Waiting on LNP xfer; can I fwd Bell number to virtual#?

Posts: 19 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 19

My question is simple, but I seem to be getting conflicting responses... Q: While I'm waiting for my number to be ported over, I forwarded my "bell" number over to my Vonage virtual number. It worked great for a few days, but now I'm having some issues. The CS rep at Vonage said it was due to me fwding the Bell # to Vonage virtual number (I can call out, but I'm only able to recieve 1 out of 5 incoming calls). He says that Vonage is fwding the virtual number to my Bell # and that by me fwding the Bell number to the virtual #, it gets caught in a loop and strange things occur.

I disagree because as I understand it, the virtual number only forwards my calls within the Vonage network and only associates it to my Bell number when the actual port kicks in. At that time, the Bell company has released my number to Vonage and the network now points all calls to Vonage.

Also, I set up and used this exact setup about a year ago on another line and it worked flawlessly. I've also seen others mention it on the msg board as a way to use your service immediately and not have to be concerned (too much) about how long it takes to have your number ported.

Can anyone confirm or clarify what is fact and what is fiction? Is anyone else using this config? If so, have you had any issues?

Posts: 17 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: May 04, 2005 Posts: 17

I forwarded my BellSouth number to my virtual number for 4 months while waiting on my port. No issues with forwarding.

Posts: 14 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Aug 11, 2005 Posts: 14

I've only been waiting for two weeks, but I forwarded calls to my virtual number and it works fine. The only problem with waiting is that I am paying for both Verizon and Vonage.

Posts: 19 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 19

Thanks for the feedback. My temp number is working again now so I tried to reforward my Bellsouth number back to the temp number and it works fine. I guess the tech rep didn't know what he was talking about. Too bad, they could really use this as a nice "bridge" until the numbers get ported.

Posts: 14 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Aug 11, 2005 Posts: 14

I just discovered that the call forwarding works fine. However, the caller will be unable to leave a message. Apparently, the virtual phone number does not have that capability.