Number transfer and VoIP unlock key purchase questions

[neptune]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to get some info about switching to freephoneline and have some questions.... help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks


First question:
Whats the process to transfer existing phone number over to freephoneline? My current service is with Vonage. Who do I contact first (Vonage or freephoneline) and do I need to cancel the Vonage service myself?


Next question:
I'm a bit confused regarding VoIP unlock key purchase.
Say I buy a VoIP adapter (eg HT701) and configure it according to the instructions on this forum. Do I still need to buy the unlock key in order to connect to freephoneline network?

[tbrummell]

First question:
Whats the process to transfer existing phone number over to freephoneline? My current service is with Vonage. Who do I contact first (Vonage or freephoneline) and do I need to cancel the Vonage service myself?

DO NOT CONTACT VONAGE! They will screw it up for you. Contact FPL and have them send you the LNP (I think that's what it's called, been a couple of years now) form. You will fill the form out with the *exact* details of your Vonage account. The number port will then go to Vonage (via FPL), and if successful, your Vonage account would then be closed by them.

Next question:
I'm a bit confused regarding VoIP unlock key purchase.
Say I buy a VoIP adapter (eg HT701) and configure it according to the instructions on this forum. Do I still need to buy the unlock key in order to connect to freephoneline network?

You need to purchase the unlock key so you can use a SIP device. As long as the HT701 is an unlocked SIP device, you would then enter the SIP information from FPL in to that device and it should register to the FPL network and work.
Without the SIP unlock key you are limited to using FPL's softphone.

[Bloodsong]

First question:
Whats the process to transfer existing phone number over to freephoneline? My current service is with Vonage. Who do I contact first (Vonage or freephoneline) and do I need to cancel the Vonage service myself?


DO NOT CONTACT VONAGE! They will screw it up for you. Contact FPL and have them send you the LNP (I think that's what it's called, been a couple of years now) form. You will fill the form out with the *exact* details of your Vonage account. The number port will then go to Vonage (via FPL), and if successful, your Vonage account would then be closed by them.

+1 This, VERY VERY MUCH This! I cannot count the number of times I've had headaches with number ports because someone cancelled their old provider.

The only time where it is necessary to contact your old provider is as follows:
You have Bell (or a DSL reseller) internet, you are not currently on a dry-loop, and the internet comes over the same line as the number being ported out.
In this case, and ONLY this case is it necessary to contact Bell and order a dry-loop to be set-up on the same day as the perspective porting date.

Next question:
I'm a bit confused regarding VoIP unlock key purchase.
Say I buy a VoIP adapter (eg HT701) and configure it according to the instructions on this forum. Do I still need to buy the unlock key in order to connect to freephoneline network?
You need to purchase the unlock key so you can use a SIP device. As long as the HT701 is an unlocked SIP device, you would then enter the SIP information from FPL in to that device and it should register to the FPL network and work.
Without the SIP unlock key you are limited to using FPL's softphone.

This question comes mostly a result of confusion on terms.
The SIP unlock key is a user-account and password combination providing access to the Fongo SIP server, coupled with flags on the server letting it know that your account is approved for direct SIP access.

It is not to be confused with any method of unlocking your SIP device (ATA/IP-Phone) from an alternative provider.

With Fongo/FPL you are the master of your own domain, being provided with the opportunity to use any of your preferred SIP compliant devices or software systems, not being locked into a proprietary firmware or anti-competitive system setup. There is some trust and integrity earned by FPL when dealing with computer techs, hackers, and tinkerers as a result of this, but the integrity is earned at the expense of simplicity for the lay-user.

[FONGO_mike]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to get some info about switching to freephoneline and have some questions.... help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks


First question:
Whats the process to transfer existing phone number over to freephoneline? My current service is with Vonage. Who do I contact first (Vonage or freephoneline) and do I need to cancel the Vonage service myself?

In order to start the porting process, you will need to first make sure you have an active Dell Voice account. Then you will want to contact us, toll free, at: 1-855-836-3355 to pay the one time fee ($25+tax) and begin the porting process.

When you speak to our agent, they will charge you the one time fee of $25.00 plus tax and inform you to make sure there is no cancellation order in place with the provider. If there is a cancellation order already, you will need to remove it as if there is a cancellation request, the provider will refuse us the number.

The process of getting the number (porting) takes about 2-3 weeks. During this time you will be updated via email on the status of your porting request.

Once the number has been taken from your current provider, you will then call them to confirm that your account has been cancelled, but not before we confirm to you that we have captured the number.

During the porting process, you will NOT want ot let your current provider know that you intend to change service provider. If you were to do so, they could take it as a cancellation and then refuse us the number when we go to seize it.

This process apply's across all brandings offered by Fongo.

[neptune]

Good info guys! Thanks very much for clearing that up for me. (BTW, yes I do already have a Dell Voice account)

Another question:
What's the difference between FPL and Fongo Home Phone? Fongo service provides a pre-configured ATA for $60 + tax so no need for unlock fee.
FPL: cost of HT701 ATA (~ $40), + number transfer (~ $28), + SIP unlock (~ $57) = ~ $125
Fongo: cost of ATA (~ $68) + number transfer (~ $28) = ~ $96

[Bloodsong]

Good info guys! Thanks very much for clearing that up for me. (BTW, yes I do already have a Dell Voice account)

Another question:
What's the difference between FPL and Fongo Home Phone? Fongo service provides a pre-configured ATA for $60 + tax so no need for unlock fee.
FPL: cost of HT701 ATA (~ $40), + number transfer (~ $28), + SIP unlock (~ $57) = ~ $125
Fongo: cost of ATA (~ $68) + number transfer (~ $28) = ~ $96

My understanding is:
Fongo home-phone has monthly maintenance fees as well ($5?), in exchange for the monthly fees, your ATA is managed. This is aimed at more novice VoIP and computer users who do not wish to get cyber-dirt under their nails.

Similarly I don't know if you get your SIP settings with the "home phone" service, thus the ability to set-up on any hard or soft phone of your choice.

[neptune]

My understanding is:
Fongo home-phone has monthly maintenance fees as well ($5?), in exchange for the monthly fees, your ATA is managed. This is aimed at more novice VoIP and computer users who do not wish to get cyber-dirt under their nails.

Similarly I don't know if you get your SIP settings with the "home phone" service, thus the ability to set-up on any hard or soft phone of your choice.

Gotcha!. Thanks very much.
So in future, if you decide to switch from Fongo service to FPL, there may still be the $50 unlock fee.