Vonage gateway in beta

Vonage is beta testing a branded gateway from Ambit, the Taiwanese cable modem supplier, according to TechCruncher Michael Arrington. Vonage hopes the device will eventually replace the unsightly routers associated with its service.

The Ambit VDV21 includes two VoIP ports that support multiple phones, fax capability, self-diagnostics, an LCD for caller ID, time stamp and call logs, voicemail waiting indicator, bandwidth tester and window defogger.

Ambit's gear line also includes a channel-bonding modem that offers download speeds of up to 144 Mbps and uploads of 30 Mbps. The superfast modems have been deployed by Seoul, Korea cabler Hanaro. Vonage Premium subscribers testing the gateway device will receive 30 days of service free and a $29.99 credit on their account, but requests to be a beta tester must be made by today (Aug. 6).

Getting a branded gizmo in front of people isn't the worst idea in the world for Vonage, with 2.4 million subs at last count. Churn for standalone consumer VoIP is brutal compared to triple-plays. Perhaps a "cool" piece of gear will spark a little loyalty. Vonage may give up its strategy Aug. 9 when it reports second-quarter numbers. Wall Street expects it to post a loss of nearly 34 cents a share, according to published reports.

For more:
- Arrington's post is here
- Ambit's other gateway devices are here