11 Digit Dialing

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 29, 2006 Posts: 2

I know there have been threads in the past about this, but I haven't seen anything more recently. I don't have a problem using 11 digits to dial out, but the problem comes from receiving calls.

People in my area code (919 - Raleigh/Durham) are used to dialing 7 digits, and more recently getting used to using 10 with the influx of people into this area and additions of new area codes. However, 7 digit dialing is still what people do in this area, so when I give out my home number, which is Vonage, I have to explain to people that they need to use 11 digits. Even when I spell this out for them, they forget and tell me my number has been disconnected.

I had an instance not too long ago where my storage place said they called my number 3 times, because my unit was not properly locked, and it was disconnected. So they cut off the lock, relocked it and charged me $75 to do so. All because they didn't understand how to dial 11 digits.

I have called Vonage and only get "that is the way Vonage works" but I have looked through FAQ on the Vonage site and can't find where they specifically state that. I am just wondering if anybody else has issues with this and if Vonage is going to do anything about it.

Overall, I have been happy with their service, but I can't really test it because myself or my wife are the only ones who use it to call home because nobody else understands 11 digit dialing in this area.

Posts: 249

I have been using Vonage for two years now. Local numbers are 7 digits long. Long distance are 10. (11 works but is not required.) Are you using an area code that is not the one you live in? Something here that I don't quite understand.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 29, 2006 Posts: 2

OldSnipe wrote:

I have been using Vonage for two years now. Local numbers are 7 digits long. Long distance are 10. (11 works but is not required.) Are you using an area code that is not the one you live in? Something here that I don't quite understand.

Yes I am using the area code I live in - 919. I did some experiments, and 7 digit dialing works going out (which I didn't realize before), but no matter where I am calling from inside the 919 area code I HAVE to use 11 digit dialing from land lines to my number. It does seem weird to me the more I look at this, but I have tried calling from my work, my wife's work, and had local businesses call me, and the only way the call goes through is if 11 digits are used.

Posts: 249 · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:28 pm Post subject: Hmmmmm??

Mate,

Try checking that the calling area inside your area code is actually yours! In some area codes you cannot call a center out of your area without using the full area code. If the original prefix Vonage issued you was outside your area then you ported your old telephone number over to it, it will also be outside your calling area resulting in your next door neighbor having to call a toll call to reach you. There is definitely something amis and it sounds like your number is not a local one.

2 fixes if that is the case. The easy one find out where the prefix your number actually is and move there, or 2. (The difficult fix) get Vonage to move your number to the call center you live in.

Posts: 1327 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Nov 08, 2006 Posts: 1327

Sounds like you have a number in the 919 area code, but it isn't a local number for your area (just like Old snipe wrote). I am sure 919 is a large area. where I live it is a 613 area code, there are numbers available in this area code but they are all long distance for me.