Dialing 1800 numbers in canada

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 28, 2004 Posts: 9

I have noticed a problem when dialing freephone numbers based in canada. I am based and have a 416 number (Toronto) and the phone system does not recognise this from canada so local 1800* numbers are blocked(i have to call the local number and that takes minutes from my plan) . Also national 1800 numbers (such as major airlines and couriers) normally route numbers to local call centres nearest the caller but when dialed from Vonage they go to a local call center somewhere in USA . I have to call the 1800* number that would be called from a US subscriber to get the local number to me or find a local number (a 905 or 416 number but this reduced my minutes) I have tried to explain to Vonage CSR but they do not know what to do. Does anyone else have this problem in Canada. Or is it just me Question

. (*1800,1866 1877 or 1888) Tubby Surprised

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Nov 19, 2004 Posts: 2

I live in Ottawa and I was trying to call the Bell Canada 1-800 number. I kept getting an error. So I email Vonage help support and they said the problem is with the number because when they try it from a land line they get the same error. I tried telling them that since this is a canada only number it doesn't work from the US. I guess this means that all our calls originate in the US. That might explain why my friends phones rings like a long distance call when I call them even though we are both in the same area code.

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Oct 28, 2004 Posts: 9

So im not the only one. Ive tried to explain to Vonage and they didnt understand.. It does seem that the origination of the call is in the USA but how can a canada phone code come from USA. When i call UPS for a delivery I get the call centre in Atlanta who ofcourse cant arrange pick ups in and other country. Most frustrating. ill have to take it up with Vonage some more. Thanks for your feedback
Graeme

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Nov 19, 2004 Posts: 2

I think what happens is that your phone conversation goes over the internet to the Vonage servers in the US. Then it gets switched to the analog phone system. Since the switch happens in the US, the call originates in the US and Iguess Vonage pays for the long distance call back to canada. I suspect that when someone calls your local number in canada, it gets forwarded to Vonage US servers which then converts the phone call over to the internet. This is just a guess but I suspect this is what's happening. If you do get them to understand please let me know. I've tried twice.

thanks

Posts: 22

I'm in Montreal, Canada

I notice the same problem some week ago when trying to reach Bell ExpressVu...

I contact Vonage by e-mail and have this answer...

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There is an easy but technical explanation to this problem but it unfortunately cannot be corrected. Vonage can only route toll free calls to National Toll Free numbers. Vonage cannot call Local or Regional toll free numbers. The number you are calling only be called from residents in that area code or region. Now I know your Vonage number is from that region but here is where it gets technical.

All toll free calls placed through Vonage get routed out of a New York City gateway and carrier the caller ID of our carrier which is in the
646 area code. So, when calling a local or regional toll free number, it would appear the call is coming from NYC. These calls will not route. I get the same message right now if I call from my NJ cell phone with a 732 area code and would get the same from any land line provider not in your region.

To verify my information, have a friend or relative who does not live in your state call this number from their non Vonage telephone or a cell phone. They will get the same result.

Thank You,

Scott
Technical Support
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I wish Vonage add a gateway in canada for access canadian toll free number...

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 13, 2004 Posts: 1

I believe that this issue is because the connection appears to be coming from outside Canada. The Canadian-only 1-800 number refuses to accept a call that appears to be from outside Canada even though your Voip is within Canada. Keep in mind that the company or person who has the 1-800 number pays for the incoming calls (at a rate that is not much less than what Ma Bell charges you to make the call), and hence to target their service to the geographic area the chose, decided on a Canada-only 1-800 number.

The solution *might* be to have a Vonage gateway in Canada, but I can't see that as a pressing issue. Most companies who have a 1-800 number will also have a local dial number, which is how I get around the issue (since this has no marginal cost to me).