Free second line doesn't get a phone number?!?!

[bilcor]

Have you ever heard of FAX?

[kelemvor]

I just signed up after taking it while bent over from SR. I signed up because of the deal with the free second line. I thought this was the same as the "Signature Number" from SR. Now I'm told that it doesn't get a phone number?!? Is this true?

Having a line that doesn't have it's own phone number is completely useless IMHO. What's up with that? I notice that NO WHERE that I can find does it say that anywhere. The general assumption by the public is that when you say "Free second line" that means a line with a number attached to it. That's pretty flagrant false (or at least intentionally misleading) advertising if you ask me.

Now hopefully I've been told wrong and it DOES get a phone number but if not, I have to seriously consider canceling my newly signed up for service and to keep looking.

Tell me it's not true...

[Heat305]

I just signed up after taking it while bent over from SR. I signed up because of the deal with the free second line. I thought this was the same as the "Signature Number" from SR. Now I'm told that it doesn't get a phone number?!? Is this true?

Having a line that doesn't have it's own phone number is completely useless IMHO. What's up with that? I notice that NO WHERE that I can find does it say that anywhere. The general assumption by the public is that when you say "Free second line" that means a line with a number attached to it. That's pretty flagrant false (or at least intentionally misleading) advertising if you ask me.

Now hopefully I've been told wrong and it DOES get a phone number but if not, I have to seriously consider canceling my newly signed up for service and to keep looking.

Tell me it's not true...

Can you tell me who told you it doesn't get it's own number. Did you call VT to verify this yet? If not do so and come back and let us know what they said. I don't see why it will not have it's own number, how are you gonna receive calls from it? Or is it only to make outbound calls? Useless if it is so.

[nsamah]

I just joined and don't know a lot about it yet, but think there is not a seperate phone number for the second line. However, if you have a second phone hooked up to the main number you can both make and receive calls over this second line when your main line is being used. Your second line will ring when people call your main phone number even if is currently being used---I think.

[vtjosh]

I just joined and don't know a lot about it yet, but think there is not a seperate phone number for the second line. However, if you have a second phone hooked up to the main number you can both make and receive calls over this second line when your main line is being used. Your second line will ring when people call your main phone number even if is currently being used---I think.

You are correct.

[Heat305]

You are correct.

Does all of VTs features apply to the second line as well?

[KLH]

Does all of VTs features apply to the second line as well?

Yes, expect maybe the call waiting. If two people are already one the phone, you can't receive a third.

And the second line does not get it's own number, it shares the primary number.

[Heat305]

Yes, expect maybe the call waiting. If two people are already one the phone, you can't receive a third.

And the second line does not get it's own number, it shares the primary number.

Since there are two lines, does the monthly quota on minutes allowed for residential line doubled? Or does it stay at 5100 a month for both lines I believe it is?

[adam1991]

Since there are two lines, does the monthly quota on minutes allowed for residential line doubled? Or does it stay at 5100 a month for both lines I believe it is?

You get a NUMBER from VT. You may have two phones independently in use on your VT service. That's all.

Your account--your phone number--has a "soft limit" of 5100 minutes/month.

Your ACCOUNT.

Jesus. You people are so hung up on the old circuit-switched technology and terminology, you can't think straight. You don't have two LINES, but at the same time you do have two LINES. What do you call it if two of you are on the phone at the same time, on independent calls?

What difference does it make if one number or two numbers are used? They both come into your ATA device. Why do you want to give out a second number anyway? If you want/need one, buy one. $3.95/month.

This is PACKET SWITCHED TECHNOLOGY. The concept of "lines" simply doesn't exist. Quit bitching about it, and get a clue.

[elysian]

You get a NUMBER from VT. You may have two phones independently in use on your VT service. That's all.

Your account--your phone number--has a "soft limit" of 5100 minutes/month.

Your ACCOUNT.

Jesus. You people are so hung up on the old circuit-switched technology and terminology, you can't think straight. You don't have two LINES, but at the same time you do have two LINES. What do you call it if two of you are on the phone at the same time, on independent calls?

What difference does it make if one number or two numbers are used? They both come into your ATA device. Why do you want to give out a second number anyway? If you want/need one, buy one. $3.95/month.

This is PACKET SWITCHED TECHNOLOGY. The concept of "lines" simply doesn't exist. Quit bitching about it, and get a clue.

Rude, yet helpful at the same time. Thanks.

[KLH]

Since there are two lines, does the monthly quota on minutes allowed for residential line doubled? Or does it stay at 5100 a month for both lines I believe it is?

Per the TOS, it goes by account, and not the number of lines.


A single account shall not be used for purposes inconsistent with regular residential usage patterns as defined by ViaTalk as more than six times the average monthly usage of a ViaTalk residential customer. This figure is currently approximately 5100 minutes of usage over a 30 day period.

[adam1991]

Rude, yet helpful at the same time. Thanks.

You're welcome.

You want rude? I give you the people bitching and moaning like the world owes them everything, coming in here whining like little children about this, that, and the other--things they don't understand, they don't KNOW they don't understand, and they don't WANT to understand. They'd rather remain ignorant, and wear that ignorance like a badge of pride.

Little children they are, at least acting like it.

[digger16309]

You get a NUMBER from VT. You may have two phones independently in use on your VT service. That's all.

Your account--your phone number--has a "soft limit" of 5100 minutes/month.

Your ACCOUNT.

Jesus. You people are so hung up on the old circuit-switched technology and terminology, you can't think straight. You don't have two LINES, but at the same time you do have two LINES. What do you call it if two of you are on the phone at the same time, on independent calls?

What difference does it make if one number or two numbers are used? They both come into your ATA device. Why do you want to give out a second number anyway? If you want/need one, buy one. $3.95/month.

This is PACKET SWITCHED TECHNOLOGY. The concept of "lines" simply doesn't exist. Quit bitching about it, and get a clue.

That was awesome - thank you!

[dingel24]

Can you tell me who told you it doesn't get it's own number. Did you call VT to verify this yet? If not do so and come back and let us know what they said. I don't see why it will not have it's own number, how are you gonna receive calls from it? Or is it only to make outbound calls? Useless if it is so.

I've called vt and this is what they said. both lines have the same phone number. Just imagine that someone is is using the line and you receive a phone call and the other person is on the phone with a very important phone call it will ring as a call waiting to the person first talking the after so many beeps the the other line will ring also consider if there is another person talking on line one and you need to make a call you can so. So its not such a bad deal. Yes I agree there should be a seperate phone number for line 2 but this is just as good. Someday that very important phone call will come in and you're going to say I glad I had that setup.

[harsh]

You don't have two LINES, but at the same time you do have two LINES.Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Which?What do you call it if two of you are on the phone at the same time, on independent calls?I call it a second channel. To call it a "phone line" is misleading. I can use a second "Virtual" phone number, but I can't effectively use a second channel.

Anywhere else where you buy a second line, it comes with its own number.Verizon's Family Share Plan offers from two to five "lines" and each has its own telephone number AT&T Wireless offers three to five "lines", each with its own phone number T-Mobile offers two to five "lines", each with its own telephone number

There is no definition of a "second line" on the VT website.

Absent anyone else using your definition of lines nor a formal definition of "second line" from VT, I believe that we have every right to feel slighted. I would not have chosen the plan that I did had I known how it was going to work (or not work).

[harsh]

Just imagine that someone is is using the line and you receive a phone call and the other person is on the phone with a very important phone call it will ring as a call waiting to the person first talking the after so many beeps the the other line will ring also consider if there is another person talking on line one and you need to make a call you can so.Whether it rings on an alternate set of telephones or nags you with call waiting, you still need to answer another call.

Two simultaneous outgoing calls are the only practical use unless you already have a two-line telephone system installed in your house.

[NJP]

I just signed up after taking it while bent over from SR. I signed up because of the deal with the free second line. I thought this was the same as the "Signature Number" from SR. Now I'm told that it doesn't get a phone number?!? Is this true?

Having a line that doesn't have it's own phone number is completely useless IMHO. What's up with that? I notice that NO WHERE that I can find does it say that anywhere. The general assumption by the public is that when you say "Free second line" that means a line with a number attached to it. That's pretty flagrant false (or at least intentionally misleading) advertising if you ask me.

Now hopefully I've been told wrong and it DOES get a phone number but if not, I have to seriously consider canceling my newly signed up for service and to keep looking.

Tell me it's not true...
Did you get anywhere with second line?

[harsh]

Did you get anywhere with second line?The VT "double extra secret" definition of "two lines" is the one in force: two voice channels with a single phone number.

I've canceled my order (an order cannot be modified).

[adam1991]

Anywhere else where you buy a second line, it comes with its own number.

That's because they're either using circuit switching technology, or are emulating circuit switching technology. Who cares about circuit switching?



I call it a second channel. To call it a "phone line" is misleading. I can use a second "Virtual" phone number, but I can't effectively use a second channel.


Why can't you use a second channel? What does a second phone number do for you that a second channel doesn't?

Further, if you want a second number, you simply buy one. Cheap. $3.95/month.

Is it about talking on the phone, or is it about having unique numbers to give to people?

If it's about unique numbers to give to people, and you don't want to buy another number, use privatephone.com or similar and get as many as you like. Return all those calls from your VoIP line--with up to two people using it at once.

[jhaverly]

I ran into same thing. There is a small link in the offer that describes what they mean by "2 phone lines". http://www.viatalk.com/two_phone_lines.htm

I agree that it's a little deceptive, but the 2nd line was cheap enough.

[harsh]

That's because they're either using circuit switching technology, or are emulating circuit switching technology. Who cares about circuit switching?Apparently everyone but VT. The assumption that many have made is that you get a virtual phone number for free and that isn't the case.Why can't you use a second channel?I don't have a parallel phone system in my house; what's currently there is mostly bridal wire (three conductors).What does a second phone number do for you that a second channel doesn't?If you chose an out-of-exchange number, it would offer distant friends an opportunity to call me toll-free. I was thinking of a Bay Area phone number where my sister lives.Further, if you want a second number, you simply buy one. Cheap. $3.95/month.The implication is that it is included in the offer. Why would you want to pay extra for something that you thought you were already getting?Is it about talking on the phone, or is it about having unique numbers to give to people?It is all about unique numbers for me. Two phone lines from any other dialtone provider would give us that. I'll bet that if you ordered an additional line from VT independent of this promotion, it would come with its own phone number.

[harsh]

I ran into same thing. There is a small link in the offer that describes what they mean by "2 phone lines". http://www.viatalk.com/two_phone_lines.htmI don't recall this link having been there before. It does explain the situation going forward.

They also have a definition in the knowledge base for an additional line, but you must contact support for complete information.

[adam1991]

The assumption that many have made is that you get a virtual phone number for free

Well, we all know what happens when you ass-u-me.


I'll bet that if you ordered an additional line from VT independent of this promotion, it would come with its own phone number.

And its own adapter.

Or you can buy another phone number for $3.95/month.

The tools and choices are there for you to use. They didn't stiff anybody on anything.

[joachimv]

Is it about talking on the phone, or is it about having unique numbers to give to people?

If it's about unique numbers to give to people, and you don't want to buy another number, use privatephone.com or similar and get as many as you like. Return all those calls from your VoIP line--with up to two people using it at once.

I can't speak for others, but in my household the SunRocket 2nd line had a unique phone number and a unique voicemailbox. So a different person could use that number, even though both phone numbers rang together on the same phone, but with unique rings (SR box only supported one phone with the 2 separate numbers).

I have to say I too am a little disappointed and feel mislead by the "2 phone lines" advertisement which was a factor in me switching to VT. The "two people can use the line simultaneously" idea is great, but not what I was expecting. Sure I can go pay the additional $3.95 or whatever for the extra phone number, but I thought I was getting a similar plan to what I had and now I realize it's $50 more per year.

BTW, does anyone know if that second line has it's own voicemail or does it just connect to the primary account?

[joachimv]

BTW, does anyone know if that second line has it's own voicemail or does it just connect to the primary account?

Specifically, is there a way with VT to get a second voicemail box without a second full account?

[harsh]

Specifically, is there a way with VT to get a second voicemail box without a second full account?The "2 phone lines" offer includes only one voice mail box (you have to call them to find this out). I would call and ask if a virtual phone number includes a voice mail box (the website doesn't say). I'm guessing that it does not.

[RogerD408]

With the rush of people trying to re-establish their SR numbers, it easy to presume all VoIPs work the same way. Using different definitions to terms does make it difficult.

Back in the days I programmed digital PBX's, we could put multiple "lines" on a phone set. Depending upon the number of buttons available, you could receive n-1 calls always leaving one line open for call transfer. Now we also had the ability to put multiple "numbers" on the same phone, but that was pretty much reserved for the admins.

If it was me, I'd probably use a two-line POTS phone and then I can put call one on hold and use the second "line". But I want two different numbers with two different call forwarding rules, so it looks like I have more research to do. :( Thank you SR execs...

[TxSandMom]

Okay, so if one can make a simultaneous phone call on another handset, then does that mean my DH can't listen in on my calls anymore?

[adam1991]

Okay, so if one can make a simultaneous phone call on another handset, then does that mean my DH can't listen in on my calls anymore?

The ATA has two places to plug in two phones, or to plug in two wired phone lines within your house.

If your DH picks up on an extension that's wired into the same line within your house, then he'll be able to listen in on your calls.