dialing certain toll-free numbers using Dell Voice/FPL

[sncbhle18]

Hey guys,

I have some thought on this particular thread just now and I want to share you some "observations" when using the Dell Voice app (smartphone app or a desktop app). I experimented a few toll-free numbers that I was able to dial when using a 778-assigned number with Dell Voice.

Just so you know, this was my dad's Dell Voice number (and yes, for personal and security reasons - the full number will not be revealed) that I was experimented and although this "Brief" experiment is not endorsed by the good folks here in any way, your mileage (Results) may vary.

Confirmed toll-free numbers when dialed via a 778 number:
1-800-500-4997
1-877-777-3810
1-888-420-0070
1-866-261-9799
1-877-387-6266
1-800-715-6722
1-800-299-0599
1-800-434-1235
1-800-663-9228
1-800-686-9243
1-800-387-3445
1-800-267-8097
1-800-910-4222
1-800-372-1102
1-877-372-2786
1-877-868-8292
1-888-354-4414
1-888-815-4514
1-800-565-4723
1-855-271-0519
1-877-820-2453
1-855-227-2494
1-877-412-2494
1-800-469-9269
1-888-888-7858
1-888-999-0750
1-877-262-4997
1-888-888-5909
1-800-461-7661
1-800-847-8929
1-800-333-8655
1-888-355-0511
1-888-463-4266
1-888-884-6548


Toll-free numbers that won't go through via a 778 number:
1-888-438-6646
1-888-570-6110
1-800-268-4686
1-866-247-0055

I wanted to know when dialing a certain toll-free number, I get a message that it won't connect to that number because - I'm outside the "dialing area" (Despite dialing a toll-free number that is toll-free).

Any reason on why this is programmed that way? Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section of the forum....

[TheHardy]

Extensive list -- I recognize some of them ...

Toll Free numbers, when assigned to their customers, can be set to block certain calls .. either by type (payphone, mobile, etc) or by geographic calling region. As VOIP numbers can ONLY be "queried" based on their NPA-NXX as opposed to their physical location (think a Vancouver-based cell phone 'roaming' in Montreal...), certain numbers become inaccessible.

Most common is US-based toll-free numbers not being dialable from Canada. Another one, for example, is the Ontario or Mantioba road reports -- they are accessible ONLY from within their own province (again, based on NPA-NXX or other geographic data, such as a roaming cell phone).

I have tested this extensively ...

Methods to get around this:
Use SIP-broker numbers
Use vonage V-access numbers

I have posted about this in a previous thread.

Just to be clear, the restrictions on WHO can dial a tollfree number are implemented by the person/company that OWNS that toll-free number and is not a Fongo restriction.

[TheHardy]

FYI: the ones that you list as not being accessible (I recognized 2 of them, and checked the rest) are all Ontario #'s, and their regular 10D local numbers are all free calls from the Fongo network ... so their inaccessibility via tollfree means is a moot point; I understand that was NOT your concern tho and I hope that my above post cleared up the how and the why of things a bit!

[sncbhle18]

On somewhat relation to my concern, I went to use my FPL service and I tried to dial a certain number that is outside of my area, but within Canada.

I didn't get a notice that I need to get "sufficient credits to cover my long distance charges". To put this into perspective, I made a call from Ajax to Mississauga. I didn't get a notice that is long distance, but the number I called was free.

Can you at least tell me why? Has the policy changed since Dell Voice was launch and as a FPL user, am I allowed to call any number within Canada?

[dibsmft]

You can also call toll free numbers by calling a local SipBroker number and dialing the number there with a * in front of the number eg. *1800etc You still will not be able to call all numbers due to dialing area restrictions.

[TheHardy]

On somewhat relation to my concern, I went to use my FPL service and I tried to dial a certain number that is outside of my area, but within Canada.

I didn't get a notice that I need to get "sufficient credits to cover my long distance charges". To put this into perspective, I made a call from Ajax to Mississauga. I didn't get a notice that is long distance, but the number I called was free.

Can you at least tell me why? Has the policy changed since Dell Voice was launch and as a FPL user, am I allowed to call any number within Canada?

I may not have explained it clearly enough before ... 800 numbers (and 888/877/866/855) are different than traditional 10D phone numbers.
800 numbers are generally "over laid" over top of another existing number to provide toll free calling to people.
The person/company providing the 800 number pays for the call on a per minute basis, as the 800 number essentially "forwards" to a real 10D number.
As such, that company/person, is allowed to set up routing rules for the forwarding, one of which is FROM WHAT AREAS they will accept calls. This is done for a number of reasons, not the least of which is call cost control. A companny in Edmonton may not want to pay for calls coming in from Vancouver or New York; back in the old days of long distance (the forwarding part, in this case) distance mattered more than it does now. But there are also other valid reasons for regional restrictions.

As such, FONGO/Fibernetics has NO control over these "rules", and they are not the ones BLOCKING your access to the 800 number; the end company is restricting WHOM it allows to call them.

Does this clear things up for you?

[FONGO_mike]

On somewhat relation to my concern, I went to use my FPL service and I tried to dial a certain number that is outside of my area, but within Canada.

I didn't get a notice that I need to get "sufficient credits to cover my long distance charges". To put this into perspective, I made a call from Ajax to Mississauga. I didn't get a notice that is long distance, but the number I called was free.

Can you at least tell me why? Has the policy changed since Dell Voice was launch and as a FPL user, am I allowed to call any number within Canada?

I may not have explained it clearly enough before ... 800 numbers (and 888/877/866/855) are different than traditional 10D phone numbers.
800 numbers are generally "over laid" over top of another existing number to provide toll free calling to people.
The person/company providing the 800 number pays for the call on a per minute basis, as the 800 number essentially "forwards" to a real 10D number.
As such, that company/person, is allowed to set up routing rules for the forwarding, one of which is FROM WHAT AREAS they will accept calls. This is done for a number of reasons, not the least of which is call cost control. A companny in Edmonton may not want to pay for calls coming in from Vancouver or New York; back in the old days of long distance (the forwarding part, in this case) distance mattered more than it does now. But there are also other valid reasons for regional restrictions.

As such, FONGO/Fibernetics has NO control over these "rules", and they are not the ones BLOCKING your access to the 800 number; the end company is restricting WHOM it allows to call them.

Does this clear things up for you?

Very true, in a lot of cases, they will only certain regions to call not because of costs, but because of where they may provide support or services. As such, if the do not provide service in, let's say Hamilton because they only provide service in Cambridge, they will limit the calling area.