cloned line misfeature: double caller id.

[caseydoug]

I have the same problem as Sommerfeld. I have a Siemens 2-line cordless system with a base station and several handsets. The problem is that the space on the handset display is simply not large enough to hold both name and number for two lines when they are ringing simultaneously. As a consequence, I get very little useful CID information from either line, particularly where the call comes in without a unique name field.

For example, a call coming in on line 1 only might normally display as:

Cell Phone California
510-123-4567

With both lines active, the call displays as:

Cell Phone California
Cell Phone California

The number is properly recorded in the phone's CID log. The problem is just with the display.

I understand that this may be difficult to fix from VOIPo's end. I'm wondering whether anyone can suggest a workaround. For example, if I set up the Contacts list, would the name field display with the name I used in that list? That would at least give me information for some of the calls. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[Russell]

I sympathize with you for having a "buggy" product :-). Perhaps the solution is for VOIPo to have an option not to ring both lines at the same time - iirc, my former provider had that option.

Yes, if you have custom caller id, that should show up for the name - should be simple for you to test. Create one for your cell phone number and then call your voipo number.

[caseydoug]

I sympathize with you for having a "buggy" product :-). Perhaps the solution is for VOIPo to have an option not to ring both lines at the same time - iirc, my former provider had that option.

Or perhaps an option not to ring both lines at the same time IF the calling number is the same. I just realized that my phone system also has a directory feature that stores and displays custom names.

It's mostly a problem with cell phones, since they often do not include names. Unfortunately, everyone seems to be moving to cell phones these days.

[Russell]

Or perhaps an option not to ring both lines at the same time IF the calling number is the same.

Wouldn't the calling number always be the same ... I'm confused. I see the smiley - so I guess you want an option never to ring both lines. Correct?

[caseydoug]

Wouldn't the calling number always be the same ... I'm confused. I see the smiley - so I guess you want an option never to ring both lines. Correct?

No, I was thinking about a call coming in on line 2 while line 1 is in use. I do want to ring both lines, because that's the whole point of having a cloned line. If I am on line 1 and get a second (different) call, I would like to see the CID information, even if it is just name with no number.

Edit: I do wish there were an easier way to populate the Contacts list, e.g., add from call logs, import from csv, etc. I don't relish adding all those names and numbers manually.

[caseydoug]

FWIW, I found a work-around for the problem of CID not displaying properly on my two-line phone. I use a device called a Ring Selector by Aastra to direct the calls to the appropriate line based on the ring pattern. Calls to my primary number (standard ring) are directed to line 1 on my phone, whereas calls to the virtual number (distinctive ring) are directed to line 2. When I do that, CID displays properly for both lines.

This setup means that a second call to either number goes to voicemail rather than to the other phone line. This loses some functionality, but we prefer it this way (we don't like or use call waiting either).

[fisamo]

Can you ask voipo to provision your 2nd line with CID disabled? (Set CID Serv to "NO")