Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/12/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On or about 12/20/2023, Maxsip Telecom contacted my current Internet provider, ****************************************************** Company and completed an ACP ( affordable connectivity Program) benefit transfer without my knowledge or consent. I have never heard of this company Maxsip Telecom, nor did I request any services from them, nor did I ***** them permission do make this change. I now have over a $100 Internet bill because they stole my benefit and I want them to refund it. I received no service(s) from Maxsip Telecom, nor any products. They just stole my ACP benefit. They do claim to have cancelled my account with them.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/18/2024

  To Whom it May ******************** write in response to *** ****** complaint, dated January 10, ****. After conducting a thorough investigation into *** ****** case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.  
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ************** and reached her on January 12, ****. ************** expressed that she did not want to be a Maxsip customer and preferred to have her phone service with a different provider. In the course of our conversation, she also said that in the interim, she had lost money due to her ACP discount not being applied during the brief period when she was enrolled with Maxsip. We are in the process of issuing a $60 refund to be sent to ************** to her residential address at North *******************************************************************, to reimburse her for any inconvenience related to temporarily losing her ACP benefit/issues she had with her bill. We also informed ************** that we are looking into the agent who was responsible for the enrollment.  
  We appreciate the opportunity to work with ************** to reach a resolution and are glad to have resolved the issue to her satisfaction.  
  As per Maxsip policies, all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and about Maxsip. Each customer must also give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service and we are further investigating the situation to prevent similar occurrences. 
  Should you have any questions or concerns you can contact me at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************. 
  
  Best, Yonina Wind 
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/23/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  MaxSIP Telecom has not honored their promise of a refund to me and they seem to be blocking my return to my original internet provider.

  B to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/26/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved. I did finally receive the check from Maxsip Telecom.
  My internet provider has told me they've finally been able to restore my original service. 
  Thank you for your support and assistance. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/03/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Good afternoon My auntie got a *** card from this Company and I tried to use the *** card to get unlimited Wi-Fi for my phone to call but when I tried to to use the *** card it wouldn't let me use it. It says "Network locked *** card inserted" And I need help on this and please contact me on Email because I check regularly there.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/09/2024

  Re: ************************* (on behalf of his aunt)
  BBB Complaint #********
  Date of Complaint: January 3,****
  To Whom it May ************** write in response to **************** complaint, dated January 3, ****. After conducting a thorough investigation into ****************** case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  We attempted to contact ************** several times for further clarification about the nature of his complaint,however we were not able to reach him. Specifically, Maxsip has tried contacting ************** by phone and email, as outlined below:
  Called ************** on January 3, **** at 2:02 PM Phone disconnected/no longer in service ******** message)
  Emailed ************** on January 3, **** at 2:18 PM at **************************
  Called ************** on January 4, **** at 4:53 PM Phone disconnected/no longer in service ******** message)
  Emailed ************** on January 4, **** at 4:53 PM at **************************
  Called ************** on January 5, **** at 1:40 PM Phone disconnected/no longer in service ******** message)
  Emailed ************** on January 5, **** at 1:42 PM at **************************
  Called ************** on January 9, **** at 1:32 PM Phone disconnected/no longer in service ******** message)
  Emailed ************** on January 9, **** at 1:33 PM at **************************
  According to his complaint, he filed on behalf of his aunt. Should ********************** us with her name, we can look up her account, investigate the issue further, and help to resolve the complaint. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter further but have been unable to reach ***************
  As per Maxsip policies,all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about Maxsip and the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) including the fact that individuals can only receive one ACP benefit per household. Each customer is also required to give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service.
  Should ************** need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I applied for the free internet service paid a copay of ***** and was qualified for but did not receive the package. When I called to inquire I was told that I applied three times which is not true. I asked for a refund and was told they could not refund my money

  Business Response

  Date: 01/09/2024

  To Whom it May ************** write in response to ************ complaint, dated January 2, ****. After conducting a thorough investigation into ************' case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ************ and reached her on January 4, ****. In the course of our discussion, ************ brought up her recent interaction with Maxsip customer service regarding her device. She had a frustrating experience awaiting a device that never came. In response to her complaint and our conversation, we arranged to send a new tablet to ************ at her residential address. A device was sent via ***** Tracking # **********************.We reached out to ************ on January 9, **** and ************ let us know that she received her device. She was satisfied with our response and resolution. We also issued a $30 refund to ************.
  We appreciate the opportunity to assist ************ to reach a resolution. We are delighted to have ************ as a valued Maxsip customer.
  As per ******************** policies,all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about Maxsip and the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) including the fact that individuals can only receive one ACP benefit per household. Each customer is also required to give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service.
  Should ************ need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 11/23/23, I went online to find out about the free phone service. All his information was given and received a tracking number for phone with account number. On 11/28/23, I called back to let them know that he had not received his phone and they gave me **** tracking# ********* also at this time I was told that the phone would be $20 but I told them that price never came up and that everything including emails from them said free,On 12/19 /23, I called back to find out why the phone had not been received and again another tracking number for *** given ******************.On 1/2/24, I called to let them know that he never received a phone and that I think they are getting disabled people information and doing illegal activities. They get people information and never receive anything from them. Although it is a business, I think they might be charging the government for services never provided.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/03/2024

  *** *********************** *** ****** ** *** *** ******************************
  BBB Complaint #********
  Date of Complaint: January 2,****
  To Whom it May ************** write in response to *** ***** complaint, dated January 2, ****. After conducting a thorough investigation into **************** case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Upon review of her enrollment record,************ signed up to be a Maxsip customer on behalf of her son on November *******. Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ************ and reached her on January 2, ****.
  In the course of our discussion, ************ brought up her recent interaction with Maxsip customer service regarding her son ********************** device. She had a frustrating experience awaiting a device that never came. In response to her complaint and our conversation, we arranged to send a new phone to ************ for her son at their residential address. A shipping label was created today, January 3, ****. The tracking information on this will be via **** # **** **** **** **** **** 25. We reached out to relay this information and let ************ know a shipping label was created for her sons device. She was satisfied with our response and resolution.
  We appreciate the opportunity to assist ************ to reach a resolution. We are delighted to have her son as a Maxsip customer and hope he enjoys his phone.
  As per Maxsip policies,all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about Maxsip and the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) including the fact that individuals can only receive one ACP benefit per household. Each customer is also required to give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service.
  Should ************ need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I ordered a tablet from this company maxsip telecom for ***** special for aarp special member price and it's been over a month and never received the tablet i called them they said it would come in 5 days which never did I want my tablet or my money back

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2024

  Re: ***************************
  BBB Complaint #********
  Date of Complaint: January 2,****
  To Whom it May ************** write in response to *** ********* complaint, dated January 2, ****. After conducting a thorough investigation into ************************ case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we attempted to contact ******************** several times for further clarification about the nature of her complaint, however we were not able to reach her. Specifically, Maxsip has tried contacting ******************** by phone, as outlined below:
  Called ******************** on January 2, **** at 12:05 PM Left Voicemail message
  Called ******************** on January 4, **** at 5:02 PM Left Voicemail message
  Called ******************** on January 9, **** at 1:51 PM Left Voicemail message
  Emailed ******************** on January 9, **** at 2:23 PM and email bounced back
  Called ******************** on January 11, **** at 2:22 PM Left Voicemail message
  Emailed ******************** on January 11, **** at 2:24 PM and email bounced back
  Called ******************** on January 16, **** at 11:53 AM Left Voicemail message
  Per her complaint with the BBB, ******************** mentioned that she ordered a tablet from Maxsip for a special AARP member price and did not receive a tablet. According to our records, ******************** had already used her one-time device benefit through the **** We can send out a SIM card, a refund, or work together to find a resolution to her complaint but have been unable to reach ********************. We hope that ************************ concerns have been successfully addressed. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter further but have been unable to reach ********************. We hope that she will be satisfied with the resolution of her complaint.
  Should ******************** need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/27/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I received a letter to get a free cell phone and service for ******** recipients in 6/2023. I applied for Lifeline and was told that the service was already being used by someone from Maxsip. I called Maxsip and was told someone is using my name and was receiving the service for a I-pad. I informed them that I never ordered a I-pad and that i wanted to get my free cell phone and mobile service. Maxsip several weeks later sent me a Android cell phone with a sim card that did not fit in the phone. Then several weeks later Maxsip sent me a sim card that ******* but only provided the internet but no mobile phone service. It has been over six months and I still have not receive the free phone service. Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/02/2024

  
  To Whom it May ************** write in response to ************** complaint, dated December 27, 2023. After conducting a thorough investigation into ************** case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ************** several times via telephone unsuccessfully and were able to reach her on January 2,2024. ************** expressed to us that she did not want to be a Maxsip customer and preferred to have her phone service with a different provider. We subsequently de-enrolled ************** as a Maxsip customer.
  We are pleased to inform you that ************** concerns have been successfully addressed. As a result, we are closing this matter. We appreciate the opportunity to work with ************** to reach a resolution and are glad to have resolved the issue to her satisfaction.
  As per Maxsip policies, all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and about Maxsip. Each customer must also give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service and we are further investigating the situation to prevent similar occurrences.
  Should you have any questions or concerns you can contact me at ************ or *********************************** or *****************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/08/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/26/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  a man came to me with a tablet and phone he said if i get link ssi or food stamps im approced for both the phone and tablet and both is free i told him i am already using my acp credit and wanted to stock with the company im with it he said its a new program and not the acp. and by me signing up for you all it wont affect my acp credit with Xfinity. so i gave him my id and last for of social which is ****. he said i was approved but i would have to pay 40 for the table and 40 the tablet i told him it's a government phone why should i have to pay in any case i dint have the money so i told him to cancel it and he left. i contact support phone times saying all this and dont care. i lost my acp credit with ******* and i never received a phone or tablet sanrina **** ***** ********************************************************************** 08/14/1966

  Business Response

  Date: 12/28/2023

  Re: **********************************
  BBB Complaint #********
  Date of Complaint: December 26,2023
  
  To Whom it May ************** write in response to ************************* complaint, dated December 26,2023. After conducting a thorough investigation into ************************* case,we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted *********************** several times via telephone unsuccessfully. We reached her via email on December 28,2023. *********************** expressed to us that she did not want to be a Maxsip customer and preferred to have her phone service with a different provider. We subsequently de-enrolled *********************** upon receipt of her email on December 28, 2023.
  We are pleased to inform you that ************************* concerns have been successfully addressed.As a result, we are closing this matter. We appreciate the opportunity to work with *********************** to reach a resolution and are glad to have resolved the issue to her satisfaction.
  As per Maxsip policies, all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and about Maxsip. Each customer must also give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service and we are further investigating the situation to prevent similar occurrences.
  Should you have any questions or concerns you can contact me at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/19/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Good Morning they gave me a cell phone with someone else sim card and gave them the sim card with my information then mailed out a SIM card to my previous address after I advised them I was homeless I haven't had a phone in a week I'm homeless and using other people's phone I don't know and they are very rude so my information was compromised twice. Government Phone I know 3 people it happened too maybe they should be shut down

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  To Whom it May ************** write in response to ******************** complaint, dated December 19, 2023. After conducting a thorough investigation into *************************, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Upon review of her enrollment record,******************** signed up to be a Maxsip customer on July *******. Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ******************** and reached her son on December 19, 2023.
  In the course of our discussion, ******************** *** said she cannot make or receive calls on her Maxsip phone. We had our customer service department review her account. They said that there was an issue with her SIM card, which customer service resolved and ******************** was able to utilize her device on December 20, 2023.
  In response to her complaint and our conversation, we arranged to have ******************** data plan updated and refreshed as a courtesy. We reached out to relay this information to ******************** on December 21, 2023, reached her son, and he was satisfied with our response.
  We are thrilled that ******************** concerns have been successfully addressed and that she is satisfied with the resolution of her complaint. We appreciate the opportunity to assist ******************** to reach a resolution. We are delighted to have ******************** as a valued Maxsip customer.
  Should ******************** need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, *****************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/18/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I got this phone back in November through a kiosk providing free government phones with data service. I paid $20 for this phone and it never had internet access and today the phone service just stopped working. I tried calling the company and get disconnected. I went back to the kiosk and they claim they fixed the issue biy it still doesn't work.These guys have people in kiosks across the city taking people's money and giving them phones that do not work after a few weeks. Its fraudulent and I want my money back or the proper services provided

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2023

  To Whom it May ************** write in response to **************** complaint, dated December 18, 2023. After conducting a thorough investigation into **************** case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted **************** and reached her on December 19, 2023. **************** stated that her device stopped working.  We explained that each household can only have one ACP benefit and **************** said she intends to have her ACP service with a different provider. We are in the process of issuing a $20 refund to be sent to **************** via ***** at ************, to reimburse her for purchasing the device. We let her know she can hold onto the device.
  We are pleased to inform you that **************** concerns have been successfully addressed,and she has expressed his satisfaction with the resolution of her complaint. As a result, we are closing this matter. We appreciate the opportunity to work with **************** to reach a resolution and are glad to have resolved the issue to her satisfaction.
  As per Maxsip policies, all prospective customers are provided with comprehensive information about the nature of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and about Maxsip. Each customer must also give informed consent to enroll in Maxsips ACP Program. Additionally, street agents undergo substantive training and onboarding procedures, which includes training to detect suspicious or fraudulent enrollments.  Our company is well-equipped to meet our high standards of compliance and customer service and we are further investigating the situation to prevent similar occurrences.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/27/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I switched my phone service to maxsip telecom but the refuse to port my number to this company I have called ten times but they keep giving me the run around and now I am in danger of losing my number that I have had for four years. This horrible company is illegally holding my number which is against federal law. I spoke to ****** who claimed she is a supervisor but did not help

  Business Response

  Date: 11/30/2023

  To Whom it May ************** write in response to *** ********* complaint, dated November 27, 2023. After conducting a thorough investigation into *** ********* case, we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the following information.
  Upon review of his enrollment record,******************** signed up to be a Maxsip customer on November 20, 2023. Following our receipt of the aforementioned complaint, we contacted ******************** and reached him on November 28, 2023.
  In the course of our discussion, ******************** brought up that he was having difficulty porting his number to Maxsip. In response to his complaint and our conversation, we assured ******************** that we would assist him. Our customer service team then assisted in helping ******************** with the process. We followed up with ******************** on November 30, 2023 and he said he was all set, that he has been smiling, that he is happy, that his issue regarding porting his number has been solved, and that he feels like Christmas came early this year. ******************* asked if we could give him additional data. We hope to extend ******************* additional data as a courtesy; however we need to wait for the request to finish processing by his former carrier, which could take between three and five business days. After that, we are happy to add a courtesy top up to *** ********* account.
  We are thrilled that *** ********* concerns have been successfully addressed and that he is satisfied with the resolution of his complaint. We appreciate the opportunity to assist ******************** to reach a resolution. We are delighted to have ******************** as a valued Maxsip customer.
  Should ******************** need additional assistance, we can be reached at ************ or *********************************** or ****************************************.
  Best, *****************