Any NYer's have Optimum Voice phone service? Vent....UPDATE

[tekmom]

We switched from regular verizon phone service today, to Optimum Voice through Cablevision. I agonized over this, as I don't like change. I knew I wanted to keep my same phone number and OV said that it wouldn't be a problem. I also wanted to still be listed in the phone book and 411 information. I was told no problem. They lied....no phone book listing or 411 listing. Okay, fine. Just let me keep the number I've had for 18 years. Well, after being here for an hour and a half, the technician got us a dial tone. Unfortunately, no one can call me. It rings and rings on their end, but nothing happens on my end. Not a sound. The tech left, telling me that they were working on that at Cablevision and it would take a little while. He acted like it was no problem. I tipped him and signed the install paperwork. Well I waited and waited and waited. No call from Cablevision letting me know that I have incoming service. I called Cablevision and they don't seem to be able to help me. They weren't even aware of the problem. If I call DH from the phone , he says that it still shows up as our regular phone number. It is very frustrating and at this point I don't feel it's even worth the cheap price. DH isn't here, he's working. He feels that we shouldn't have to pay the $50.00 install fee because it's not installed completely....we have no incoming service. Anyone else been through any problems with with switching to a cable phone service? Sorry to vent so long.

 

[ToyStory Fan]

WOW - that sounds just like the experience my SIL had with them...and it's still not right. Our install went flawlessly. I had run all the wires for them and all they needed to do was hook it up and initialize the modem with our existing phone number. My SIL's setup works, but they did not back-feed the phone line to the other wall jacks in the house...the tech said - oh you need to get an expandable cordless phone system (lazy jerk). Anyway - when I go over to finish up their home theater installation, I will back-feed it to the remaining phone jacks in the house.

I think with Cablevision (or any service provider for that matter) it is luck of the draw as to which sub-contractor you get knocking on your door to do the installation. I'd keep calling and complaining about it until it wass done right...or call the head office in Bethpage.

On a side note, I called the head office to complain about the OLN/Cablevision blackout, - they heard all of the other hockey fans loud and clear...the issue is now settled.

 

[tekmom]

Thank you for your response. I called again this morning as it's still not working. I had my husband use his tester, to make sure they hooked it up to my phone line and not his business or fax line. It's the correct line and our alarm isn't interfering with it, as it goes through our other line. It's very frustrating, hopefully when I get home from work today it will be fixed. Thanks again!

 

[NJBlackBerry]

Besides cost - why did you switch from Verizon to OV? It's a new, immature technology running over a network (OOL) that is no where near as sophisticated as the traditional wireline service.

 

[tekmom]

Hi, We switched because everyone that we know seems to have this service with no problems. I have IO digital cable as well as Optimum Online and the customer service I get with those has always been great. My phone bill with Verizon was only about a $100.00 per month which certainly wasn't bad considering the huge bills I used to have back in the day. (All of my family lives in another state) When OV kept calling begging for a switch, I was enticed, as they were offering it for $14.99 per month, because I have the other two. A relative works for Cablevision and assured me that the kinks had been worked out and because my husband runs his own business, it's always nice to save a little bit. Whew! That said....they found the problem. They were due to come yesterday between 2 and 4. At 3:00 my son called needing a ride from school, I called Cablevision asking it I could leave a note on my door, asking the tech to wait if he came in the 15 minute span I was gone. She said no, he wouldn't wait...we must reschedule, so I did. Well, at 5:00, the tech showed up at my house. I told him that I had already resceduled, but he said since he as there , he would do it then. He said I could call Cablevision today and let them know to cancel the new appt. Well, apparently, once I rescheduled in their system, Verizon will not release my number until the newly resceduled date...Nov. 16th. So now, They have to come back and completely reverse us back to Verizon and then I must call again to schedule a NEW install date. Maybe this is a sign to stay with Verizon. Thanks again for your responses.