Can you imagine having a reliable landline service that works without the internet? Unfortunately, most carriers require you to have an internet connection, as some landlines work with VoIP (Voice-over-IP). Vonage's attraction is based on the addition of mobile applications that transform your cellphone into an extension that doesn't consume mobile minutes, making it appealing to smartphone users and landline enthusiasts.
However, there is an alternative to Vonage, namely Community Phone. Community Phone has Vonage-like services but without the need for an internet connection!
With affordable plans starting as low as $39/month, Community Phone’s landline service can save you hundreds of dollars on installation costs, setup, and maintenance. It is 31-35% cheaper than traditional and digital landlines, 20-25% cheaper than VoIP, and a whopping 73% cheaper than a cell phone.
Most Reported Problems with Vonage Service
After scouring the internet for the most commonly reported problems with Vonage Service, we compiled a list of what customers complained about. Our results are a summary of TrustRadius and Vonage's community forum.
1. Terrible Online Chat Support
Customers struggle to speak to an actual human when they need technical support. Vonage's customer support also does not return calls when their customers require assistance, even after they have left a message on their answering machine. Online chat has created issues for many customers, as customer support does not resolve problems and instead marks the customers' issues as resolved. Billing support can only get determined with online chat support.
2. Laggy User Interface
Some customers have complained about the interface lagging, creating a bad user experience. The slow interface of Vonage can disrupt your fast-paced business process.
3. Connectivity Issues
Because Vonage relies on internet connectivity, customers have experienced connectivity issues. This has resulted in some customers disrupting their productivity and needing to restart their modem to find a connection. For example, after a storm, you may lose internet service or power in your area, which results in the landline being out of service. Once the power or internet service gets restored, you must follow a few steps to have connectivity again.
4. Some International Numbers are Blocked
Customers have complained that some international numbers are blocked, and you need to request Vonage to unblock them. This problem can cause a headache for many business owners.
5. Sound Quality Issues
The transmission of satellite signals is inherently delayed. As a result, sound concerns might arise. In addition, weather and other environmental conditions might cause wireless Internet service interruptions, which can cause sound problems.
Community Phone: The Best Alternative to Vonage Landline Service
Community Phone has fast become a Vonage competitor! Unlike Vonage, Community Phone's home telephone service connects to nearby cell towers, removing the need for a copper wire or internet connection. The calls offered are local, long-distance, and unlimited!
Community Phone's main features make them an excellent alternative to Vonage. The main features of Community Phone include:
- Internet is not required: As mentioned before, you do not need an internet connection to use Community Phone, as they get based on cell phone networks. Additionally, no copper wire is required.
- Keep your existing landline number or get a new one: Community Phone allows you to transfer your existing number from your current provider, or you can get a new, local one.
- Unlimited nationwide calling: With unlimited minutes, stay in touch with family and friends wherever they are in the United States.
- Connection during power outages with a backup battery: Never feel disconnected from those close to you with an uninterrupted connection during power outages. The backup battery ensures you can stay connected with the world!
- Call waiting and voicemail: If you can't answer the phone, callers can leave a voicemail. Additionally, you can set up call waiting to allow a vital caller to wait until you are ready to answer the call.
- Enables connection to any landline phone: You don't need a fancy landline or a mobile device to use Community Phone's landline!
- Lifetime warranty on hardware: Have peace of mind knowing that you have a lifetime warranty on hardware.
- Get voicemail transcriptions: Improve customer service by receiving voicemail transcriptions sent directly to your email to communicate with your customers efficiently.
- Route calls: Easily route calls to other colleagues.
- Customizable dial menu: Businesses with a customizable dial menu can upload a professionally recorded one.
Getting Started With Community Phone
If you've decided you need a Vonage replacement and want to get connected to Community Phone's landline services, then follow these easy steps:
- Call Community Phone at (866) 926 4116 to speak to a landline specialist. There are no contracts, and everything gets done over the phone.
- Make a one-time payment of $99 to connect you to the base, which gets sent in the mail within 3-5 days.
- Once you've received the base, plug the base into a power outlet and plug your landline phone into a jack. That's it! The setup gets done in less than 30 seconds, and you can start making calls immediately.
- If there's a power outage in your area, a backup battery will automatically kick in so you can stay connected. Your service will keep running for up to 12 hours.
- Monthly fees for the landline service start at $39 a month.
There are no hidden fees, no contracts, no internet is required, and there is no installation. An in-house support team is a phone call away if you need assistance.
Community Phone is an MNVO carrier. MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. This means they provide services using one of the major carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Three major networks get used by Community Phone, and if one isn't giving you optimum coverage, Community Phone can quickly transfer you to a different network.
Benefits of Choosing Community Phone
- Customer support is reachable: One of Community Phone's main strengths is that they have excellent customer support who are knowledgeable and helpful and are reachable via email, online chat, or phone. No speaking to robots or answering machines who don't resolve issues!
- 99% coverage across the United States with solid signal: Because Community Phone has partnered with the largest nationwide carriers in the US, they can provide coverage to 99% of US cities, including most rural areas. The signal is strengthened in poor reception areas with built-in antennae on the landline base.
- Clear Sound Quality: Because of the boosted signal with the built-in antennae, you can enjoy the pristine sound quality.
- 14-Day Money-back Guarantee: Enjoy 14 days to determine if Community Phone's landline service is for you. If unsatisfied, you can get a full refund and return the device.
- Setup is Quick and Easy: It only takes 30 seconds. There is no need for a technician; you can set it up yourself. The only thing you need is a power outlet.
Better Household Plans & Custom Business Packages
Community Phone is available for household and business use. Here is a breakdown of our household and business packages.
For Residential
- Limited minutes plan - Up to 400 minutes for $32/month or $320 annually with 2 months free.
- Unlimited minutes plan - Unlimited nationwide calling for $43/month or $430 annually with 2 months free.
- No contract with unlimited minutes - No contract obligation with unlimited nationwide calling for $54/month.
For Business
Choose a package that fits your needs and budget:
1. Basic Business Landline Service - $39/month, per line
This allows you to switch landline or cellphone service without the internet. You get unlimited nationwide calling, outbound caller ID, voicemail, temporary call forwarding, and call waiting.
2. Premium Business Landline Service - $69/month, per line
This package allows you to keep your same phone service and gain dynamic features such as call routing, dial menu and call greeting, rollover, and simultaneous ringing, live call transfer, voicemail to email, and ringing to a second line if the first line is busy. You get unlimited nationwide calling in the US, virtual call management, all the basic communication, one provider with one bill, no internet, and onboarding specialists.
For as little as $39 a month, you can enjoy a landline service provider with no hidden fees, no internet connection required, no contracts, and no installation! Speak to a dedicated Community Phone landline specialist at 866-674-8276 for more information and to get you set up in less than a week!
What You Need to Port to Community Phone
If you have decided on a Vonage replacement and want to move to Community Phone and keep your existing number, you will need to port your number. Porting your number from Vonage is a simple process, as you have the support of a dedicated customer service team to assist you throughout the process.
To port your number, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a service provider like Community Phone
- Give your current provider a porting request
- We will need Transfer PIN, Account Number with Vonage, and your service address.
- Create an account with Community Phone
- Prepare your phone devices for the switch (e.g., set up your new device if you received one)
- Wait while the number porting gets completed
- Cancel your service with your old service provider once porting is complete
- Test your new number by getting a friend or family member to call you
Learn More here: How Long Does It take to Port Number Away from a Carrier?
Wireless Landline Service vs. VoIP Service
It all comes down to VoIP vs Landline. VoIP is a phone service that gets based on modern technology. On the other hand, a landline is a phone service that utilizes cell phone towers or a network of copper wires to connect telephones.
As times have changed, businesses have moved from landline to VoIP services. They are very different, but how can you determine which is better for you? The below table provides the main differences between the wireless landline, Community Phone, and Vonage VoIP services.
Why NOT Vonage Service?
There are many reasons not to choose Vonage service, making Community Phone an ideal alternative to Vonage.
- End-of-contract fees: When canceling your Vonage service to move to a Vonage competitor, you must give a 30-day notice of your intent to cancel your contract. You may be liable for hidden cancelation fees. In addition, you will be responsible for extra charges if you cancel before your termination period ends.
- Complex desktop app: Users have complained about the desktop app giving them issues, even though Vonage has regular updates. One of the complaints, for example, is that the app switches from the user's headset to their webcam for no apparent reason. Other desktop app issues experienced by Vonage customers include bug issues after updates and having trouble logging in to the app.
- Security: Like any other internet-connected device, VoIP phones, including Vonage, are susceptible to attack by hackers engaged in theft, fraud, and other crimes. Many of these hackers come from highly organized groups to use corporate phones for illegal calls.
- Limited extensions: Only three devices may be added to the extension, making it challenging if you operate from different locations. Put simply, you only get two because one of the three is your cell phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vonage going out of business?
Ericsson acquired Vonage in July 2022. Ericsson confirmed that Vonage would continue under its name, keeping its current employees. So far, business is usual for Vonage, but there is no telling what Ericsson has in store for the company in the long run.
How do I cancel my Vonage phone service?
To cancel your Vonage phone service, you need to notify the company of your intent to cancel. To cancel, you can call them on their hotline or inform them online.
The Vonage, customer care hotline is 1-732-944-0000. They are available during business hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to midnight ET, and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
To cancel online, log into your online account and complete the Vonage Cancel Account Form.
Do you have to return Vonage equipment?
Depending on the Vonage service plan you have, you might have to return rental equipment like
- Telephones
- Telephone cables
- Ethernet cables
- Power adapters
- Vonage adapters
- Modems and routers.
However, this is only necessary if it is part of your service contract. If it is, you may be liable for replacement fees if you don't return the equipment.
The Bottom Line
Community Phone is a landline service alternative to Vonage. You don't require an internet connection to use their affordable service. With no contracts and hidden fees, Community Phone is a Vonage replacement that customers can turn to if they are unsatisfied with the service they receive from traditional providers such as Vonage.
