New Area Codes (MB-431)

[TheHardy]

Just to point out that Manitoba (204) is getting an overlay of 431 -- there are TEST numbers active, and some numbers are being assigned in the new area code already.

However, calls to the TEST NUMBERS (set up by CNAC as a means to test your carrier's ability to call to the new area code) are currently NOT AVAILABLE to call from Fongo systems, as they are not loaded into the tariff table correctly.

The TEST numbers should be available to be called under the FREE calling areas (at least the Winnipeg ones) ...

reference:
http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/PL_419.pdf
http://www.cnac.ca/data/ac431.htm

[FONGO_steve]

As per the CNAC page, you can expect to see the full range active on/after Nov. 3 2012. The test numbers have likely been used by our engineers to confirm routing to the new exchange, but the time and effort required to setup the system to expose these numbers for public dialling is likely not worth it as 99.999% of people simply don't know they exist anyway.

[Jake]

As per the CNAC page, you can expect to see the full range active on/after Nov. 3 2012. The test numbers have likely been used by our engineers to confirm routing to the new exchange, but the time and effort required to setup the system to expose these numbers for public dialling is likely not worth it as 99.999% of people simply don't know they exist anyway.

So does that make TheHardy the 0.001% I bet he feels special now

[TheHardy]

As per the CNAC page, you can expect to see the full range active on/after Nov. 3 2012. The test numbers have likely been used by our engineers to confirm routing to the new exchange, but the time and effort required to setup the system to expose these numbers for public dialling is likely not worth it as 99.999% of people simply don't know they exist anyway.

As per the CNAC statements, and also per CRTC, the TEST numbers _should_ be available to the public to test out to ensure that they are able to dial the new area codes from THEIR equipment -- it is NOT limited to the *LEC's to be able to test ...

If you wish for me to dig up the specific official information and post it here for you, I can do so ...

As far as "TIME and EFFORT", it is a simple update to the tariff, not even a translation, same as when you have to go in and make a request for us when we report a certain NEW NPA-NXX that is mis-rated that should be free .... same procedure ...

However, at the end of the TEST phase, when numbers actually go live (or at the disconnect of the test number date), then it is time to remove those NPA-NXX's from being free...

IMHO, someone is trying to just gloss over this issue, when it is not an issue to be glossed over, as there are SEVERAL new area codes on the near horizon!!

As for thinking that it would need to be dealt with for LINE numbers this is NOT the case, as the test NPA-NXX's are only assigned by the LECs for the 2 (or 3) actual test line numbers ... and I for one (or .000001%, Steve!) would feel much relieved to know that I can dial these new numbers correctly, especially owing to the track record of Fongo with new NPA-NXX's never mind new NPA's altogether!! Not a solid knock, just a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done on the tariff side of things to get it COMPLETELY accurate!!

[TheHardy]

That being said, I would like to officially request that the 'calling area included' test numbers for NPA-431 be made active and available on the Fongo Network ... I can provide the CRTC and CNAC links if you require them ....

[TheHardy]

http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/PL_435.pdf


Taken out of PL-435, which is an NANPA doc ...

All international and domestic Telecommunications Service Providers (TSPs) should
activate the new 431 NPA throughout their networks by the start date for network testing
(30 April 2012).
The following test numbers for the new NPA 431 will be made available effective 30 April 2012.
Routing of calls to NPA 431 can be verified by dialing the 8378 (TEST) numbers which do not
provide answer supervision. Billing of calls to NPA 431 can be verified by dialling the 2455
(BILL) numbers which provide answer supervision.
Test Number Exchange Area Carrier
(Rate Center)
431-610-8378 Winnipeg MTS Allstream
431-610-2455 Winnipeg MTS Allstream
431-710-8378 Brandon Westman Media Cooperative Limited
431-710-2455 Brandon Westman Media Cooperative Limited
431-810-8378 Winnipeg MTS Allstream (CLEC)
431-810-2455 Winnipeg MTS Allstream (CLEC)

BOLD added for Steve's emphasis....

Unless somehow Fongo itself is not considered a TSP, but as it has CLEC status, I would think it must be?? I am not 100% sure that compliance with this is MANDATORY, but I would think it would be highly suggested at the very least... ???

[TheHardy]

As per the CNAC page, you can expect to see the full range active on/after Nov. 3 2012. The test numbers have likely been used by our engineers to confirm routing to the new exchange, but the time and effort required to setup the system to expose these numbers for public dialling is likely not worth it as 99.999% of people simply don't know they exist anyway.

How is fixing a "this should be a free call" tariff correction any different than allowing calls to be placed to the test-numbers?

And the documentation from CRTC and CNAC makes no distinction between end-users and network engineers being able to access the test numbers. I am still waiting for word on whether it is a legal obligation of a CLEC to provide access to those numbers ... of course, that then leads to the gray-line issue of Fongo being a service of Fibernetics (who is the CLEC) ... but as a TSP, I think it would apply to Fongo regardless.

[TheHardy]

So does that make TheHardy the 0.001% I bet he feels special now

Jake, I always feel special because I KNOW I am special!

The %age argument/defense is a moot point, because if a TSP is supposed to provide access to this number, it does not matter if it is 0.0000001% or 50%.

This is just yet another example of the inconsistency that we see throughout Fongo as it struggles to be a legitimate alternative TSP. The non-traditional local-calling area around their free calling centres is the tip of this slippery iceberg, and we all know how that is explained away.

[TheHardy]

As this matter has still not been resolved by Fongo (sorry Steve, passing the buck is not fixing it! Even if I am the 0.0000001%!), I have forwarded comment to Mr Suresh Khare of CNAC for further clarification and input. I have included a link to this forum in my email, and will share the results when I hear back.

Thanks!

[TheHardy]

As per the CNAC page, you can expect to see the full range active on/after Nov. 3 2012. The test numbers have likely been used by our engineers to confirm routing to the new exchange, but the time and effort required to setup the system to expose these numbers for public dialling is likely not worth it as 99.999% of people simply don't know they exist anyway.

Steve (and other Fongo reps)... I took this one and ran with it, contacted CNAC ... below is the OFFICIAL response I got from them when asking about this issue (my original text not quoted, as it was similar to the post I made in the forum here):

Test numbers should be reachable from all customers and networks effective
the date provided in the Planning letter.
You should ask your service provider to update their network to access the
test numbers.


Suresh Khare | SAIC Canada
CNA – CO Code Project Manager - Information, Environmental and Engineering
Solutions Division
phone: 1 + 613.683.xxxx | fax 613.563.9293
email: khares@saiccanada.com

[FONGO_neil]

http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/PL_435.pdf


Taken out of PL-435, which is an NANPA doc ...

All international and domestic Telecommunications Service Providers (TSPs) should
activate the new 431 NPA throughout their networks by the start date for network testing
(30 April 2012).
The following test numbers for the new NPA 431 will be made available effective 30 April 2012.
Routing of calls to NPA 431 can be verified by dialing the 8378 (TEST) numbers which do not
provide answer supervision. Billing of calls to NPA 431 can be verified by dialling the 2455
(BILL) numbers which provide answer supervision.
Test Number Exchange Area Carrier
(Rate Center)
431-610-8378 Winnipeg MTS Allstream
431-610-2455 Winnipeg MTS Allstream
431-710-8378 Brandon Westman Media Cooperative Limited
431-710-2455 Brandon Westman Media Cooperative Limited
431-810-8378 Winnipeg MTS Allstream (CLEC)
431-810-2455 Winnipeg MTS Allstream (CLEC)

BOLD added for Steve's emphasis....

Unless somehow Fongo itself is not considered a TSP, but as it has CLEC status, I would think it must be?? I am not 100% sure that compliance with this is MANDATORY, but I would think it would be highly suggested at the very least... ???

NPA NXX 1431610 and 1431810 have been made free. The other however 1431710 will NOT be made free as its in Brandon.