SunRocket
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (July 2007) |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2007) |
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| Company type | Incorporated |
|---|---|
| Industry | Communications services |
| Founded | Early 2004 in Winchester, Virginia |
| Headquarters | Vienna, Virginia |
Key people | Lisa Hook: President, CEO Joyce Dorris: CMO, Co-founder Paul Erickson: Chairman, Co-founder |
| Products | VOIP phone service |
Number of employees | 160+ |
| Website | www.sunrocket.com |
SunRocket was a U.S.-based VOIP provider established in early 2004 by Joyce Dorris and Paul Erickson, former MCI executives who were coworkers for over ten years. SunRocket maintained primary offices in the United States and Canada.
Company shutdown
On July 16 2007, SunRocket ceased operations with no warning given to customers or employees. SunRocket's customer service line plays a recorded message stating that SunRocket is "no longer taking customer service or sales calls." [1] Roger Pondel of Bell Industries, a spokesman for the Springfield, Missouri based call center which provided services for SunRocket, stated that all 197 of its employees were terminated as of Monday, July 16, 2007. [2]
Customers whose service was abruptly cut off found that they could forward calls from their SunRocket number to another number, such as a cell phone. However, many SunRocket clients have had intermittent or no success with this method, and assuming SunRocket continues to shut down their systems, it is only a matter of time until this workaround is no longer applicable.[citation needed]
The New York Times article dated July 17th stated that Sunrocket "is moving its customers to one or more other companies, a person briefed on its status said yesterday."[1] Other articles retrieved via Google News reference this person as an undisclosed source within the company.[citation needed] Wind-up and other matters relating to the liquidation of SunRocket is purportedly to be handled by Sherwood Partners, LLC. [3]
Sunrocket Members Bill of Rights
The SunRocket Member Bill of Rights was created by the company's co-founders, and every employee is committed to its pledge. SunRocket makes these promises to all of its customers:
Genuine Value: You will receive a great service at a great price.
Unconditional Satisfaction: You have the right to a reasonable refund if we fail to perform to your satisfaction.
Bottom-Line Disclosure: We will fully disclose and explain all charges, rates, taxes, and fees before you sign up for SunRocket service.
No Bogus Charges: We will never add bogus "fees" and "surcharges" that masquerade as government-mandated or government-specified assessments. All taxes, fees and surcharges listed on your invoice will be direct pass-through assessments paid at the direction of federal, state, or local authorities.
Common Sense Resolution: Policies will never stand in the way of doing the right thing. All SunRocket representatives have the power to use reasonable judgment to address your concerns and "make it right".
No Cancellation Penalties: We will not penalize you for our failure to deliver upon your expectations. You can discontinue SunRocket service at any time without hassle or cancellation fees.
Privacy: No information about you or your SunRocket service will be disclosed to third parties, unless authorized by law or in order to enable or deliver your services.
Input, Feedback & Response: You have the right to be heard. Your suggestions and comments will be recorded and communicated to SunRocket personnel with the authority to take appropriate action. SunRocket will make all reasonable efforts to acknowledge and respond accordingly.
Dignity & Respect: You will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect in all dealings with SunRocket and company personnel.
Integrity & Trust: We endeavor to fully inform you of available options so you can make timely and informed choices. We will never abuse your trust through deceit, exploitation, neglect, manipulation, or discrimination.
Sunrocket - The no 'gotcha' phone company!
E911
A frequent criticism of VoIP providers is that emergency telephone number service isn't available, because the physical location of a caller may not correspond to his or her listed phone number. SunRocket was compliant with FCC regulations mandating E911 capability, however the service requires subscribers to register their address with the company and, unless the subscriber is using a UPS for backup power, is not operative in the event of a power failure. The customers will be redirected to other companies offering the most for the subscribers.
For forwarding, customers can still use https://www.sunrocket.com/members/features/editCallForwarding.do
References
- ^ a b "Internet Phone Company Halts Operations"; The New York Times; July 17, 2007
- ^ "Closure leaves 197 without jobs"; Springfield News-Leader; July 17, 2007
- ^ "VoIP Provider SunRocket Suddenly Closes"; Associated Press Online; July 17, 2007