New Area Codes

[Sachmomo]

Hello, still trying to sort out how the whole virtual number works. I have set up a Calgary (403) virtual number, but I need to forward to a Fort McMurray area code (780 - not Edmonton). Is there a way to do this for free or will I have to pay the the long distance rate to forward to this number?

[Jake]

You should be fine forwarding to a 780 number. As a general guide have a look here http://jasv.ca/fpl/#780 those should be all the 780-xxx-xxxx number you can call (or forward to) from a FPL number.

With FPL, most of Canada is 'local'. The easiest way to test it is just to fire up a softphone and call the number. If it goes through it will work when you forward it without and charges. If you get a 'this call is not ccovered...' or other message, it probably won't work.

[Sachmomo]

Hi Jake,

Thanks for the response. I have already tried what you wrote and got the "won't work" answer.

Fort McMurray is about 500KM north of edmonton. Not sure how they both ended up with "780" area codes, but it's the case.

So the question is, are the forwarding costs the same as the long distance ones? Or is there another way to do it for free?

[bridonca]

Fort McMurray does not look to be in Freephoneline's local calling area. The cost to forward to Fort McMurray would be 2 cents a minute, the same cost Freephoneline charges for long distance to Canada.

[Jake]

If your area is not on the list, then you have a few options depending on how much use it will get and your needs.
1. Wait until FPL add your area to the list. (could be a long time or never).
2. Pay the long distance fee. ~2cents a minute.
3. Buy an ATA and config file (~100$ for both).

Personally I would go for #3 as it would also give you a lot of calls that other companies call long distance.

Is there another area code you can get for your area? Maybe that one is on the list.