AzRocks wrote:I would really appreciate if someone would explain to me the point of an Ooma Scout. If I plug this into an ethernet port in my house and also into a phone line, will the other phone lines around my house need Scouts? If not, what is the point of the Scout?

Scout looks like the hub (It as big as the buttons and speaker portion of it) and you can plug more phones through it. If you are lucky and I wasn't - you get a static free phone extension. You don't have to hook your phone to the house wiring. My scout is just used for voicemail because of the static issue and I hooked the system to my house wiring to avoid that issue.

That and the voicemail access buttons are handy, espcially if you can't hook your hub near your normal place because it is next to your computer. For ease of installation the hub is normally within feet of your router and computer.

updates: fix some typos

VOIP Vs. POTS, Pots wins every-time.

Thanks whiba!

whiba wrote:There is an ooma setting for enabling 10-digit dialing. Go to your config page on ooma.com.

I kept the 11-digit dialing because of the delay in dialing local numbers (4 seconds or so). i don't call long distance that much.

ah, found it on ooma's site:

10-Digit Dialing

ooma has enabled 10-digit dialing for all ooma users. This feature allows you to dial any domestic phone number without having to enter a “1″ before the area code and number, just like on a cell phone.
To call (650) 555-1234, you can now dial 6505551234 instead of 16505551234. 10-digit dialing will allow you to easily return missed calls logged on your home phone.
With 10-digit dialing enabled, you’ll still be able to dial 7-digit phone numbers for local calls (if allowed in your area). However, you may notice an extra 4-5 second delay before the call is placed. You can avoid this delay by pressing # after you finish dialing or by disabling 10-digit dialing in the ooma Lounge.

I apologize if anyone has answered this question already. I was wondering between the two Ooma systems that Woot has offered, does either of them offer the ability to change your phone number as much as you want without a fee? Or do you have to subscribe to the premier service for one or both of the systems offered for $10 a month or whatever it was.

MartySB wrote:[quote postid="4216646" user="billtab1"]Ooma's support is terrible.

I've been with ooma for 2+ years, and have had really excellent support from them. They outsourced most tech support to the Philippines and there is a little bit of a communications issue, but they honestly don't rest until they fix your issue. Much better than most other tech companies I've encountered.

This is right - my and my friend's experience with ooma customer service is great.

haveabigjohnson wrote:I apologize if anyone has answered this question already. I was wondering between the two Ooma systems that Woot has offered, does either of them offer the ability to change your phone number as much as you want without a fee? Or do you have to subscribe to the premier service for one or both of the systems offered for $10 a month or whatever it was.

Neither offers that - Ooma will give you a number or charge you $40 to port your number. I believe you can get one port fee with the year of premiere service. Otherwise, there are number change fees each time.

aftab7000 wrote:This is right - my and my friend's experience with ooma customer service is great.

My experience and the last experience was a year ago, so it now may be different.

First line Service reps - Don't NATIVELY speak english, often troublshoot wrong info and don't follow-through on parts or service. All resart the process from the same point and don't continue from where you left off.

Second Level - Speak English, appear to be from US and are generally very helpful. I had to email of Ooma forum moderater to get to second level tech support.

Has tech support gotten better in the last year?

Thanks dawagner1.

Another question. I have my VOIP router sitting next my telephone patch panel near the service entrance of the house. I just plug it into the patch panel for the second line connection (and third).

Can I place the Ooma Hub in the same location?

There are only two phones on the current VOIP line and they work fine (plus other devices). Will the Ooma Hub work in the same manner?

Did the quickie VOIP test (never really have issues with my VOIP). For QOS with Comcast saw three numbers 30, 50 & 70.




I want to add this device and just hang one or two phones off it it (plus a couple of telephone devices) separate from what I already have.

I've had one of these for about a yr, works great. b sure u have a new cordless with 6.0

Rob Ayres wrote:I have a Magic Jack and cannot get faxes to work on an HP 8500 All-In-One. Has anyone been successful using fax on Ooma?

Yes, faxing absolutely works. Per their FAQ's, it helps to use *99, hard pause, then the number. This apparently prioritizes the fax data, and I have had no problem faxing when utilizing this step.

Absolutely LOVE Ooma. Got in before they decided to start charging tax. Free FOREVER!!!

Schaffs wrote:Does the caller ID include names?

I tried the "Magic Jack" and it had "caller ID" but it was just the number.

I don't have all the numbers of every one I know memorized. So, I need the names too.

Does it include the names?

yes, mine does

naustin wrote:VOIP Vs. POTS, Pots wins every-time.

Maybe, but POTS = $$$$$

mbindybb wrote:I have been a Vonage devotee for 5 years and have loved it. I would be glad to give up the now $34+ per month bill, especially since it is getting closer and closer to the amt. I would pay for landline or bundled with cable!
I'd love to hear from vonage to ooma customers. (I did look for those and read a few on here.)
Thanks!

Also, the newer version is the telo--is is so much better that I should get it?

call vonage and tell them you want to cancel and u will be switching to omaha they will offer u a plan for 12.50+ tax for next 12 months no contracts. u can go to slickdeals. com and search vonage to find more info

anton350 wrote:Does anyone know if it will work with a home central station alarm monitoring system?

It depends on how its wired. If its properly connected at the RJ31 jack, then yes, meaning that all outgoing calls pass through the alarm panel, so the alarm panel can seize the phone line to send alarms. If the Ooma is only "jacked in", meaning being plugged into the nearest jack, then no.

Consult your alarm provider. It would be better to have a new connection where the alarm panel uses your internet connection instead of a phone connection. There may be some small cost to upgrade or add on this feature, but then your phone provider, or having no house phone at all, won't matter. All central station providers have it available now.

Copper wired phones won't exist in 10 years..or less !

I got the teleo here and set it up... will only work between router and modem.... i have comcast.... ooma cs said it was a problem with my ip address... anyone have that issue? If you have this setup, has it worked ok? Really wanted to set up the optimal way, behind the modem... so i'm a little concerned...

alambrose wrote:Ooma jingle can be changed in your online account access

Where? I just looked through the My Ooma site and found no place to change it.

majorshopper wrote:I got the teleo here and set it up... will only work between router and modem.... i have comcast.... ooma cs said it was a problem with my ip address... anyone have that issue? If you have this setup, has it worked ok? Really wanted to set up the optimal way, behind the modem... so i'm a little concerned...

Actually, Ooma says the optimal way is between the modem and router, so that the Ooma device can do QoS.

davesc wrote:I've had one of these for about a yr, works great. b sure u have a new cordless with 6.0

I agree about having new cordless phones. I have DECT 6.0 cordless phones but they are probably 5 years old, when 6.0 first came out. Anyway caller ID will not work with them. They keep saying NO DATA. Not a big deal as Caller ID shows up on my other phone and my tv thru dish network but buyer beware

Thanks to all posters. I was one of the suckers that bought one, aiming to reduce my Comcast bill from the stratosphere (2nd only to the mortage) to a more reasonable level.

The posts here have been extremely valuable.

Go for Vonage, cheaper call rates and free installation

So far seeing:

1 - GV number may forward? But no CID or features unless I get premium service.
2 - the device is made for one telephone and my not work plugged into my current dmark and multiple phones/devices.
3 - the preference is to keep the device inside of my network and behind my firewall (do QOS/Logging of calls with firewall)- may not work?

I wouldn't use CC VOIP even if they gave it to me for free.

Can I return it if it doesn't work the way I want it to on my network?

majorshopper wrote:I got the teleo here and set it up... will only work between router and modem.... i have comcast.... ooma cs said it was a problem with my ip address... anyone have that issue? If you have this setup, has it worked ok? Really wanted to set up the optimal way, behind the modem... so i'm a little concerned...

As someone else said, ooma says optimal place is between modem and router (this is where I have mine). This is ideal if you don't have a router that handles QoS well. It allows the ooma to control QoS when a call is taking place.

If it is having trouble obtaining an IP from Comcast - Make sure you configure your ooma device to "use built in" under "Modem port MAC Address" section within the "Network" section withing ooma setup (typically at the web address 172.27.35.1). I also have my "Network Connection" set to "Automatic".

There is tons of info on this on the ooma forums.

For my home copper will remain for as long as I can get it. Its a WAF thing. She will not use the VOIP lines for any reason what so ever (she antiquated?).

I did notice with FIOS (in FL) / telephone service charges are almost the same if not the same as they were with copper (Verizon there).

I been using VOIP now for about 7 years - same router different services.

Thought maybe time for a change.

Guess not this time though?

garrettw87 wrote:Actually, Ooma says the optimal way is between the modem and router, so that the Ooma device can do QoS.

Thanks for your response... I guess I should have said the optimal setup so it won't interfere with my network.... at least that's what CS told me.... I'm hoping it doesn't make my network slower...

whiba wrote:As someone else said, ooma says optimal place is between modem and router (this is where I have mine). This is ideal if you don't have a router that handles QoS well. It allows the ooma to control QoS when a call is taking place.

If it is having trouble obtaining an IP from Comcast - Make sure you configure your ooma device to "use built in" under "Modem port MAC Address" section within the "Network" section withing ooma setup (typically at the web address 172.27.35.1). I also have my "Network Connection" set to "Automatic".

There is tons of info on this on the ooma forums.

Thanks also for your response... I'm not very techy... at least not like all of you guys on this forum.... I'll try your suggestion... I think CS told me I must not have a "static" IP address, so that's why it wouldn't work behind the modem?.., I'll also check out the ooma forum as well...

Sweet, these shipped the other day. I should be getting mine this Friday.

Received mine at my home in Dallas via Fedex this morning (Thursday 11/4, 10am). Activated and works great. Appears brand new. Often discount merchants are required to use words like "refurbished" so that their prices don't cause harm to standard retailers. Even if they're not really refurbished.

BKANE wrote:Received mine at my home in Dallas via Fedex this morning (Thursday 11/4, 10am). Activated and works great. Appears brand new. Often discount merchants are required to use words like "refurbished" so that their prices don't cause harm to standard retailers. Even if they're not really refurbished.

I also received mine yesterday and agree it looks new. Thanks for reporting your experience.

bmxjimp wrote:I also received mine yesterday and agree it looks new. Thanks for reporting your experience.

Received mine in Indianapolis, IN today. Looked brand new. Hooked it up in 10 minutes or less. Worked. Calling Comcast right now to tell them to kiss my grits on the home phone service.


***25 minutes on the phone with Comcast also resulted in a large deduction in my current internet fees. Comcast and I will do battle again in 6 months... I will win.***

Well mine is being replaced. It showed up brand new, but when I make local calls the connection rings, but no one can hear anything. (I'm guessing it's a firmware thing, but who knows...) Tech support has been slow, but generally helpful.

Funny thing is that outof area code calls are find. Also calls to cell phoes are find. ? whatever? They will ship me a new unit on Monday.

kensail wrote:Well mine is being replaced. It showed up brand new, but when I make local calls the connection rings, but no one can hear anything. (I'm guessing it's a firmware thing, but who knows...) Tech support has been slow, but generally helpful.

Funny thing is that outof area code calls are find. Also calls to cell phoes are find. ? whatever? They will ship me a new unit on Monday.

I've had that problem with my Vonage before. It turned out to be a problem with my firewall. I had to open specific ports to go in and out. I bet if you put the Ooma before your router you won't have any problems.

ethilbert wrote:Received mine in Indianapolis, IN today. Looked brand new. Hooked it up in 10 minutes or less. Worked. Calling Comcast right now to tell them to kiss my grits on the home phone service.


***25 minutes on the phone with Comcast also resulted in a large deduction in my current internet fees. Comcast and I will do battle again in 6 months... I will win.***

I got mine yesterday and my box looked brand new as well. Shrink wrapped and box had the circular clear tape on the opening. I wonder if woot ran out of the refurbished ones and sent us brand new ones instead.

findthisfunny wrote:I've had that problem with my Vonage before. It turned out to be a problem with my firewall. I had to open specific ports to go in and out. I bet if you put the Ooma before your router you won't have any problems.

My Ooma should be delivered today, but in the meantime I found these instructions on how to set up the Ooma hub behind a router.

WooHoo!..............got mine today, never figured I would get it Saturday but it was delivered here this afternoon. Got it hooked up and seems to be working fine. Bought the year premier service and getting my phone# ported. Can't beat the price as you get $40.00 off for porting charges plus I got the 2 months free. Was only charged $99.00 which will be up for renewal in Jan.2012. So basically only cost an extra $60.00 for all the premier extras. I am a little apprehensive as I have been hearing horror stories about Verizon not playing very fair in the sandbox when having to let go of customer #'s. Have my fingers crossed. I do have a little delay between talk but I have read that this can be fixed, just a matter of finding the post and following the directions. This unit was brand new, I swear....even had that new electronics smell! This is truly a great bargain and I'm so glad I jumped on the Ooma bandwagon. Caller ID and number worked right away. I am using a vtech Dect6.0 with 4 handsets, been using these for a couple of years. Turned the base answering machine part off and will use the Hub service for answering calls. I also use Bright House cable for my internet service.

joymonkey wrote:My Ooma should be delivered today, but in the meantime I found these instructions on how to set up the Ooma hub behind a router.

Well, my Ooma showed up, I activated it then plugged it in behind my router. It blinked to life after a few minutes and I didn't have to go through any of the setup steps that the link above recommended; all calls are working and sound great to me. That might be bacause I already had QoS set up on my router, or maybe the Ooma is smart enough to just work now.

Long story short - I'm happy. w00t!

I activate mine and was asked about billing information to finish the process. I just wondering is anybody having the same situdation like me? Do I need to pay tax etc?

I got mine yesterday and got it activated and set up today--seems to work fine. But I'm leaving one VOIP service for another... I've been with PhonePower, and was very happy with them, except that my initial deal was over and now they're going to charge me $23/month. So I'm jumping ship to ooma.

But... I have seen no mention of speed dialing. I just assumed any VOIP solution would be like any other. But PhonePower had programmable speed dialing (*11 to dial my wife's cell phone, for example) and I can't see that ooma has any. Am I overlooking something?

i already have a skype account and after seen so many comments here, i just want to try this cute tool.

medved02 wrote: My question to those who have the system, is the cost. With the premier service, at 9.99 do you get charged tax in addtion to that?

Great question, does anyone know?

For someone who is going to port their number anyway ($40), the tax question might make the Premier look more attractive.

Another poster said that with the two free months, they were only charged $100 for the Premier. With a free number port ($40), and possibly of already included taxes ($3.50*12=$42 for a year), that could bring additional cost for Premier down to about $20 for the first year.

Anybody?