Transferring phone number from Gatineau

Posts: 336 · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:56 pm Post subject:

This is what I explained to her. I told her that she should be able to call the local numbers in any city that she is visiting. However, Gatineau is only about 1 km away from Ottawa. That is very close, and I think she was still connected to an Ottawa tower as I live by the river that separates the 2 cities.

At work, a woman has Rogers and I asked her if she could call Gatineau with it. She said she did not know. She gave me her phone to try it. I called 7-digits first and it did not work. Then I called 10-digits - no go. It answered and said, "The number you have dialled is not a local call. You must dial the digit 1 before the number you are calling."

I know that Rogers used to work. My friend had a Rogers cell phone years ago and he never had this problem. He has since switched to Bell. It could be something new with certain new phone plans.

Anyhow, with Vonage I don't need to worry about it because I have a 613 (Ottawa) number now. It can be reached by anyone in the entire Outaouais region.

Posts: 110 · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:18 pm Post subject: Rogers

Hmm... wierd wierd. Well Rogers Bought Fido 6 Months ago.. (still separate phone plans, etc).. but my phone could also use the closest Fido Tower. So it has also expanded the calling range of a local call. I'm also on a fairly new rogers plan as I renewed my contract for another year back in december. Its a Family/Couples plan, but I know having worked for Rogers in the past that it doesn't matter what plan you are on, the local calling range for any plan is the same.

Last summer the only time I experienced having it be a long distance call was when I was in Orleans with my cell calling Arnprior (45 minutes west of Ottawa). I got a recording saying I must dial a 1 before the area code... but but when Rogers bought Fido..I had tried again, and its no longer long distance.

Posts: 336 · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:54 pm Post subject:

I cannot explain why my friend and co-worker cannot call Gatineau without incurring long distance fees through their Rogers cell phones. I know that in December I will be getting rid of Bell Mobility and would never sign a contract with any cell phone company again after the nonsense I have put up with from Bell. It really bothers me that companies are getting away with telling their customers that they have features such as unlimited evenings and weekends for the duration of a contract. Then 4 months into a 2-year contract, you find out that you are being charged for these things that were supposed to be free.

The thing I have to investigate now is where to go. I do not want to climb on board with another cell phone provider that bates me in, and then switches my plan all around without telling me like Bell does. Maybe I will do without a cell phone for a while. Or I might try Virgin Mobility. They have a no-contract plan and you pay for what you use.

Posts: 110 · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:29 pm Post subject: Virgin Mobility

Just know the Virgin Mobility uses Bell Towers... so they may offer 'like bell plans and features'..be carefull. When my contract with rogers is finished this december, I may stay with rogers on a non-contract basis.. but other than that, I'm never signing up on a cellulaire contract again... F*@|# that.

Anyways, peace out Very Happy

Posts: 336 · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:21 pm Post subject:

I read that they use the Bell towers, however they are a totally separate company. They pay Bell a fee for the use of the towers. Eventually they will start setting up their own towers if their cell phones go over well here.

I never thought that it would be legal to switch a person's plan in the midst of a contract. I know they made it clear to me that I cannot switch my plan, nor can I break it without steep penalties. Three people that I work with are having the same problem. My neighbour was telling me they switched his plan too and he has been fighting with them for months.

Somehow, Bell is doing it and seem to be getting away with it. I guess who wants to spend money on a lawyer to fight this? I think the government needs to clamp down on this sort of salesmanship. It is fraud.