From the President’s Desk
2026 presents many questions; Will AI bring about the rise of the machines (think Terminator)? Will Team USA soccer advance in front of a home crowd? How will the effects of tariffs impact your business? Will the Dodgers 3-peat? Who will control Congress at year-end? When will Vantage’s Impromptu interactive website service be available (to combat the robots)? Wow, I already need a break.
How ‘bout I just say that all of us at Vantage are here to make your life easier in 2026. As always, we appreciate your business and wish you much success in 2026. We’re here to help. And thank you.
VERIZON Wireless network outage
AddVantage Mobile App performs as expected throughout the Verizon Wireless Network Outage
As you are likely aware, Verizon Wireless experienced a widespread service-affecting outage Wednesday, 1/14/26. The issue affected calling services across the Verizon Wireless mobile network. VW phones were unable to connect or complete calls for the duration of the event. Verizon acknowledged the issue, and restored services across multiple regions after several hours.
Verizon mobile data services appeared to be unaffected. As such, AddVantage Mobile apps remained fully operational during the event. Users of Verizon Mobile devices were able to successfully make and receive calls to their Vantage number throughout the day, using Verizon cellular data or available Wi-Fi services.
If your team is not using Vantage’s mobility features and/or services, give us a call to see how AddVantage Mobile can keep your team connected.
Enhancements & Upgrades
Beta Version Release of Detailed Call Timeline Report
Looking to review a call from start to finish? Need ‘evidence’ that a customer call was answered? We recently activated a trial version of our Detailed Call Timeline Display.
Select a specific call from the telephone # call log, extension call log, or an extension call summary report. The display allows you to track call details, like, which member of the hunt group answered a call, which auto attendant option was selected by the caller, what device was used to answer a call, if and when did a call hit voicemail, and who ended the call, etc. This is now available for you to try on your MAXcore user portal.
Highlights of MAXcore Enhancements:
- Support for group messaging via the MAXcore portal is has been rolled out.
(Group messaging via the AddVantage Mobile app coming soon.) - New DND options; all calls, internal only, or external only – activate via your MAXcore user portal
- MAXcore now sends voicemail box capacity notices – – sending an email when the box hits 90% capacity and again at 100%
- Hotelling / hot-desking is now supported with Yealink phones
- Teams calling – make & receive external calls through your Teams phone and dialpad, using your Vantage business #
MAXcallcommand Upgrades:
- MAXcc recording pause/restart button – via agent/supervisor workspace
- Manual release from wrap-up mode to available
- Agent’s selected device now displays in the Agent Status window
Dial 6-1-1 for Unlimited Support!
Our Communications Concierge Team is here to help!
Vantage SHOUT OUTS
Yes, winter fires are more common, it is a fact verified by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA identifies the following factors as the leading causes of winter fires:
- Heating: Leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries and third leading cause of home fire deaths. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.
- Candles: December and January are the peak months for candle fires. From 2015-2019, an annual average of 7,400 home candle fires were reported.
- Carbon Monoxide: Labeled the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas released when gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. CO incidents are more common in homes during winter.
- Portable Generators: Improper use of portable generators pose high risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. Half of the generator-related deaths happen in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, involving portable generators.
- Holiday Season: Christmas trees, holiday decorations, lighting equipment, etc. present potential fire hazards that contribute to a rise in US home fires at this time of year. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for home fires.
We are very proud to feature two of our customers here, who are doing exemplary work for the community in fire management and fire prevention.
NORWOOD FIRE CO. NO. 1
The Norwood Fire Co was established in 1893. It stood at 36 W Winona Ave Norwood until 2026 when the station moved to a larger facility at 336 Chester Pike Norwood, a mere half block away. In 1956, Ambulance service was established within the Company.
The men and women who serve the town as firefighters are volunteers, serving others all times of the day and night. The Ambulance EMS crews are a paid staff on duty 24/7 to better address the medical emergencies that arise in our lives.
One of the most distinctive facts about the Norwood Fire Co. is the literal ‘family spirit’. There are many families that have generational members. Fathers, sons and daughters and grandchildren serve side by side with pride and dedication. One of those families is the Fagans. Paul Fagan and his four sons served our town for many decades.
Doug Fagan, Chief Executive Officer at Vantage, has been a member of the fire company for over 40 years, 30 years of that in an Executive position. Now, he, his dad, and brothers are honored with lifetime member status.
Volunteer fire companies are always looking for help. If you have some time to spare, stop at your local firehouse and get involved, there is nothing like it.
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1
The Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 was incorporated in 1939 in New Jersey.
Our Mission Statement
Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Company # 1 will undertake to suppress all fires occurring in the Township of Montgomery District Number 1 and in nearby areas or communities desiring our aid. In addition, this company will participate in any cause which is for the good of the community including saving people from bodily harm, protection of property and preservation of law and order.
Our Goals
The Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Company # 1 aims to be recognized as a department of excellence while protecting lives, property, and the environment within Montgomery and surrounding communities. Its goals focus on preventing fires and emergencies, delivering high‑quality and timely services, and maintaining professionalism and respect for all residents and members regardless of background.
The department is committed to community trust through education, fire prevention, and active citizen involvement. By prioritizing safety, equality, and continuous improvement, the administration strives to provide superior fire protection and emergency services, strengthening public confidence in the Montgomery Fire Department.
We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect you, your family and your property. We would be most grateful if you would consider supporting our department with a tax-deductible contribution of any size, by clicking here.
Refer a friend, reap a reward!
Email customerreferrals@vantageunified.com if you know any company who could benefit from our VoIP business solutions.
For your referral, we will credit your Vantage account with an amount equal to 1 month fee of the referred, new Vantage client (up to a max of 5 months credit). We award the referring individual with an Amazon gift card of $25 – $250 (based on the size of the referred). The individual has to be approved by your management to qualify for the award.
