[WXC/VFX] Xnet Virtual Fone Xchange-Questions

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] Xnet Virtual Fone Xchange-Questions

andrewcnz

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#10496 25-Nov-2006 18:07

My wife was looking at the toll rates on VFX and liked what she saw so I have a few questions (Note we already have tolls and ADSL with World x change).

What is the audio quality like? Can a fax be used? What about faxabilty? What kind of phone number do you get I’m just outside Tauranga and have a 07 548xxxx number currently. How reliable is it (apart from the mains power issue*UPS)?

Thanks Andrew

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#53640 25-Nov-2006 20:03

The VFX service is a great phone service. Includes heaps of features, caller ID, voice-mail, call forwarding & lots more, all for $11.95 /mth (free till April). The voice quality is excellent, though you do need to make sure your router has good bandwidth management and QoS (quality of service) built in. Yes it can do faxing, not sure about a faxibility equivalent yet, but I'm sure it will be on the list of future features. Either the WAG54GP2v2 or SPA2102 would be best options if you plan to do faxing as the PAP2T may not be supported for faxing in future. NB: although faxing is not 100% reliable on VOIP, there has been good feedback on this working well over VFX. As for overall reliability of VFX; it's certainly been more reliable than my Internet connection.

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maverick

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#53660 26-Nov-2006 08:32

Hi Andrew

I will answer some of your questions

1. Well we believe the Voice Quality should be excellent, but then again I will be biased...so I will let users answers this for you.
2. Yes Fax can be used and we believe also that it works pretty well, Fax through VOIP is pretty hard but generally fax is working well, once again I will let users testify to that.
3. Faxability not really yet, but at the price you could use a second line just for Fax :)
4. The number range wil be a 07 xxx xxxx Number and is a Local Tauranga Number
5. Once again I'm pretty Biased but it's very reliable (as long as your ADSL is), I have had it for 3 years and trust me if It was down I would be hearing it from my Wife, I will let users put their own comments.

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Phil Moore
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WorldxChange Communications

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

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bigqueez

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#53673 26-Nov-2006 11:59

I have signed up with this service recently and can testify that VFX provides great call quality, reliability and excellent service. I was previously on iTalk and VFX certainly beats iTalk hands down.

riahon

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#53677 26-Nov-2006 14:03

I am getting very interested now.... I read people talking about a PAP2T. I saw DSE had something that was on special for $98. Is that all I need in regards to hardware? I also send a few faxes as well, I have faxability.

Cheers

maverick

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#53694 26-Nov-2006 15:34

riahon: I am getting very interested now.... I read people talking about a PAP2T. I saw DSE had something that was on special for $98. Is that all I need in regards to hardware? I also send a few faxes as well, I have faxability.

Cheers

Yes that is correct, you can always keep your Fax on the Telecom Line that has Faxability is you wish as well, but feel free to try the service with Fax,

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

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tonyhughes

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#53697 26-Nov-2006 16:38

riahon: I am getting very interested now.... I read people talking about a PAP2T. I saw DSE had something that was on special for $98. Is that all I need in regards to hardware? I also send a few faxes as well, I have faxability.

Cheers

I just bought this exact unit - plugged into my router, signed up with Phils crew, and am away laughing...

andrewcnz

961 posts

Ultimate Geek

#53728 26-Nov-2006 20:09

Thanks for all the answers. It’s sounding like the way to go, so the Linksys Analogue Telephony Adaptor is what I need to plug into my home network (DSE XH7474 $98 incl gst on special)? Then plug in a handset and sign up. Would love to ditch telecom completely guess I can’t have ADSL without a dial tone? Did telecom have a cheap line rental with 20 cent local calls? Thanks for your time guys.

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coffeebaron

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#53760 26-Nov-2006 22:18

andrewcnz:

Would love to ditch telecom completely guess I can’t have ADSL without a dial tone? Did telecom have a cheap line rental with 20 cent local calls?

Yea, think they DID have a $20 /mth line & 20c calls, but ditched it, like all their other good plans - no more mesage line now either.
Naked DSL still a while off, probably end of next year.

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andrewcnz

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#53854 27-Nov-2006 18:30

I went out and got a PAP2T from Dick Smith and a new DECT cordless phone. Rang up WXC and signed up for VFX. So just need them to activate the service (2 days they say). Tell ya what I think when its all go.

andrewcnz

961 posts

Ultimate Geek

#54217 29-Nov-2006 21:41

After I rang world x change, it took a day to get the service going. Helpful tech guy rang and told me my new phone number and to reboot the PAP2T when I got home. Pleased to say the call quality is quite good (Better then other VoIP services I have tried). The other end can get a slight echo at times but not enough to be to annoying. Found no delays in call connection. Tested with uploads and downloads at same time and had no issues (using my existing adsl router and switch). I’m happy as (and so is the wife)! Roll on naked DSL!

riahon

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#54720 5-Dec-2006 18:06

"5.. It takes too long for your service through WorldxChange to be provisioned."

I got a phone call this morning at 11ish to set up account. Got email confirming it was set up at 3pm today. I Dont think that was too long?

"6 You cannot choose your number or get a list of numbers to choose from"

I am a little disapponted that my number is 07 98XXXX as I was expecting an 07 84XXXXX - not really a big deal for me as I will be using the service for calling out only but could see this being a barrier for Hamiltonians not used to "9" numbers.

tonyhughes

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#54722 5-Dec-2006 18:44

1. WorldxChange has decided to lock down the Linksys PAP2T device on at least one line and does not work on any other SIP hardware except for the ones they sell, support which in other words means the ones they have learned how to lock or ANY software.

This has been clearly explained both on Geekzone, and personally to me over the phone by Phil Moore. They do this to offer a more seamless experience for users (i.e. if there is a problem its a WxC problem because they control everything). He openly said to me "if you require the flexibility of using other devices/softphones, then WxC probably isnt for you". I must admit, they do offer a very easy experience to get setup.

2. They will not give you a local number in a region outside your own. Basically they will give you a local number in whatever region you are in.

This is to maintain the ability for emergency services to match your address and your phone number up, it seems silly i know. You could easily set it up using any address in New Zealand and get a number anywhere you want. Once you have the number, you would just change your billing address and say you moved... (of course this should be true, otherwise it might be fraud...)

3. The rates of most destinations are the same as iTalk and the ones that are different are more expensive.

Thats good that a startup is able to match the #3 player in *most* areas, and beat the pants off #1 and #2

4. Even as Phil Moore posted in this topic, they do not tell you what kind of number you will be getting. (e.g. 09 XXX XXXX) whereas iTalk tells you that your number will be 09 974 XXXX.

So they are being up front about it - excellent!!

5. It takes too long for your service through WorldxChange to be provisioned.

I got mine set up in less than 2 hours. Our household works for a major telco and we were without service for 1 week after moving house and giving 8 weeks notice.

6. You cannot choose your number or get a list of numbers to choose from.

Bummer.

7. The monthly fee after the free promotion until April 2007 will be $11.25 per month compared to iTalk which is $9.95.

What is it compared to Telecom? (Seriously, I never see our landline bill and simply have no idea what residential customers pay)

Basically it does not give the anywhere near the same flexibility which you have through iTalk which is owned by CallPlus which is the third largest telecommunications company in New Zealand and is 100% New Zealand owned. If you join iTalk you can make a difference to defeat the Telecom and TelstraClear monopoly whereas WorldxChange is still starting up and does not have much history in the telecommunications business at all.

So you want to defeat the #1 and #2 Telco by making the #3 telco more successful? But taking the same dollars to WxC hurt Telecom and Telstra less than it would spending the same money (less $2 a month) with iTalk? What rot. Please outline one by one the flexibility advantages that iTalk has - id be interested to know.

Does a company with less history deserve to be shunned in favour of a more established New Zealand company? Great idea - all iTalk customers should ditch their service and move to Telecom on that basis.

maverick

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#54724 5-Dec-2006 19:33

xaviercollin: I am not currently a WorldxChange customer however I will become a customer since the monthly fee is free until April 2007. Beyond this point I am not sure that I will continue to remain a customer because:

1. WorldxChange has decided to lock down the Linksys PAP2T device on at least one line and does not work on any other SIP hardware except for the ones they sell, support which in other words means the ones they have learned how to lock or ANY software.

2. They will not give you a local number in a region outside your own. Basically they will give you a local number in whatever region you are in.

3. The rates of most destinations are the same as iTalk and the ones that are different are more expensive.

4. Even as Phil Moore posted in this topic, they do not tell you what kind of number you will be getting. (e.g. 09 XXX XXXX) whereas iTalk tells you that your number will be 09 974 XXXX.

5. It takes too long for your service through WorldxChange to be provisioned.

6. You cannot choose your number or get a list of numbers to choose from.

7. The monthly fee after the free promotion until April 2007 will be $11.25 per month compared to iTalk which is $9.95.

Basically it does not give the anywhere near the same flexibility which you have through iTalk which is owned by CallPlus which is the third largest telecommunications company in New Zealand and is 100% New Zealand owned. If you join iTalk you can make a difference to defeat the Telecom and TelstraClear monopoly whereas WorldxChange is still starting up and does not have much history in the telecommunications business at all.

I am very open to discussion of all aspects of my post from anyone or particularily Phil Moore. Look forward to seeing some more posts!

As I have previously stated on numerous occasions I value every ones comments and perceptions of our service. however I would like to point out a number of things where you may be slightly mis informed.

1. Trust me when I say most devices are capable of being locked down, we use this particular range of products because of it's SIP stack (Sipura is one of the Best) we are offering a quality service on quality products.

2. Discussed this also at some lengths, but basically it breaks some the NAD rules for Telecommunications in New Zealand

3. If any one doesn't like the rates they can use other providers , freedom of choice on price and service

4. This we can oblige with and I will take this on board we can give an indication of number ranges ie Auck Res 09 950 3xxx , I will see what we can about listing the ranges on our Web site

5. Okay the stated Provisioning time is 2 days because we want to set real expectations and hopefully beat them, all I can say is ask around the users that are now on the system and let them put their experiences in here, I would imagine our provisioning time beats most companies at present. (If users on VFX and watching this thread I would invite them to respond with their experience)

6. This relates to our provisioning system and the way we alocate numbers, going forward there may be some flexability in choosing numbers but not at present.

7. I think you will find that the services we offer might be of a better quality, Web Portals, Voice to EMail notifications etc. Voice Mail works.

8. This last one actually makes me laugh a little bit well actually a lot, WorldxChange is 100% New Zealand owned has been for some time

, we were actually around before Callplus turned up on the scene approx 10 Years now, we also have been on a number of the major Teleco industry forums so your way off base here I'm afraid if you think we a new kid on the block, we grew our customer base by our reputation and service, we never brought a single customer base. Also you may want to check out the kiwi share obligations of Carriers in New Zealand , Each Carrier is charged a $ figure based on % of Phone services supplied in NZ, I think you might find that you may be slightly in accurate here

.

Now to finish off, We are offering a service designed to bring the power of VOIP to the majority of users and make a very simple process, so to this end we have elected to select what we believe to be the best product suite to deliver our range of products and services, but to safely do this we do control the experience. this we believe actually makes the VFX a great Voice Product that a majority of Kiwi's can feel confident with, not a service that sometimes works , has numerous issues , voice mail not working etc.

I have fielded a lot of similar questions similiar to the ones you have raised here from a number of users both here and on the phone and my answers are the same, we offer a service that works compare that with the other offerings on the market, I will not answer questions on another providers service but prefer to let the VFX product stand on its own.

I think users that have used both services and would be in a position to compare the 2 could give you unbiased opinions, so I would welcome those users to post here and compare the 2 services for quality / services / features etc.

Obviously you a affinity with Callplus or dare I say it by this post an employee of Callplus, supporting a New Zealand company is great so is supporting your own company, all I ask is that you afford us the same respect and perhaps let the product speak for itself I am very confident to compare it with any alternative in NZ , I wonder if the others feel the same way though.

Regards
Phil Moore
Operations Manager
WorldxChange Communications

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

sbiddle

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#54726 5-Dec-2006 19:41

Before you read any of my answers let me say that I am a very satisfied iTalk user who has been using the service for close to 18 months now and have been using it as my primary 04 number (since I don't have a PSTN connection with TCL cable) since they became available mid year. Apart from the issue iTalk had with overloaded incoming trunks which they denied for ages I have never had a single other issue and over a proper internet connection (ie TCL cable) find their service is rock solid and is a great PSTN replacement. I do object to you trying to slander the VFX service and say iTalk is better - both services are different in many respects and I'd go as far as saying VFX is currently the superior service for a home user who requires a PSTN replacement once ULL occurs or those people who are on TCL cable and want to get rid of their PSTN. The only reason I'm still with iTalk is the fact I need Asterisk support since I have an Asterisk box at home and I'd also prefer to keep my number now that I have it.

xaviercollin: I am not currently a WorldxChange customer however I will become a customer since the monthly fee is free until April 2007. Beyond this point I am not sure that I will continue to remain a customer because:

1. WorldxChange has decided to lock down the Linksys PAP2T device on at least one line and does not work on any other SIP hardware except for the ones they sell, support which in other words means the ones they have learned how to lock or ANY software.

WxC provide an end to end managed service. Look how many people gripe about iTalk not working correctly with X device. These problems aren't iTalk's - they are issues with people trying to configure their own device who have no idea what they are doing, primarily because they have no understanding of the various settings. Everybody blames iTalk for having a poor service when it's not their fault - it's the user who buys a PAP2 and has no idea how to configure it.

WxC have said they will offer a service in the future that will allow SIP connections to other devices and Asterisk.

2. They will not give you a local number in a region outside your own. Basically they will give you a local number in whatever region you are in.

This has been covered in depth before - basically CallPlus could be in breach of the number deed by doing this. iTalk also doesn't support the 111 service so address details are vital.

3. The rates of most destinations are the same as iTalk and the ones that are different are more expensive.

And?? This is no different to comparing the various toll providers - I doubt you will find a single provider in NZ who offers you the best rates to every possible destination.

4. Even as Phil Moore posted in this topic, they do not tell you what kind of number you will be getting. (e.g. 09 XXX XXXX) whereas iTalk tells you that your number will be 09 974 XXXX.
6. You cannot choose your number or get a list of numbers to choose from.

Does it really matter what the number range is? It probably would be a good idea however for WxC to let customers choose possible numbers.

7. The monthly fee after the free promotion until April 2007 will be $11.25 per month compared to iTalk which is $9.95.

And for that you get a fully managed service with added features such as web based voicemail that iTalk doesn't offer.

Basically it does not give the anywhere near the same flexibility which you have through iTalk which is owned by CallPlus which is the third largest telecommunications company in New Zealand and is 100% New Zealand owned. If you join iTalk you can make a difference to defeat the Telecom and TelstraClear monopoly whereas WorldxChange is still starting up and does not have much history in the telecommunications business at all.

So what's your position at Callplus/Slingshot?

maverick

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#54734 5-Dec-2006 20:45

"6 You cannot choose your number or get a list of numbers to choose from"

I am a little disapponted that my number is 07 98XXXX as I was expecting an 07 84XXXXX - not really a big deal for me as I will be using the service for calling out only but could see this being a barrier for Hamiltonians not used to "9" numbers.

This number range is allocated to us by the NAD to be used for this area 07 84x does not belong to us so we can not allocate outside our range

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

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