vesta when obi was gonna end.

Offline A European

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #127 on: February 07, 2015, 09:33:02 PM »
Yes but I paid already (before we know it)


I will switch back now to GV.

Still a shame on them...

Offline TimT

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #128 on: February 07, 2015, 09:34:03 PM »
Yes but I paid already (before we know it)


I will switch back now to GV.

Still a shame on them...
About how many hours a day did you use it regularly ?

Offline MarkS

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #129 on: February 07, 2015, 09:34:56 PM »
Yes but I paid already (before we know it)


I will switch back now to GV.

Still a shame on them...
Yes - they have very bad CS. I discovered that when canceling and they tried shortchanging me with the refund.

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #130 on: February 07, 2015, 09:37:35 PM »
About how many hours a day did you use it regularly ?
Not sure

Any way to check it?

Offline TimT

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #131 on: February 07, 2015, 09:45:25 PM »
Not sure

Any way to check it?
I don't know about total calls but they show amount of time per call.
What do you mean "it's the company that makes me wait on line", when you make a call vestalink doesn't connect you right away ?

Offline A European

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #132 on: February 07, 2015, 09:46:26 PM »
I don't know about total calls but they show amount of time per call.
What do you mean "it's the company that makes me wait on line", when you make a call vestalink doesn't connect you right away ?
BA (company waiting time...)

#joking

Offline A European

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #133 on: February 08, 2015, 06:16:53 AM »
About how many hours a day did you use it regularly ?
approximately 100 minutes a day...

Offline DanH

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #134 on: February 08, 2015, 07:15:54 AM »
approximately 100 minutes a day...
If you contact them they will usually put it back to unlimited.  Downgrade is system-automated.  But yes, it's extremely annoying..
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Offline TimT

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #135 on: February 08, 2015, 08:33:32 AM »
approximately 100 minutes a day...
That's what they call excessive usage ? Definitely call up

Offline A European

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #136 on: February 08, 2015, 08:34:25 AM »
That's what they call excessive usage ? Definitely call up
No phone to call anymore no chat as well

Offline Emkay

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #137 on: February 08, 2015, 08:35:26 AM »
If you contact them they will usually put it back to unlimited.  Downgrade is system-automated.  But yes, it's extremely annoying..
I was told the same someone who had the same issue

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #138 on: February 08, 2015, 12:03:52 PM »
Here is the respond ;(

Offline DanH

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Re: Vestalink- Google Voice replacement for Obi
« Reply #139 on: February 08, 2015, 12:42:24 PM »
Speak to them in Chat.  You will firs speak to Jeff, then they will forward you to Andrew (or Ryan).   Keep trying.

ETA:
Some more info from Vestalink:
"We flag accounts that indicate a daily average of over 3 hours a day. All accounts have a soft limit of 5000 minutes a month"

Also:
Someone that had the same issue as you, this is what Vestalink posted online:

Hi Everyone
Vestalink uses automated systems to determine improper account usage. We have decided to downgrade (issue a refund for the difference, then downgrade to a 2,000 a month minute plan) any account indicating that it will go over 5,000 minutes during the period of one month in order to protect our customer base. I know that this might seem petty and cheap but if we did not have these security precautions in place we would have to raise the price for everyone due to a select few users using the service for telemarketing etc. Since there is no way for us to actually determine if a user is using the service for business or personal, if you contact us we will in most cases upgrade your account back to the unlimited plan if you are truly using the service for residential use. Our intention is not to trick a residential user into buying an “unlimited service” and then not following through on that promise. Our intention is simply to keep business use off of our service so we can offer low priced high quality services to residential users. We will always give refunds to our customers and we have given all of our employees the power to issue refunds to dissatisfied customers. We would never not respond to a cancellation request, and we are not practicing a “bait and switch” scheme. Hopefully your issue was resolved Paltel, if you want to PM me your account details I can check into this issue. I am sorry to hear your experience with the service was not satisfactory.
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