[Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 in VOIP Tech Chat http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r13170288 en Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:50:56 EDT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:50:56 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798472 voiplover : You must be the expert having CallVantage and all. :D
Just wishing you the best of luck at keeping you income. ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798472 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 13:58:45 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798332 Simmer911 : Just another reason to not use Packet 8. Thier customer service sucks and now they are charging these bogus fees. Get out of Packet8 if you can. They are no good anymore in my opinion.
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TALKABOUTVOIP.COM VOIP Professional Help ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798332 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 13:28:18 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798316 voiplover :
said by chaud See Profile:

said by voiplover See Profile:

I'm looking at several accounts and they all have that charge in there statements. :(
If it wasn't for the reliability and network friendly DTA we would be long gone.
So you are saying if it wasn't good you would be gone? :p
No. I didn't say that.
Amazing.... I will say that the only real issue we are having is latency. Otherwise, as far as I know everything is functioning to my expectations. Realize that the accounts that I am referring too came with 2 months of free service, no activation or deactivation fees, No commitment, and the price of the dta was rebated. :p
I don't think it is possible to find that deal at this time.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798316 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 13:25:01 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798120 chaud :
said by voiplover See Profile:

I'm looking at several accounts and they all have that charge in there statements. :(
If it wasn't for the reliability and network friendly DTA we would be long gone.
So you are saying if it wasn't good you would be gone? :p
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TalkAboutVoIP Forums]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13798120 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 12:48:04 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13797428 voiplover : I'm looking at several accounts and they all have that charge in there statements. :(
If it wasn't for the reliability and network friendly DTA we would be long gone. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13797428 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 10:51:52 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13795339 topspin : I did not see $1.50 in my June statement, too. I hope they keep it this way.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13795339 Sat, 02 Jul 2005 00:22:16 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13794978 gbh2o : You're lucky if you can make sense of your monthly bill. Mine changed several times, including retroactively 3 months worth. None of them matched what was being billed or had been billed improperly to my credit card, even through _they_ owed _me_ money! [Of course, they still do, even though I've terminated their service... wonder if I'll ever actually see a refund. Very inventive bookkeeping and billing practices.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13794978 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 23:31:24 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13794411 chaud : I am updating on this, looking at my june bill, I didn't have the fee, but I did in May and July, so it looks like they might have changed their mind, and then changed back.
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TalkAboutVoIP Forums]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13794411 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 22:12:18 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398506 cbrain : I spoke with a billing rep early this month and was told I would be billed to the end of the month I cancelled. She would have cancelled my account immediately if I wanted. She even offered that since May had not processed I would not be charged if I canceled on that call. They will not help with forwarding info or a recording. They did offer verbally and by email to port my P8 number. I'm attempting to port it to SunRocket.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398506 Fri, 13 May 2005 11:25:35 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398427 dcurrey : I wouldn't worry to much about it. I don't think they are enforcing the 30 days notice.

Sad part is if they would have just raised the rates a $1.50 I still would be upset but wouldn't cancel. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398427 Fri, 13 May 2005 11:14:03 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398402 muttdog : damn, i missed that... Thanks Dcurry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398402 Fri, 13 May 2005 11:09:34 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398394 dcurrey : Section 14 of the TOS.

14. TERMINATION. End User agrees to provide 8x8 with thirty (30) days notice of termination. End User shall be responsible for the full monthly service fee for the month during which the notice of termination of service is provided to 8x8]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398394 Fri, 13 May 2005 11:06:52 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398363 muttdog : "I can give my 30 days required cancellation notice (Per current TOS) at any time and clear my 1 year contract."

you have to give 30 days notice? where does it say that? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398363 Fri, 13 May 2005 11:03:21 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398338 dcurrey : Just cancel. Finish your contract first. No reason to pay extra disconnect fees.

If you get a good percentage of users canceling due to the bogus Regulatory Recovery Fee voip companies may reconsider trying to pull this crap. We had to put up with it with POTS no other options. But for now we can tell the voip to kiss off. This is the only way we can prevent them from pulling this crap. If users don't cancel they become part of the problem.

And yes I am cancelling my Packet8 account. My gizmo arrives today. I can give my 30 days required cancellation notice (Per current TOS) at any time and clear my 1 year contract.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398338 Fri, 13 May 2005 10:59:24 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398107 voiplover : Well, I just checked my cc and I was charge the $1.50 increase. That's a 7.5% increase in one year and we haven't event gone through the 911 issue yet. I hope that this increase stops the FCC from making all voip users pay for 911 access. I'm up to my one year with them and will be making my decisions soon. Packet8 has been really good for me in the last year and they didn't charge me for all of the 20 some # changes I have made (saved big $'s) and I have always been able to reach CS within a few minutes. They have always been good even if they didn't have the answers that I wanted to hear. If I keep the account than I don't have to worry about disconnect fees but on the other hand FWD can't seem to reach me any more.

Just my thoughts!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13398107 Fri, 13 May 2005 10:28:35 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13203277 SDHank8 : I'd suggest filing a complaint with the FTC. They're the people who are responsible for truth-in-advertising and ultimately, that's the problem here. They are advertising one price while charging another and that increase is purely discretionary on their part.

I'm going to take a moment to rummage through my various bills and file a few complaints against companies who practice this deceit. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13203277 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 20:39:40 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13202517 jalapeno : We were slashdotted!

»hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl···&tid=218]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13202517 Mon, 18 Apr 2005 19:10:44 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13183099 only4luca : Well, I wish this wasn't just a marketing scheme...wait for them to get more customers, bang! Tax is back...

/l]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13183099 Sat, 16 Apr 2005 00:21:56 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181958 WhyADuck :
said by bbqjohn See Profile:

This is disheartening but to be expected from all Voip companies eventually. Even if they do not become regulated, the companies will see a way to make more money and will not be able to resist it. I predict, even if I switch, that the next guy will do the same thing. There will be no hiding from it.
I don't like it but compared to my $60+ verizon phone bill this small fee is nothing.
I'm sorry but I strongly disagree with you that fraudulent advertising of the monthly rate and consumer fraud should become something "expected from all VoIP companies." In plain point of fact, NOT all VoIP companies are taking advantage of this opportunity to gouge their customers. For example, consider this press release from VoicePulse that came out today:

VoicePulse Lowers Startup Costs and Drops Tax
Company lowers first month cost by $50 and drops unwanted tax

JAMESBURG, NJ (April 15, 2005) - VoicePulse Inc. announced today a promotion that reduces the startup costs of their most popular nationwide calling plan, the America Unlimited Special Offer, by $50. The America Unlimited Special Offer allows consumers to make the jump to Voice-over-IP (VoIP) for only $24.99/month for unlimited local & US long distance calling.

“We’ve been able to build and maintain an efficient operation without sacrificing customer satisfaction or service quality,” says Ravi Sakaria, VoicePulse President & CEO. “Combined with our increased scale, this translates into lower costs for VoicePulse and savings for our customers.”

In addition, VoicePulse has stopped charging Federal Excise Tax (FET), saving customers an additional 3% each month. VoicePulse is now the only broadband phone service provider that does not charge any unnecessary taxes or regulatory fees other than common sales tax.

“There is no clarity regarding whether or not the Federal Excise Tax applies to VoIP service, so we have decided to err in favor of the consumer,” says Sakaria.

VoicePulse continues to pay Federal Excise Tax to its underlying telecommunications providers, as those services are still regulated and subject to taxes and tariffs.

VoicePulse has won awards from highly regarded technical journals and trade magazines such as PC Magazine, PC World, and DesignTechnica. VoicePulse also boasts having the top award from Broadband Reports, which is based solely on customer reviews.

ABOUT VOICEPULSE

VoicePulse is a New Jersey based communications company that uses its VoIP network to deliver advanced features and high-quality phone service to residential and small-business consumers. The company leads the industry in delivering innovative features and excellent customer service.

For more information about VoicePulse, please contact:
Rima Vaghasiya
732-339-5100
rima @ voicepulse.com


The above press release was seen at »www.primezone.com/newsroom/?d=76351 and you will note that VoicePulse has decided not to charge any taxes or fees other than those that a governmental unit has actually required them to charge (e.g. state sales tax on sales to NJ residents because they are located in New Jersey).

There is no reason that other companies could not take the same approach. And as customers, we don't know what this money is going for. If they say they are collecting a tax then they are supposed to remit it to the taxing authority (though how would we know if they did?), but when they call it a fee then there is no requirement they send it anyplace.

In this case it sounds like the company under discussion is saying, "We're spending too much on lawyers so we'll tack on a fee to help offset their costs." Well the problem is, that is a cost of doing business. You don't advertise one price and then arbitrarily tack on a fee when your costs get too high. And just because your competitor engages in consumer fraud doesn't give you carte blanche to to likewise. Take your complaint about the unfair competition to the appropriate authorities, or file a lawsuit, or go to the press, or do what you need to in order to stop the unfair competition, but don't take the attitude that just because others in the industry are acting like common criminals, that gives you the right to do so also.

All I will say is, I will choose to do business with companies that do not try to gouge their customers, given the choice. One reason I hate the traditional telephone companies so much is because for years their motto seems to have been "screw the customer", and now unfortunately we have some rotten apples in the VoIP industry that are emulating their evil ways. Well, as VoIP customers you don't have to deal with any particular VoIP company - they do not have geographic monopolies like some phone companies - so my choice would be to avoid dealing with companies that play these sorts of deceptive games. It's up to you, choose to deal with an honest company or choose to deal with a dishonest one, but if everybody stays with the dishonest ones then they should not be surprised if five or ten years from now their VoIP bills are as loaded with crap as phone bills are today. And that is all I will say for now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181958 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 21:55:56 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181736 STEVECH : The notice was embedded in the Packet8 April News email, and yes, "This fee is not a tax or charge required or assessed by any government...", and yes, "The Regulatory Recovery Fee will apply to every phone number assigned, including toll free and virtual numbers...".

What is so amazing is how a totally bogus fee invented by the Bells has now become a standard rip off practice, whether you are a phone company or not. There are many industries that's heavily regulated by government, may be we will see the fee everywhere soon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181736 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 21:20:31 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181694 Minglewood : Since we received notice today, does this mean that if we want to cancel we can do so, as long as we do it before April 30? Does this avoid early cancellation fees? Seems P8 can't raise fees and at the same time, charge a cancellation fee, provided we don't use the Service after the Change Date. I think that's a proper reading of the TOS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181694 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 21:15:18 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181641 SipSource : Yes, I believe so... that's how it works with Vonage.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181641 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 21:06:44 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181597 smj : In case anyone missed the write-up in the newly released Packet8 Post, here it is....

Regulatory Recovery Fee
Starting May 1, 2005, Packet8 subscribers will see an additional $1.50 on their monthly bi
 *ll designated as a Regulatory Recovery Fee. This fee will offset costs incurred by 8x8 in 
 *complying with inquiries and obligations imposed by federal, state and municipal regulator
 *y bodies/governments and the related legal and billing expenses. This fee is not a tax or 
 *charge required or assessed by any government. The Regulatory Recovery Fee will apply to e
 *very phone number assigned, including toll free and virtual numbers.

(*) WARNING 1 long line(s) split

Does this mean that since I have one regular and one virtual number that I will now be charged an additional $3/month??
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181597 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 21:01:47 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181422 only4luca : Look what I got in my inbox shortly after sending the email:

"Luca,

I am truly sorry to hear that. We have held out on charging this
industry-standard fee (it is something charged by every other VoIP
provider out there, every cell phone company and every legacy landline
carrier) and I can tell you from personal experience that the amount
of time and money this company is now investing in regulatory counsel,
tax attorneys, billing specialists and other resources to combat the
daily deluge of state, municipal, city and other local authorities who
want to regulate and/or tax our service untenable with the base service
fees that we charge. The amount of traffic from these local
governments has become way more than excessive and we need to add this
charge in order to continue to offer our base services at the current
prices. We also receive no marketing benefits by not charging the
same fee as someone like Vonage when they plaster their $24.99 price
everywhere without disclosure of the total price after applicable
taxes and fees.

I understand your decision and appreciate you taking the time to let
us know why you are leaving the service. We thank you for your
business and hope we can provide services to you again at some point
in the future.

Bryan Martin
Chairman & CEO
8x8 Inc

"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181422 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 20:34:58 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181006 smj : Just got my notification in the Packet 8 Post that was emailed to me today.

Even though they state in the TOS that they may change prices with no advance notice, one would think they would not do so just to stay on good terms with their customers. I can't imagine anyone that would be happy about a new charge that just magically appears on their bill.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13181006 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 19:35:53 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180896 ib50MbSoon :
said by only4luca See Profile:

Just posting in this forum ain't gonna change a thing./luca.
Agreed! I guess the VoIP honeymoon is over. I'll be pulling the plug on Packet8 shortly.
What is most alarming to me are their terms of service.
Who owns this company? Al Qaeda?

»www.packet8.net/about/service_terms.asp
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180896 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 19:21:54 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180693 only4luca : I just sent an email to p8sales@packet8.net saying that the day this bogus government fees get into my P8 bill is also the last day of service. If more of you people will email them maybe something can be done. Just posting in this forum ain't gonna change a thing.

/luca.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180693 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 18:54:04 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180373 cuuplate : So, are there any providers left to switch to who don't charge the bogus fees? What alternatives are there?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13180373 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 18:12:51 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13179287 meb :
said by GuruUno See Profile:

... Rather than complain, lets get something done....
What do you suggest?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13179287 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:44:44 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178424 GuruUno : I complained about this very thing several months ago regarding Vonages' 'erronous' charges.

Bottom line is:

WHO gets called to voice displeasure to start an investigation and get results?

Rather than complain, lets get something done....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178424 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:50:09 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178395 jalapeno : This is not an anti-anything thread, it's just a news thread informing of the new fee..I have Packet8 and I like it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178395 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:45:47 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178186 laserjobs :
said by IanR See Profile:

How come there is only a P8 anti- regulatory fee thread, when others, primarilly Vonage, already apply the same charge?
You might want to do a search IanR. I think all the providers who start charging erroneous fees have been targeted. So now it is Packet8's turn.

Here are a few thread targeting other providers
»[Vonage] Vonage Regulatory Recovery Fee
»[Lingo] is going to charge Excise and Reg Tax
»New Reg fee confirmed
»New Info about Vonage new Regulatory Fees

Maybe the thread is just to piss the P8 fluffers off.:D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178186 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:21:10 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178178 ejrobinson : For those subscribers who have the $5.95 plan, the $1.50 represents a significant surcharge.

-er]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178178 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:20:27 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178133 RockyBB : because it's new!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178133 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:14:19 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178099 IanR : How come there is only a P8 anti- regulatory fee thread, when others, primarilly Vonage, already apply the same charge?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13178099 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 13:10:06 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177840 cbrain : I would have been smart for P8 to introduce their long promised fax upgrade and CID name at the same time. They seemed to make real progress the first half of 2004 but little in the past 9 months.

Does P8 offer a recorded notice of new number for a few months when a line is cancelled like the phone companies do?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177840 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 12:36:21 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177633 Karl Bode : Add these fees to my FCC/FTC WTF list, right along with television faith healers milking people out of millions, and Cortislim and other BS "medications" that boldly lie....

Yet Janet Jackson shows a boobie and the world stops.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177633 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 12:08:13 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177553 artisticcheese :
said by RockyBB See Profile:

As pricing pressure continues, while the companies get bigger and the investors want to see some profits, we are likely to see additional "below the line" surcharges.
There is difference between raising up prices and misleading customers by adding bogus fees looking like government surchages.
I think outcry here is not becouse of price hike by itself but the way it was done. It's like in latest MTV "Boiling points". Here is your card for free coffee but card will costs 5$.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177553 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 11:58:47 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177470 Karl Bode :
quote:
As pricing pressure continues, while the companies get bigger and the investors want to see some profits, we are likely to see additional "below the line" surcharges.


Until someday, when we get an FCC that holds companies accountable for being misleading, instead of believing that an utter and total deregulatory and hands-off approach cures cancer and washes dishes....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177470 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 11:47:39 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177277 RockyBB : They are staying competitive ... other carriers charge it, so they view that fee as an incidental, not to be in folks' evaluation criteria of different carriers. P8 remains a great value for its happy customers.

WARNING: wording says "all Packet8 phone numbers" which means the fee applies even to virtual phone numbers...it's not per account, or per device, it's per phone number.

This goofy quasi-official looking fee business started when Sprint (the long distance carrier) started imposing their "real estate tax recovery fee" supposedly to help them offset their real estate taxes for all their locations around the country. Then AT&T chimed in with their in-state connection fee. We now feel the current results.

As pricing pressure continues, while the companies get bigger and the investors want to see some profits, we are likely to see additional "below the line" surcharges.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177277 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 11:18:38 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177102 JE : Yeha I saw it on my deactivated account "bill" on the website. Very shocked to see it.

JE]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177102 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:53:58 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177090 te100 : TOS: RATE CHANGES. 8x8 may change the prices for the Services and toll charges from time to time. 8x8 may decrease prices without any advance notice. In the event of a change in prices or toll charges, 8x8 will post such changed rates to the web site currently located at »www.packet8.net.

There is nothing there as of yet about any new fees>]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13177090 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:53:00 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176824 Karl Bode : By even calling it a "fee", one is buying into the nonsense....

"Fees" are government mandated. This is a price-hike.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176824 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:14:59 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176808 IanR : While any new fee is annoying I have the following thoughts

o Other providers are also beginning to charge a similar fee
o It does appear that VoIP companies are coming under closer gvt/quasi gvt scrutiny and such scrutiny means higher costs to them
o I am not going to switch service over a small fee, it's too much like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. I will wait and see. Unfortunately I believe such a charge will become standard as quasi regulation becomes the norm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176808 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:12:29 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176776 Karl Bode :
quote:
Why not just be truthful and all the rates by $1.50


It's like steroids in baseball.

They think if they don't start using it, they'll be at a competitive disadvantage.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176776 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:08:30 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176608 fire100 : While $1.50 is not much too wine about, it does deceive from the advertised price. If it was the federal government requiring it, I would not have a problem with it. But if it is just a way to add hidden fees, I am going to be upset.

Why not just be truthful and all the rates by $1.50, this is what XM did, they raised their price from $9.99 to $12.95. While I was not happy with this raise, I am still paying it, because all services go up over time. At least they did not add a hidden fee.
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Weather Forums]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176608 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 09:40:15 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176562 gatzdon :
said by Drex See Profile:

said by Trimline See Profile:

BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies and state regulatory orders affecting their broadband. BellSouth’s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity.
You know I've always thought of things like this as the cost of doing business.
Let's say I own a business and rent a place. Maybe I decide to pass along the cost of my rent to my paying customers, so I increase the price of my products.
I do NOT charge them an extra "fee" when they are at the checkout.
Now that would be hilarious, imagine paying your bill at a restaurant and they decide to itemize costs associated with "Health Department Compliance", "Waiter's Unemployment Insurance", "Union Fees", etc...

Heck, I don't buy cigarettes, but I didn't think when you buy cigarettes, they break out and itemize all the state, county, and federal taxes. And there are even stamps to prove they were paid. Same for gasoline. And that would be a more relevant situation to itemize.
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$100 placed at 7 percent interest compounded quarterly for 200 years will increase to more than $100,000,000 -- by which time it will be worth nothing. - Lazarus Long]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176562 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 09:31:41 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176158 Drex :
said by Trimline See Profile:

BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies and state regulatory orders affecting their broadband. BellSouth’s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity.
You know I've always thought of things like this as the cost of doing business.
Let's say I own a business and rent a place. Maybe I decide to pass along the cost of my rent to my paying customers, so I increase the price of my products.
I do NOT charge them an extra "fee" when they are at the checkout.
--
Star Wars Galaxies -- The best form of birth control on the market.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176158 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:01:54 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176155 muttdog : Wow I have to chime in on this.

For over a year I have been defending packet8, and continuing on with their improving service.

THis fee, TICKS me off. I will start looking elsewhere for service. The whole reason I choose VOIP is to avoid paying fees after fees after fees.

I dont care whether Vonage has it, or lingo has it. Verizon Local service has it too. My cell phone does too. Every POTS has it too. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13176155 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:01:11 EDT Re: Isn't that just special! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13175928 Packet 8 :
said by SipSource See Profile:

True, true... so it's really an Equal Opportunity Bogus Fee! :uhh:

And should you be using the "Packet 8" name if you're not an official representative of the company?
Sure why not...see my signature explains it all. It has been alright with mods aslong as I explain I am a reseller. :)
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A Packet8 Reseller]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13175928 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 06:34:39 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13175689 bbqjohn : This is disheartening but to be expected from all Voip companies eventually. Even if they do not become regulated, the companies will see a way to make more money and will not be able to resist it. I predict, even if I switch, that the next guy will do the same thing. There will be no hiding from it.
I don't like it but compared to my $60+ verizon phone bill this small fee is nothing. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13175689 Fri, 15 Apr 2005 03:50:56 EDT Re: Isn't that just special! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174331 SipSource : True, true... so it's really an Equal Opportunity Bogus Fee! :uhh:

And should you be using the "Packet 8" name if you're not an official representative of the company?
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SipSource: VoIP Uptime Reports & User Reviews Win an SPA-2000!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174331 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:53:49 EDT Re: Isn't that just special! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174161 Packet 8 : Vonage already has the $1.50 charge
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A Packet8 Reseller]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174161 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:38:20 EDT Re: Isn't that just special! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174074 SDHank8 : (first a disclaimer: I don't use Packet8, I tried 'em a while back and didn't like 'em)

Now that's an interesting point. Often the wording of year long agreements is such that a rate change provides an "instant out". I know that many people have used this kind of thing to get out of cell phone contracts. Check the wording of your agreement carefully. The company *should not* be allowed to arbitrarily change the agreement without some sort of recourse for the consumer. That tends to violate contract law.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13174074 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:27:23 EDT Isn't that just special! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13173832 ib50MbSoon : So these rat bastards tie their customers to a one year contract and then raise the rates? Don't contracts work both ways? Oh well, hardly worth fighting for $9. Six months to go and I'm done with "Racket8"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13173832 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:01:31 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13173343 smj : The thing that really gets me, like a previous poster mentioned.... when were they going to let us know?? I think a thirty day notice is customary for a price increase.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13173343 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 21:11:05 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172795 Daviey : I would rather pay a price increase than something that even remotely resembles a tax, especially one that is fake. A bone-headed move.

David]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172795 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 20:17:52 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172614 anon : If you look at the page for what the fcc is actually asking for in "recovery" costs -- I would rather pay that!!

.25 cents per phone, not $1.75 like Cingular is billing me for their "fake" charge!

Here is the FCC page for that.

»hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a···04A7.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172614 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 20:01:29 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172581 chaud : I really wish I had the option of dropping Packet8. I would drop them over this if there was another VOIP provider around, and I wasn't in this contract thing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172581 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 19:58:52 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172312 scooby : My bad long week. From comcast:

The Regulatory Recovery Fee recovers costs that the Comcast Digital Voice™ service incurs in order to ensure the adequate support of various public services. These costs may include charges imposed by state and local governments to help pay for emergency services such as fire and rescue, and for the relay center that transmits and translates calls for hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals. The Regulatory Recovery Fee also recovers costs related to federal and/or state programs that guarantee affordable voice services for all Americans, including consumers with low incomes, those living in areas where the costs of providing telephone service is high, schools and libraries and rural health care providers. The Regulatory Recovery Fee is not a tax or a government-required fee.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172312 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 19:31:23 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172263 Karl Bode :
said by scooby See Profile:

said by WhyADuck See Profile:

Please cite your source for this information. My understanding is that such fees are NOT required to be collected by any government agency, instead they are just a way to collect more money without jacking up your advertised price, and as such, deceive consumers as to what the actual cost of the service will be.
»www.fcc.gov/fees/regfees.html

packet8 is betting voip will get regulated soon and/or screwing their customers.
Your link is for regulatory fees (like USF, etc.) The "regulatory recovery fee" is not an FCC-sanctioned fee, it is a price hike, with the justification that they may someday be regulated. Perhaps I need audio-visual aids.....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172263 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 19:26:14 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172250 cbrain : I called P8 to verify. After a transfer and hold, the rep confirmed that this $1.50 fee would start May 1.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172250 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 19:23:19 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172158 scooby :
said by WhyADuck See Profile:

Please cite your source for this information. My understanding is that such fees are NOT required to be collected by any government agency, instead they are just a way to collect more money without jacking up your advertised price, and as such, deceive consumers as to what the actual cost of the service will be.
»www.fcc.gov/fees/regfees.html

packet8 is betting voip will get regulated soon and/or screwing their customers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13172158 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 19:10:27 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171939 Karl Bode :
quote:
Regulatory fee is approved by the FCC. Its ghey


Regulatory recovery fees are not approved by the FCC, nor are they government mandated.

They are rate hikes designed as bogus official sounding fees so you blame Uncle Sam instead of the company in question. They also allow companies to tack on price hikes below the line, allowing them to sometimes disguise real prices in adverts.

They began when incumbent bells, who pay into the USF much more than cable providers, felt such contributions unfair and designed the idea to direct ire at the government....

Make no mistake though, it's about as much official "fee" as I am albino walrus.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171939 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 18:43:39 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171801 cbrain :
said by chaud See Profile:

Tis a trivial fee, but its rather stupid, and when there are other providers out there without it...:uhh:
It is trivial and when I total my cell, internet, phone and VoIP, it comes to less than 1%. I've been with P8 over 18 months and basically happy with their service. I'm also comparing P8's 80ms. pings to SR's 3ms. and equal or lower prices for more features from closer providers. I just added an unneeded Verizon line for FiOS. If I'm going to switch, this would be the time.

Please Packet8, don't make my decision this easy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171801 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 18:28:19 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171108 Trimline : BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies and state regulatory orders affecting their broadband. BellSouth’s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity.

So, this is essentially a price hike. P8 provides an application, it does not supply you with "telephone service" as defined by the FCC, nor does it provide you with broadband service. No government agency is requiring them to collect this, nor is any government agency expecting payment.
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FWD#537129]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13171108 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 17:09:50 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170954 chaud : Tis a trivial fee, but its rather stupid, and when there are other providers out there without it...:uhh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170954 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:54:09 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170926 dcurrey :
said by schdy37 See Profile:

Ladies and Gentlemen pause before you leap. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Remember that saying. Leave for a better reason than $1.50 month increase. Read the complaints from other VOIP ers and make the right choice.
If it was a 1.50 rate increase it wouldn't bother me as much. But if you start letting voip companies get away with the same bogus line item charges that POTS companies do they will not stop doing it.

And as far as reliability Sunrocket doesn't seem to have a lot of problems. Lots of additional features however.

And having my nose cut off might be an improvement to my face.:)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170926 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:51:21 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170846 laserjobs : At least with my $1.50 at Lingo they include 911 calling.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170846 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:39:37 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170760 schdy37 : Ladies and Gentlemen pause before you leap. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Remember that saying. Leave for a better reason than $1.50 month increase. Read the complaints from other VOIP ers and make the right choice.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170760 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:28:39 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170611 anon : So far I'm happy with my P8 service, but I agree with WhyADuck...these fees are a bunch of BS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170611 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:08:14 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170606 SipSource : This can't be sanctioned by the FCC in much the same way VoIP providers are not 'required' to have 911 or charge FET. They can't blow off regulations about 911 and at the same time cite the FCC as the reason they're collecting an extra 7.5% "fee"!
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SipSource: VoIP Uptime Reports & User Reviews Win an SPA-2000!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170606 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:07:56 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170571 WhyADuck :
said by scooby See Profile:

Regulatory fee is approved by the FCC. Its ghey.
Please cite your source for this information. My understanding is that such fees are NOT required to be collected by any government agency, instead they are just a way to collect more money without jacking up your advertised price, and as such, deceive consumers as to what the actual cost of the service will be.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170571 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:04:24 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170502 PJIV : You will NOT be disappointed in that decision. I switched just last month, best thing I ever did!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170502 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:54:19 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170434 scooby : Regulatory fee is approved by the FCC. Its ghey.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170434 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:43:59 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170405 dcurrey : Do you think P8 is going to inform us of the rate increase?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170405 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:39:11 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170389 dcurrey :
said by jalapen:

Looks like P8 is adding a "regulatory recovery fee".

"..and a monthly $1.50 regulatory recovery fee, a new fee being introduced on all Packet8 phone numbers effective May 1, 2005."
Good thing my 1 year contract ends next month. Looks like its going to be the Sunrocket 1 year prepay plan for me]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170389 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:37:20 EDT Re: [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective M http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170325 mazilo : Is the "regulatory recovery fee" approved by FCC?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170325 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:29:24 EDT [Packet8] New $1.50 Regulatory Fee effective May 1 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170288 anon : Looks like P8 is adding a "regulatory recovery fee".

Look at the bottom of the videophone price reduction press relase

»biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050414/sfth···tml?.v=5

"..and a monthly $1.50 regulatory recovery fee, a new fee being introduced on all Packet8 phone numbers effective May 1, 2005."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13170288 Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:24:44 EDT