VIP-722: Broadband "Phone Home" - Not Working; Tech Advised Update May Be Needed

[geekboy2000]

Plugging the ethernet cable into the VIP-722 and configuring it was cake. DNS addresses found, connection tests OK, diagnotics report it is broadband connected, yet, interactive choices attempt to dial out with a phone line (all cell phones here at home, no phone line). It's almost as if they need a software update to allow the user to choose phone line or broadband. No such choice exists now, and when the phone line fails, you're just thrown out of the menu choice. The tech I spoke to advised that a software update is probably going to need to be developed and pushed out to the VIP-722 receivers. At the same though, I've seen some posts where users report that eventually (perhaps after a few days), their network recognizes that you're connected, and it just works. Can anyone clear this up. Are we 722 users going to need a software update?

As an aside, the tech could not understand the "I don't have a phone line" scenario, so he sent me a wireless modem free of charge, saying I could use that in lieu of a phone line. I explained that it's not just that I don't have a phone jack conveniently located, I have no phone line at all. He figured it worked some mysterious way, and that it would help me out. So, a wireless phone jack is on it's way to me.

I'd prefer not to subscribe to a VOIP service (another alternative), so . . am I, and other users just going to have to wait for this to start working?

Thanks!
Mark

 

[jerryez]

I hooked up my 722 to broadband today and the 722 shows it is connected. How do I tell if the 722 is using the connection. I also have it connected to a phone line. Can I just disconnect the phone line now or will I be charged the 6.98 receiver fee for not being connected to a Phone line.

 

[geekboy2000]

I hooked up my 722 to broadband today and the 722 shows it is connected. How do I tell if the 722 is using the connection. I also have it connected to a phone line. Can I just disconnect the phone line now or will I be charged the 6.98 receiver fee for not being connected to a Phone line.

I doubt (but don't know) that there would be any harm in disconnecting it for a moment to test the broadband. Once disconnected, try going to customer support > View statement. I think you'll find that it'll still look for the phone line. As far as I have been able to determine, the broadband option is still not enabled/functioning for interactive use, PPV, on-demand, etc. About all that it seems to do successfully is report that it's connected.

Mark

 

[jerryez]

I disconnected the phone line and tried to view my statement. The 722 tried to dial out and I got the no phone connection error message. I ain't paying the $6 receiver fee and I am not hooking up the phone line again. It is Dish's problem.

 

[geekboy2000]

I disconnected the phone line and tried to view my statement. The 722 tried to dial out and I got the no phone connection error message. I ain't paying the $6 receiver fee and I am not hooking up the phone line again. It is Dish's problem.

I wonder if there's an ETA on a fix/software update to address this? Or, if there's even a support/development task number associated with it.

Mark

 

[jerryez]

I called tech support and finally got through to an internet specialist. He says that as long as the 722 shows an online conection with the IP address at Menu 6,1,9 Broadband Connection,Internet setup that it will connect monthly and I will not be billed for not having it connected via a phone line. I can order PPV movies via the internet connection, but billing and other Home functions are not yet supported. So, I have disconnected my phone line and we shall see, when I get my next bill.

 

[geekboy2000]

Thanks for passing along the info! I haven't tried ordering PPV yet, but I'm sure I'll check it out soon.

 

[geekboy2000]

Yes! PPV ordering does work via broadband, so that's very good, and in fact the primary reason I connected the broadband connection.

 

[gck105]

Connect a phone line daily message

Are you all still getting the popup message stating that the reciever needs to be connected to a phone line?
Everything checks out ok with my broadband connection, but I am getting the warning message since I disconnected the phone line. I emailed tech support about it, but they just directed me to the dishnetwork online tech page, never addressed my question at all.

 

[geekboy2000]

Are you all still getting the popup message stating that the reciever needs to be connected to a phone line?
Everything checks out ok with my broadband connection, but I am getting the warning message since I disconnected the phone line. I emailed tech support about it, but they just directed me to the dishnetwork online tech page, never addressed my question at all.

I never see (never have on either my former 625 or my current VIP-722) a recurring (daily or otherwise) message about the phone line. I only see the phone line attempt to connect (and fail), if I perform any of the interactive actions (such as "view statement" from customer support section). Broadband connects just fine for PPV ordering. It's a shame that, in general, there seems to be such a lack of understanding, information and support from Dish Customer Support/Tech about this issue though. Surely, someone there knows what version of software is planned to fully support broadband, and approximately when it will be released. Or, at least, you'd think so.

Mark

 

[TimWelborn]

Well... I ran an Ethernet cable tonight and verified that it really does seem to phone home.

I will be REALLY interested in when they will make "Customer Support" work with this configuration. One would think that this functionality would be one of the first to work!

Any updates on this?
Thanks!