Fongo Mobile or World Edition + a couple of other qns

[jtd]

I'm relocating from Canada to the UK permanently in July 2026.
I'm currently with Public Mobile, they have no UK roaming so I'll lose access to calls and SMS when I leave.
I'll try and switch any multi factor authentication to other methods but I'm sure I'll overlook something there too.
I don't really need Canada calling or to be able to send messages from a Canadian number but I would like to be able to ensure I can continue to receive any calls or SMS sent to my Canadian cell number for a few months at least.
I was thinking of transferring my number to Fongo but have a few questions.
a) given my explanation above will Fongo provide what I need?
b) will I need Fongo Mobile or Fongo world edition.
c) in terms of timing I guess I'd switch to fongo a few days before I leave?
Appreciate any help/advice/support.
John

[Liptonbrisk]

I'm currently with Public Mobile, they have no UK roaming so I'll lose access to calls and SMS when I leave.

Hi John,

One key point to keep in mind is that Fongo Mobile requires reliable internet connectivity in order to work properly: either cellular data or Wi-Fi connectivity is required. Also, Fongo Mobile's servers are located in southern Ontario. Using Fongo Mobile from the UK can mean higher latency/jitter than when using Fongo Mobile from Ontario. See here: viewtopic.php?p=82197#p82197. In practice, reliable Wi‑Fi and a stable UK data connection matter a lot more once you’re overseas.

Fongo Mobile calling/texting works through the app, so you’ll need reliable Wi‑Fi at home and work and/or a UK mobile plan with data to be reachable day-to-day. Plan on having a UK SIM (or at least consistent Wi‑Fi) lined up immediately on arrival if you’re relying on Fongo Mobile for inbound calls and SMS.

I'll try and switch any multi factor authentication to other methods but I'm sure I'll overlook something there too.

Here are some caveats with respect to short codes and Fongo Mobile: https://support.fongo.com/hc/articles/2 ... hort-codes.

First, you need to subscribe to a texting add-on or Fongo Plus in order to receive short codes. Secondly, "[w]e cannot guarantee that you are able to receive all short-code SMS with Fongo Mobile or Fongo World Edition, as this is currently beyond our control. Some services actively block VOIP services like Fongo from receiving these messages." Again, visit https://support.fongo.com/hc/articles/2 ... hort-codes.

You do, at the time of posting, get 2 free months of Fongo Plus for porting a number into Fongo Mobile: https://www.fongo.com/services/fongo-mo ... ur-number/.

I don't really need Canada calling or to be able to send messages from a Canadian number but I would like to be able to ensure I can continue to receive any calls or SMS sent to my Canadian cell number for a few months at least.
I was thinking of transferring my number to Fongo but have a few questions.
a) given my explanation above will Fongo provide what I need?
b) will I need Fongo Mobile or Fongo world edition.

You can't port phone numbers into Fongo World Edition: https://support.fongo.com/hc/articles/1 ... ion-number.

Fongo World Edition is not available from Canadian app stores and costs money to purchase. Fongo Mobile and Fongo World Edition are treated as separate services with separate accounts.

Fongo Mobile app is only available in Canadian app stores and is free to install.

If you want to keep your existing Canadian mobile number, you must use Fongo Mobile because Fongo World Edition does not support porting numbers in or out. World Edition is a different product.


https://www.fongo.com/services/fongo-mo ... d-edition/
"There are two Fongo mobile apps available.

Fongo Mobile – Only available in the Canadian app store region and free to download. This app is intended for long-term residents in Canada, and also functions when you are travelling abroad. You intend to stay in the Canadian app store while travelling.

Fongo World Edition – Only available outside of Canada and costs $4.99 CAD. This app is meant for people living outside of Canada but would like a Canadian phone number.

They are separate apps with separate phone numbers and accounts. You cannot sign in on the Fongo Mobile app with a Fongo World Edition account, or vice versa."

in terms of timing I guess I'd switch to fongo a few days before I leave?

No, "porting can take up to 10 business days (or longer if there is a rejection). The first business day only counts if the transfer is submitted before 12pm" (refer to the link in point 3 below).

Visit https://support.fongo.com/hc/en-us/arti ... o-services for expected timelines.

1. Check to ensure your number can be ported: https://www.fongo.com/services/fongo-mo ... ur-number/.

Also, numbers that can be ported need to be associated with one of these locations: https://support.fongo.com/hc/en-us/arti ... o-services.

2. Porting into Fongo Mobile costs $25+tax CAD.

3. Visit https://support.fongo.com/hc/articles/4 ... le-Port-in, and read thoroughly.

I wish you well in your transition and a Happy New Year!

[Liptonbrisk]

(General Info)

These are user-to-user support forums. Fongo Support staff is not obligated to respond here, and there's no guarantee forum posts are read by staff.

Also, none of the volunteer moderators here work for Fongo. We don't have access to your account(s).

If you would like an official response, you can submit a ticket here:
https://support.fongo.com/hc/requests/new.

Visit https://status.fongo.com/.
If "Support System" indicates "Partial Outage", ticket response time can take up to a week (or longer).


You can check your ticket status by logging in at
https://support.fongo.com/hc/requests. That's an account for tickets
(zendesk) only and is completely separate from your Fongo Mobile account or any other Fongo account you may have. If you don't have a zendesk account yet, click "Sign Up" after visiting the link.
Use the same email address that you use to submit tickets. Do not use the same password as your Fongo Mobile
account. Again, these accounts are all unrelated.

Support staff does not respond to tickets on weekends or Canadian holidays.
Support hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. EST. They are not obligated to respond
on the these user-to-user support forums.


Fongo does have https://twitter.com/Fongo_Support. I'm not sure if anyone
there responds to direct messages.
Similarly, they appear to be on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FongoMobile/. I don't know whether they'll respond to you there.