CONNECTION FEE

[TheHardy]

Ok, I think we can all safely say that we don't like it, but I understand the reason for it.

While it was not brought in very well, I am happy to report that it is at least being MENTIONED prominently in the FPL softphone app now to WARN you about it. I am unsure if someone from FPL read my rant here, or if it was just simultaneously in the works.

HOWEVER -- spell check your advertising announcement please FPL -- can you SPOT your own misspelling?

I also have a question -- is the CONNECTION FEE really necessary to be so high on DOMESTIC (Canada/US) calls? It really does make the affordability of the service a lot lower if you average out the short calls ... if I could figure out how to use DTMF tones effectively in the softphone, there is another LD-dial around provider who only charges 2.5c/min with NO connection charge ... and for my short-duration calls, that would be the way that I would definitely try to go with it!

Possible solution, depending on how much blowback and resentment there is ... a two-tiered CONNECTION charge -- existing (higher) rate for INTL "LD" calls to overseas locations, and a new (lower) CONNECTION charge for North American destinations.

[magicray]

I can for sure say this really sucks. It reminds me of those shady convenience stores that sell you a calling card then you get home and notice there is a connection charge for a call you make, so the minutes don't add up. I really don't understand the connection fee charge, it makes checking your minutes used against the rate charged very difficult and what if your connection actually doesn't connect but you get charged the $0.04. You'll be getting a lot of calls/emails for credit and it's be a burden on your system. The OP said maybe for north american calls it shouldn't be there, that's for sure.

I know I've been promoting FPL to everyone that I Know and actually telling them the amazing service FPL provides but now I have explain a $0.04 charge on every call made - it just won't fly well.

[TheHardy]

I can for sure say this really sucks. It reminds me of those shady convenience stores that sell you a calling card then you get home and notice there is a connection charge for a call you make, so the minutes don't add up. I really don't understand the connection fee charge, it makes checking your minutes used against the rate charged very difficult and what if your connection actually doesn't connect but you get charged the $0.04. You'll be getting a lot of calls/emails for credit and it's be a burden on your system. The OP said maybe for north american calls it shouldn't be there, that's for sure.

It makes the FPL $0.02 rate seem non-competitive for sure; as I stated too, on short duration calls, that CONFEE will add up quickly. With the cost of "domestic" LD so low and a lot of providers now giving either Canada-wide or North America-wide unlimited LD calling, I truely believe that FPL is shooting their toes off on this. I cannot say if failed calls are being charged.

The whole manner in which it was brought in without NOTICE to the users is what rubbed everyone the wrong way. As I clarified, it is not as if the actual LD rates changed, the CONNECTION FEE is a whole NEW surcharge, not a rate change ... I know it all comes down to semantics, but it surely does have a bit of a "used-car-salesman" feel to it!

I know I've been promoting FPL to everyone that I Know and actually telling them the amazing service FPL provides but now I have explain a $0.04 charge on every call made - it just won't fly well.

Just let them know CAVEAT EMPTOR ... don't even bother to try to EXPLAIN it -- point them at the link, and let them take their issues up with FPL.

I highly doubt that FPL will reverse their decision, but until we wait and see how things play out ... I, for one, cannot complain too loudy, as I am not paying anything, no credits, so I just use what there is and still receive decent service and customer support. I don't agree with the CONNECTION FEE, at the very least to DOMESTIC calls, but I can see the reasoning behind it from a business sense.

[seagame2001]

I know exactly what you tried to say

Most of the phone companies did not charge for connection for long time cause we all knew that was a rip off

[TheHardy]

Connection Fees are more common amongst the service resellers and all those FBN calling-card/prepaid providers -- which advertise really cheap rates and then ding you with the C/F's ...

Overall, I am sad to see FPL go this way and I fear that it could be a sign of things to come. But as there has been no real word and only the propaganda of "it is our way of maintaining our low low low low low rates", we are all left to speculate. Honestly does nothing to boost my confidence.

As I say, if I could get my DTMF tones working correctly with the (buggy) softphone, I would use a 3rd party service for my LD services _JUST_ to avoid the connection fee; for the longest time, I used XpressCall for my cell LD within North America, as it was ridiculously cheap, even when using a surcharged TF number. When I re-activate my cell and pay off some bills, I will be looking at a Canada (or maybe NA) wide all inclusive plan.

[dibsmft]

The connection fee means that I cannott even consider paying the FPL for the ATA info as, where I am (not is a free call area), I do not have free local calls and at FPL rates + connection fee it would be a little costly. Have you tried the other DTMF method that the FPL client offers (InfoSIp)? I find that it normally works but dialing using the client is kind of tiresome on WindowsVista.

[TheHardy]

Yeah, I hear that ... as for the other DTMF methods, nothing really works proper. All fail when I try to use dial around WITH FPL ... I suppose I will keep tinkering and experimenting.

Almost too much to hope for that FPL would release an updated softphone that operates correctly!

[TheHardy]

Not good news at all. Other than connection fees and toll revenue, sales of ATA's and config files, how does FPL generate revenue?

The rotating ads on the softphone client, the branding of other softphones for 'partners' ... but how much do they make off termination charges? I don't have enough knowledge of the telecom industry to speak to this ...

I am assuming that every time a call is completed TO an FPL # (ie an outside number calling an FPL number), that FPL gets a small amount of revenue.
How about an OUTGOING call FROM an FPL # to say a Telus #? Does FPL need to pay Telus? I don't think that anyone has ever explained to me how this all works, so any insight would be appreciated.

Trying to make sense of this connection surcharge scheme ... I certainly hope that EXPANDED free-calling areas are in the works -- things have been stagnant long enough, and with the demise of FCC ... and all those OOMA ads I am seeing on the tube now ... it certainly looks like there is room for FPL to make some moves at this time.

[eastman]

well after the recent price hike on all calling areas not with this connection fees phone cards are now once again the cheaper alternative and I will not be topping up account anymore

[Jake]

It was never the cheapest long-distance/overseas option for me anyway.

I'm a big fan of their DSL, and calling for all my local calls. But I go elsewhere when I need to call outside the free call areas.

[jovan1]

Not any more cheap or competitive rates.
Without those 4 cents rates are not competitive.
I was rally, because of great service, used their oversees service, but with new pricing FPL is more than doable time priced to completion for some countries.
Be carful when use it. FPL triple rate without announcement and my charge sky rocket.
I asked FPL to return the fees, and they refused it.

[TheHardy]

Not any more cheap or competitive rates.
Without those 4 cents rates are not competitive.
I was rally, because of great service, used their oversees service, but with new pricing FPL is more than doable time priced to completion for some countries.
Be carful when use it. FPL triple rate without announcement and my charge sky rocket.
I asked FPL to return the fees, and they refused it.

Their actual RATES are subject to change, and that is CLEARLY stated. It is very unfortunate when they have SIGNIFICANT price changes without notice, but they are NOT required to give you that notice -- it IS YOUR responsibility to know those. That said, the CONNECTION FEE is not a "rate change" -- it is a SURCHARGE, and I believe (I am still trying to find the relevant crap in the CRTC docs) treated DIFFERENTLY than actual rates. With the intro of the C/F, FPL should have made more of an effort to notify it's users, as that fundamentally impacts EVERYONE that uses the service.

I give them an "F" for implementation of the CONNECTION FEE, and a "D" for notification (seeing it was posted AFTER it actually went into effect!). I can see their reasoning for imposing it, but it was poorly handled, IMHO.

[desivibe]

wow great news, this is ridiculous move by FPL. I signed up with FPL and also paid to transfer my number, if i known i would have thought twice before moving to FPL. I also researched on FPL and have been recommending to my family but no more. what a great start for moi

[TheHardy]

Their service itself is pretty good (quality of softphone notwithstanding). The CONNECTION FEE, because it ends up affecting so many destination numbers, is a bit overwhelming. Perhaps they will expand their "coverage area" (free calls) ... and if enough people complain, they may re-examine their CON/FEE. I think that perhaps they rushed into this without considering all the consequences ... as expressed in O/P, maybe a lower domestic CON/FEE would not be so overwhelming. 4c is not so high for international destinations, but added to domestic calls of short duration, it really does kill their competitive edge!

[Amowagou]

I don't like the connection fee. However, we are talking $0.04 extra for a chargeable call. Even if we make 100 calls a month, we are still talking about $4/month. Compare it with the savings we enjoy from FPL, it is nothing.

[TheHardy]

Fair enough, but it effectively make short calls, like ones to someone's voicemail, cost TRIPLE (Canada) or DOUBLE+ (USA). Not impressed that it is $0.04 across the board, that puts it in league with all the shady card-resellers. Half that rate for domestic calls would be more in line, but I am not the one that sets the rates or surcharges. I do hope that FPL brass takes a close hard look at this in the near future.