Vonage vs SunRocket

I have been testing Vonage for about three weeks. After some initial configuration issues (VOIP posts) , the call quality has been very good and the fax/Tivo functionality is working, although the other day it took 4 attempts to get a fax to successfully complete. Looking at my call volume I really do not need the unlimited package, I could live with the 500 outgoing minutes package for $14.95, however it seems Vonage will charge $9.99 to change packages, on top of the $29.99 activation fee charge, and $14.95 shipping charge. My initial fees to use Vonage are going to add up to $54.93. I found this a little steep and since I am within my 30 day no hassle return window with Vonage, I went looking at other alternatives. Comcast, Verizon and AT&T are all on the high end, looking towards the low end I found SunRocket. They seem to get pretty good reviews, I decided to give them a try. They currently have a special for 3 free months of service. For $199.00 you receive 15 months of unlimited US and Canada service (taxes included), a VOIP adapter (they call it a Gizmo), free shipping and no activation charge. That comes out to $13.26 a month. If their service works, this is a tough deal to pass up.

So far I am impressed with their web site, it was easier to sign up with SunRocket then it was with Vonage. SunRocket allows you choose a phone number which I found to be a big plus. Both systems have different features and uses different nomenclatures to describe them. Here is my interpretation each features.

• Both have Voice mail with email.
• Vonage has a Network availability feature which allows you to set up a phone number to forward calls to in the event your broadband service is down. SunRocket has a Find Me feature which provides the same functionality. I currently have no SunRocket VOIP adapter, but I can receive calls to my SunRocket phone number on my cell phone via the Find Me feature.
• Vonage has a SimulRing feature which allows multiple phone numbers to ring at the same time. The SunRocket Find Me feature can accomplish the same functionality.
• SunRocket has more sophisticated forwarding features then Vonage, in addition to the standard forwarding, they also have Do Not Disturb and Group Forwarding.
• Vonage allows you to turn Call Waiting on and off from their web site. SunRocket has Call Waiting but no web management.
• Both have the ability to control international calling from their web site.
• SunRocket has the ability to block anonymous calls or specific numbers from their web site. Vonage does not.
• Vonage has Virtual Phone numbers, SunRocket has Signature numbers.
• Vonage has a soft phone option, SunRocket does not.
• Vonage has Toll Free numbers, SunRocket does not.
• SunRocket has a web based personal phone book. Vonage does not.
• SunRocket has speed dial via the web based personal book.Vonage does not.
• Both have 7 digit dialing within your area code.
• Both have 3 way calling.
• Both have Caller Id with name.
• SunRocket has the ability to block the outgoing Caller Id from their web site. Vonage does not.
• Vonage has a Windows XP application and Oultook plug in to simplify dialing. I have emailed SunRocket support but have not heard back yet.
• Vonage has an adjustable bandwidth saver option on their web site which I set to high (90Kbps). SunRocket does not.

In general the Vonage management web site is more polished, however the SunRocket site is easier to use.

On 8/8/06 I ordered the SunRocket service and VOIP adapter. The order process was easier then Vonage, but the follow through has not been as good. I received one blank welcome email from SunRocket and as of now no shipping information for the VOIP adapter. Right now the only feature I would like, which I have not found with SunRocket, is the Outlook plugin. I emailed SunRocket support to inquire about the Outlook plugin, I received one automated email, but as of now, no response.

I will update this post as my order and test progress.