OBiTALK Community

Region Specific Technical / Service Provider Support => North America - Including Google Voice, Skype, etc. => Topic started by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 07:42:18 AM

Title: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 07:42:18 AM
So I got an email from VL, because I used to be a subscriber, and it states free calls with GV and transferring your land line to them.  As best as I can figure this is just smoke and mirrors, but does anybody know if this claim represents something new.

Link to web version of the email (had to delete after member thoughtfully pointed out my email address is exposed)  The link below to purchase their ATA at Amazon explains it better than the email.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 08:26:01 AM
It would appear that Vestalink is preparing from a ATA standpoint, to compete with Obihai. This is probably due in part to how Vestalink was treated when trying to SPAM the forum.

I welcome the competition...good for consumers but not good for Obihai.

Hope this e-mail or thread doesn't get deleted.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: vtsnaab on March 22, 2015, 08:30:26 AM
Text from that message:
QuoteVestalink now supports direct integration with Google Voice

Free Calls
Make free calls to the US & Canada with Google Voice

911 Calling
Call 911 in the event of an emergency with Vestalink

Transfer Landline
Transfer your landline number to Vestalink

Bring your own device
Vestalink is the best home phone service for your VoIP devices.
Bring your own VoIP device to start using Vestalink right away. 
Your device + Google Voice & Vestalink = Awesome!

Purchase a new device
We recommend purchasing a new Vestalink device from Amazon.com.
They arrive pre-configured and include 1 year of phone service.
Just plug it in!

Device is sold here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TXXRST6
QuoteVestalink Broadband Home Telephone Service VoIP Device + 1 Year of Home Phone Service
by Vestalink
$29.99

    * Works with Google Voice
    * Voicemail Transcription - Read your voicemail before you listen to it. SMS and email notifications.
    * Ring All - Ring up to 6 phone numbers and 10 VoIP devices simultaneously.
    * E911 Calling with Alerts - Call 911 and then be alerted via text and email when 911 is dialed from your home.
    * Transfer Your Home Number - You can take your current phone number to our service by setting up our porting procedure.

Most curious to me is how it 'integrates' and what it costs after that 1st year...?

What appears to be an ATA including a free year of service would be a good deal for someone who does not already have a device as long as it is affordable going forward.

I am still delighted with my Obi box, bought another for my partner, and frankly I am disinclined to trust Vestalink after carefully examining their offerings in the past - AND seeing all the troubles posted here by folks attempting to use their services - so I would be a VERY hard sell for those folks.

Still - I am curious - does anyone know more about this ??
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 08:54:40 AM
Quote from: vtsnaab on March 22, 2015, 08:30:26 AM
...I am disinclined to trust Vestalink after carefully examining their offerings in the past - AND seeing all the troubles posted here by folks attempting to use their services - so I would be a VERY hard sell for those folks.

Still - I am curious - does anyone know more about this ??

I agree with this. Once a business provider like Vestalink begins a pattern of distrust, it is really hard to break that image. It is possible but it has to be done generously and without any hidden agendas.

I trust Obihai more except when they try to delete threads that threaten their business--as I'm almost certain that they will do to this thread (hope I'm wrong).
Title: I agree.
Post by: vtsnaab on March 22, 2015, 09:06:20 AM
I also hope that the Obi folks will not delete this thread.

Mature businesses recognize the need for diversity and thus tolerate it EVEN if it looks like it may cost them a little bit.

Ultimately, transparency is far more profitable than any hostile stance towards competitors - this has been very well proven in recent years.

I also think that having ample info about VL in particular is a great benefit to Obihai.
This because all the problems VL's service has been shown to have in postings here by Obi users who tried it, and had nothing but problems with that service.

Exposing VL's faults openly is more likely to keep folks with Obihai than to switch away for a short-lived offer with vague details.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 09:40:41 AM
Thanks for the link to Amazon, which seems to confirm they actually are integrating their device with Google Voice, which I assume means you buy it, log in, and connect your existing GV number, which kind of sounds like another company I am familiar with.  ;D  If that's the case, I guess you can use the device like an OBi and not sign up for Vestalink service or am I being dull?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 09:47:47 AM
it seems from the description it is LOCKED to Vestalink.   Not as good a deal as the ObiHai UNLOCKED device.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 10:28:01 AM
I decided to reply to the email and here is the text that confirms you don't need to port into VL to use their ATA as GV connected device.

Me:  I followed a link to Amazon, which seems to indicate a user can purchase your ATA and use it to connect a Google Voice number the way you can with an OBi. Does this mean you can use it that way without porting in a number into VL and signing up for service?

Ryan at VL:  Yes, that is correct. Thank you!

Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: RFC3261 on March 22, 2015, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 09:47:47 AM
it seems from the description it is LOCKED to Vestalink.   Not as good a deal as the ObiHai UNLOCKED device.
This (locking) is typical of many providers providing free/low cost ATA (or VoIP phones), as the device is sold below cost, and made up in the long term contract.  Not really all that different than most US cell phone providers.  Typically these subsidized ATAs are rebranded from one of the usual suspects, since the providers do not want to actually get into the hardware manufacturing business.

As long as Vestalink provides a good service, at a good price, it may very well be a net positive for some.

Note that anyone considering this solution should consider the long term too, including the year 2+ prices, and the cost (and process) of porting out if the service quality or price does not work out.  In other words, read the contract.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 11:25:40 AM
I don't think there is any doubt this is a Vestalink branded version of a Grandstream ATA, so no you can't use it for Anveo, for example.  What is somewhat interesting is that you can use it as strictly a GV connected device at a very cheap cost, which would appeal to bargain hunters with simple, single connection needs.  An OBi is a much more feature rich unit of course.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 11:41:07 AM
What I would like to see is if the Vestalink ATA is as easy to configure as the OBi and whether it has as much quality programming as the OBi.

I would not jump on the Vestalink ATA so soon until it has proven itself. I suspect that a small company that is trying to do both as a service provider and competing in the ATA market with Obihai will likely not have as many resources in the R&D department as Obihai currently has.

Of course, I would still encourage Vestalink to compete--who knows, they may have just as good of a product in the future. The advantage that Vestalink has in R&D is a shortcut in reverse engineering what Obihai has done. That saves a lot of time and resources--especially if they reversed engineer the OBi, and use the same coding in their ATA.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: RFC3261 on March 22, 2015, 11:50:10 AM
Quote from: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 11:25:40 AM
What is somewhat interesting is that you can use it as strictly a GV connected device at a very cheap cost...
Long term, or short term?  Long term, if vestalink requires one to purchase their service to keep the device working (which I would expect) that means that after the 1st year you might be better off with an OBi (depending on which discount you get).  And the details of how the GV integration works is a bit sparse (i.e. non-existent) on their web site.  Does the GV traffic go through their servers (which means vestalink has to have the OAUTH token), or is it directly from your ATA (which gets the token)?

You are correct, for some, this will be an interesting offer.  For me, I would want to know more before I made a commitment.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 02:39:01 PM
The Grandstream HT701 is a proven device.  I think VL just replaced HT with VL.  Don't get me wrong, as a former subscriber to VL I don't trust them very much at all.  In fact, I would be dubious that you actually could use one of their ATA's to connect to GV without subscribing to Vestalink and I would never trade my OBi200 for a Grandstream.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 06:42:45 PM
As has been pointed out, this is just a Grandstream HT-701 ATA, with firmware provisioned and locked to a DID on VL.  This is exactly the same way that Vonage sells their BasicTalk-branded HT-701 ATA, which would be locked to a BasicTalk DID registration.

There's nothing at all being done here with Google Voice, any different than using any other non-GV telephone number as a forwarding phone number from a GV number.  The HT-701 has no Googley firmware capabilities at all.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 06:45:25 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 06:42:45 PM
As has been pointed out, this is just a Grandstream HT-701 ATA, with firmware provisioned and locked to a DID on VL.  This is exactly the same way that Vonage sells their BasicTalk-branded HT-701 ATA, which would be locked to a BasicTalk DID registration.

There's nothing at all being done here with Google Voice, any different than using any other non-GV telephone number as a forwarding phone number from a GV number.  The HT-701 has no Googley firmware capabilities at all.

Why am I not surprised?  The more I hear about Vestalink, the more I'm staying far away from them.

Sorry, Ryan, you lose.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 07:18:25 PM
Quote from: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 06:45:25 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 06:42:45 PM
As has been pointed out, this is just a Grandstream HT-701 ATA, with firmware provisioned and locked to a DID on VL.  This is exactly the same way that Vonage sells their BasicTalk-branded HT-701 ATA, which would be locked to a BasicTalk DID registration.

There's nothing at all being done here with Google Voice, any different than using any other non-GV telephone number as a forwarding phone number from a GV number.  The HT-701 has no Googley firmware capabilities at all.

Why am I not surprised?  The more I hear about Vestalink, the more I'm staying far away from them.

Sorry, Ryan, you lose.


And, just in case someone misinterprets my previous comments:
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 07:22:50 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 07:18:25 PM
Quote from: lrosenman on March 22, 2015, 06:45:25 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 06:42:45 PM
As has been pointed out, this is just a Grandstream HT-701 ATA, with firmware provisioned and locked to a DID on VL.  This is exactly the same way that Vonage sells their BasicTalk-branded HT-701 ATA, which would be locked to a BasicTalk DID registration.

There's nothing at all being done here with Google Voice, any different than using any other non-GV telephone number as a forwarding phone number from a GV number.  The HT-701 has no Googley firmware capabilities at all.
Why am I not surprised?  The more I hear about Vestalink, the more I'm staying far away from them.

Sorry, Ryan, you lose.


And, just in case someone misinterprets my previous comments:

  • I, for one, don't have a problem with ITSPs providing locked ATAs, along with some form of "practically unlimited" service; I understand the need to protect the ITSP from abuse of their service, and that the subsidized ATA is just a throw-away gadget to enable the service.
  • The Grandstream HT-701 is a fine product, and it performs very well as a basic SIP ATA.  Grandstream has put a lot of effort over the past few years to improve their firmware quality control, and the stable version running now on my own HT-701 works great.
I'm not opposed to locked ATA's, I AM opposed to:

Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 07:29:05 PM
Agreed!  Sorry I replied via "quote", as I wasn't implying anything about your previous post.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: billsimon on March 22, 2015, 08:00:55 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 06:42:45 PM
There's nothing at all being done here with Google Voice, any different than using any other non-GV telephone number as a forwarding phone number from a GV number.  The HT-701 has no Googley firmware capabilities at all.

A server-side SIP <=> GV translation would make the capabilities of the firmware irrelevant. The HT701 does have nice auto-provisioning capabilities. Perhaps you are jumping to a wrong conclusion.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 09:41:38 PM
Quote from: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 10:28:01 AM
I decided to reply to the email and here is the text that confirms you don't need to port into VL to use their ATA as GV connected device.

Me:  I followed a link to Amazon, which seems to indicate a user can purchase your ATA and use it to connect a Google Voice number the way you can with an OBi. Does this mean you can use it that way without porting in a number into VL and signing up for service?

Ryan at VL:  Yes, that is correct. Thank you!

Steve...(above quote for reference to my question) What makes you believe that Vestalink may be providing misleading information about their ATA being like an OBi in ceg3's question to them and their response?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 10:11:57 PM
Quote from: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 09:41:38 PM
Quote from: ceg3 on March 22, 2015, 10:28:01 AM
I decided to reply to the email and here is the text that confirms you don't need to port into VL to use their ATA as GV connected device.

Me:  I followed a link to Amazon, which seems to indicate a user can purchase your ATA and use it to connect a Google Voice number the way you can with an OBi. Does this mean you can use it that way without porting in a number into VL and signing up for service?

Ryan at VL:  Yes, that is correct. Thank you!

Steve...(above quote for reference to my question) What makes you believe that Vestalink may be providing misleading information about their ATA being like an OBi in ceg3's question to them and their response?

Note how that question was phrased, and the answer that was given:  yes, you can use a VL number as a forwarding number with an existing or new Google Voice account, without porting your GV number to VL.  All inbound calls will go to GV, then be forwarded to whatever forwarding number(s) the user adds to his/her GV account, exactly the same way GV can be used with any other service provider's DIDs.  Outbound calls would be placed via VL, spoofing the user's GV caller ID, exactly the same way one could make calls with any other telco that permits caller ID spoofing.  There is nothing new, unique, or different about this.  Many of us already do this with some other SIP ITSP.


TL;DR:  nothing to see here, move along.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 10:55:45 PM
Steve...I'm not saying that Vestalink's assertions are true. I just think that ceg3's question to Vestalink was pretty clear...at least to me...basically asking is their ATA just like an OBi and that you can connect to GV without even signing up to Vestalink?

Vestalink's reply was a simple yes, that is correct.

If Vestalink is correctly answering ceg3's question the way ceg3 intended, I wonder where you are getting the between the lines information?

If you are correct (which I probably would bet on you), Vestalink is shooting themselves the foot even further by perpetuating misleading information and I don't know how they can recover their reputation after this.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 11:07:39 PM
Quote from: LTN1 on March 22, 2015, 10:55:45 PM
Steve...I'm not saying that Vestalink's assertions are true. I just think that ceg3's question to Vestalink was pretty clear...at least to me...basically asking is their ATA just like an OBi and that you can connect to GV without even signing up to Vestalink?

Vestalink's reply was a simple yes, that is correct.

If Vestalink is correctly answering ceg3's question the way ceg3 intended, I wonder where you are getting the between the lines information?

If you are correct (which I probably would bet on you), Vestalink is shooting themselves the foot even further by perpetuating misleading information and I don't know how they can recover their reputation after this.

Ha, now it sounds like you're cross-examining me on the witness stand.

I can't speak for ceg3 or VL (nor do I really want to).  You can take their Q&A any way you wish.  I am only trying to interpret the question in a way that VL could have answered as they did, whilst giving them the benefit of the doubt, in that, technically, they could "support" GV the same way as any other ITSP. 

It would be very easy for VL to describe their service as working with GV:  It reminds me of the Saturday Night Live tobacco grower's association lawyer, "Nathan Thurm", being questioned.  "I know that.  What makes you think I said that?  No, I never said that.  What makes you think I said that"?

https://screen.yahoo.com/nathan-thurm-tobacco-growers-america-000000071.html (https://screen.yahoo.com/nathan-thurm-tobacco-growers-america-000000071.html)
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 11:25:46 PM
I will say this, though:  the more revealing questions that someone could ask, if desired, would be "How does your Grandstream ATA connect directly to Google Voice's infrastructure?  How does it authenticate to my Google account?  Is it different in any way from the standard HT-701 I could buy elsewhere?  What do you mean by the term "Direct integration?  How is this any different from the way DIDs from other service providers are used with a Google Voice account?  What features of your service are better or different from other ITSPs?"
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 05:57:23 AM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 22, 2015, 11:25:46 PM
I will say this, though:  the more revealing questions that someone could ask, if desired, would be "How does your Grandstream ATA connect directly to Google Voice's infrastructure?  How does it authenticate to my Google account?  Is it different in any way from the standard HT-701 I could buy elsewhere?  What do you mean by the term "Direct integration?  How is this any different from the way DIDs from other service providers are used with a Google Voice account?  What features of your service are better or different from other ITSPs?"

Can't a country lawyer just ask a simple question without being grilled by the witness?

Since Vestalink has access to this forum, I'll let Vestalink answer your questions if it so chooses.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:00:14 AM
Hey everyone, the Vestalink ATA is just an ht701 with our logo on it, it's not locked or special in any way.  Vestalink allows you to use any SIP device with Google Voice in the US. Bring your own device to google voice. 
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 09:16:19 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:00:14 AM
Hey everyone, the Vestalink ATA is just an ht701 with our logo on it, it's not locked or special in any way.  Vestalink allows you to use any SIP device with Google Voice in the US. Bring your own device to google voice. 

SteveInWA, being an IT expert, has a number of more technical questions for your ATA device but I just have a simple one.

Can the the Vestalink ATA, currently being promoted to work with Google Voice, function exactly like an OBi, where the user does not have to sign up for any VoIP services, obtain a phone number from any other VoIP services like Vestalink, and be connected to Google Voice in the same exact way that an OBi device can, without any other services besides Google Voice?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:19:41 AM
The device is being promoted to work with Vestalink, and Vestalink works with Google Voice.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 09:37:30 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:19:41 AM
The device is being promoted to work with Vestalink, and Vestalink works with Google Voice.

I'm understanding from the above answer that SteveInWA's analysis of the Vestalink ATA was correct--it does not work in the same exact way as the OBi devices with Google Voice.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:46:19 AM
No, thats not correct (just read his post).  Vestalink acts as a bridge between SIP and XMPP so that you can use any ATA or desk IP phone with your Google Voice account.   There is no forwarding involved, its a direct connection.  
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 10:10:27 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:46:19 AM
No, thats not correct (just read his post).  Vestalink acts as a bridge between SIP and XMPP so that you can use any ATA or desk IP phone with your Google Voice account.   There is no forwarding involved, its a direct connection.  

Can the Vestalink ATA be used exactly like the OBi with Google Voice without having any connection to Vestalink like the OBi can right now?

I understand that the Vestalink ATA is claiming that it can act as a bridge to Google Voice but can the purchaser not sign up to a Vestalink plan at all and just use the Vestalink ATA with Google Voice permanently and without limit like the OBi?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 10:13:40 AM
Thats not what the device is claiming, it works with Google Voice through Vestalink.  I made an edit to the Amazon posting so it is very clear and there is no confusion. 
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 10:13:40 AM
Thats not what the device is claiming, it works with Google Voice through Vestalink.  I made an edit to the Amazon posting so it is very clear and there is no confusion. 

I'm glad you made that update. It is much clearer now. Thanks.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: ceg3 on March 23, 2015, 11:26:26 AM
OK, so the answer to my question about using the VL Grandstream as a Google Voice connected device without signing up with VL went from yes to no.  You still need a subscription with VL to use the Grandstream ATA with your Google Voice number.  This has all been just a bunch of tail chasing, but hasn't it been fun?  ;D
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: billsimon on March 23, 2015, 11:44:44 AM
What are the pros and cons of device-side GV connectivity vs. a SIP channel to server-side GV interconnection? Interested in hearing some thoughts on this.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: gsmlnx on March 23, 2015, 12:19:00 PM
2 cons to using Vestalink

1. You have to pay Vestalink to use their service in addition to paying Google

2. All your calls to and from Google are going through a 3rd party server (Vestalink) so if Vestalink have problems so do you. You are adding in a level of complexity that isn't needed. The more moving parts, the more to go wrong.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 12:45:44 PM
Here are some benefits for users interested in Vestalink
1. Vestalink has 911 services natively
2. Google Voice will not port/transfer in landline numbers, Vestalink can.
3. Currently MWI (message waiting indicator) no longer works with the Obi and Google Voice directly, however it does when you use your OBi with Vestalink voicemail and Google Voice calling.

Vestalink is designed to be a simple drop in replacement for a landline.   A complete package and integration with Google voice.

QuoteAll your calls to and from Google are going through a 3rd party server (Vestalink) so if Vestalink have problems so do you. You are adding in a level of complexity that isn't needed. The more moving parts, the more to go wrong.

I believe if Obihai's provisioning servers went down your OBi would not be able to update its Oauth password to re-register to Google Voice.  This password is updated every hour.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 02:14:18 PM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 12:45:44 PM
I believe if Obihai's provisioning servers went down your OBi would not be able to update its Oauth password to re-register to Google Voice.  This password is updated every hour.  

Steve...is the above claim regarding Obihai provisioning servers supported by the facts?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: billsimon on March 23, 2015, 03:21:21 PM
The device could refresh its own token as needed, but this would require the firmware to contain Obihai's oauth2 client-id and secret with Google, which would be a questionable design decision. (Those credentials are disposable, and should be disposed of, when there's suspicion of compromise.)

In other words, it's likely that the devices rely on the provisioning server to provide updated access tokens either on a regular basis or as needed. A network capture would easily confirm or refute.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 03:29:24 PM
That's what I was thinking too.  Seems questionable to put the oauth google credentials in the device firmware directly, those are best on the provisioning servers especially since if those credentials change it wont require another firmware upgrade.  Maybe someone can confirm this theory by blocking the obitalk provisioning servers and trying to connect the OBi via oauth to GV?
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: SteveInWA on March 23, 2015, 04:38:11 PM
Quote from: LTN1 on March 23, 2015, 09:16:19 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 09:00:14 AM
Hey everyone, the Vestalink ATA is just an ht701 with our logo on it, it's not locked or special in any way.  Vestalink allows you to use any SIP device with Google Voice in the US. Bring your own device to google voice. 

SteveInWA, being an IT expert, has a number of more technical questions for your ATA device but I just have a simple one.

Can the the Vestalink ATA, currently being promoted to work with Google Voice, function exactly like an OBi, where the user does not have to sign up for any VoIP services, obtain a phone number from any other VoIP services like Vestalink, and be connected to Google Voice in the same exact way that an OBi device can, without any other services besides Google Voice?

VL is a ITSP, not a device manufacturer.  It would make no business sense for them to sell an ATA that (like an OBi) that can work solely on GV, and doesn't use their SIP VoIP telephone service.  They're selling a service plan, along with a ATA, if you wish to use their ATA, instead of an OBi.  So, trying to make a comparison between the OBi and the VL-provided HT-701 is an interesting exercise, but it's not the point of VL's offering.  I believe my previous answer, explaining how VL's service can be used in conjunction with a GV number, is correct, and VL has done a good job explaining how to set it up on their website, complete with screenshots for the beginner.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: LTN1 on March 24, 2015, 11:56:12 AM
Quote from: Vestalink on March 23, 2015, 12:45:44 PM
I believe if Obihai's provisioning servers went down your OBi would not be able to update its Oauth password to re-register to Google Voice.  This password is updated every hour.  

I was interested in the above unsupported comments by Vestalink so contacted Obihai support directly. While support didn't go into details, their response was as follows:

"The statement on the forum is inaccurate.   Please ignore such statement."

I think the responsible thing to do when making assumptions, is to at least back it up with some reasonable facts--otherwise, it is unfair to any business or person. Just like if someone were to say, "I believe CallCentric is using below par servers..." without any factual basis--the statement is just based on "I believe...." Not prudent. And a business should not be put a position to prove a negative--any business. Say someone declares...I think ABC business is cooking the books. So ABC...if you're not cooking the books...prove it. "Who the hell are you to force me to prove a negative?" would be my answer.
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: Doc_Glenn on March 24, 2015, 12:58:00 PM
When Google was going to pull the plug on XMPP (May 2014), I went looking for a VOIP service to use with my Obi. Anveo had a ridiculous call plan and rate page - I had to call them to make sense of it. In the end I couldn't figure out if I could get a fixed monthly rate for both in and outbound, so I kept on looking.

Vestalink showed up with a simple rate structure. I bought it and not only has the technical quality always been good, but the support is really excellent. So, unlike many in this thread, I have praise for them. (And yes, I realize this has nothing to do with their new ATA offering).
Title: Re: Vestalink Now "Supports Direct Integration With Google Voice"
Post by: cluckercreek on March 24, 2015, 05:11:40 PM
Quote from: Doc_Glenn on March 24, 2015, 12:58:00 PM
When Google was going to pull the plug on XMPP (May 2014), I went looking for a VOIP service to use with my Obi. Anveo had a ridiculous call plan and rate page - I had to call them to make sense of it. In the end I couldn't figure out if I could get a fixed monthly rate for both in and outbound, so I kept on looking.

Vestalink showed up with a simple rate structure. I bought it and not only has the technical quality always been good, but the support is really excellent. So, unlike many in this thread, I have praise for them. (And yes, I realize this has nothing to do with their new ATA offering).

Ditto!