Portability availability

[diva]

New user here - after using several weeks the softphone, I've just purchased the config file and all is working fine with a PAP2 device.
I've asked about the possibility to move my Bell number to FPL, rep said it's not possible at this time, maybe in the near future, but he was not able to give me more details about.
Can I get a better time frame here, on the forum, please.
Land phone number 450-975-xxxx (Rate Center: Pont Viau, QC).
Thanks.

[callopsitte_himself]

Unfortunetely you won't get any time frame from FPL people on their development. @In a near future" is almost an automatic response they always give.

As for porting Pont-Viau what I'm certain of is that they don't have any numbers from there to give but from what I've read here and there porting should be available. I would try to call again hoping to talk to another CSR and see if he's not going to answer you it is possible. If not I'm guessing it should be possible in 6 months or so.

[FONGO_kris]

Currently, we are unable to port any number with a 1450 area code. I have just confirmed with our regulatory team that expansion to that area is stalled pending some other projects we have going on; there is no intent to begin expansion in the near future.

To clarify for myself, at least, the 'near future' refers to any time from 1 to 6 months - In the world of telecom (Especially when dealing with stubborn incumbents), that might even be a bit too generous.

[diva]

Thanks for clarification.
I think all I have to do for now is to wait and cross my fingers.

One more question.
In the same time with the config I bought a $5.oo voucher, but on my Account Details I still see "Account balance: $ 0.0 | purchase voucher". I did not try to make a long distance call to test it; should I worry about this?
Thanks again.

[FONGO_kris]

diva, could you please PM me your number so I can check on that for you, if the payment went through, it should have automatically been added to your account almost immediately after.

[diva]

PM sent.
I've tried to make a long distance call, but didn't work because "not enough founds".
The SIP settings were available almost instantly, but the account balance stays at $0.0 after several hours, even if both payments were done together and I've received separate e-mail invoices right the way.

[FONGO_kris]

diva, you should see the balance on your account now and be able to make your long distance calls. Sorry for the wait!

[diva]

Problem solved.

Thanks a lot.

[diva]

Hi guys,
One year later, can I have more info on the portability of phone numbers from 1.450 area, please.
I really want to get rid of Bell.
Thanks.

New user here - after using several weeks the softphone, I've just purchased the config file and all is working fine with a PAP2 device.
I've asked about the possibility to move my Bell number to FPL, rep said it's not possible at this time, maybe in the near future, but he was not able to give me more details about.
Can I get a better time frame here, on the forum, please.
Land phone number 450-975-xxxx (Rate Center: Pont Viau, QC).
Thanks.

[callopsitte_himself]

diva,

Pont-Viau is still not portable.

But why not just keep your existing FPL number, which I presume is a Montreal number?

1- All cities you can call with your Bell number, except maybe Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, can be called free with your FPL number.
2- FPL calls much more cities than Bell for free
3- Keeping your actual FPL number will save you $25,00 from porting.

I know it can be difficult because all the people that have your number but trust me it's so much worth it. I myself live where my number cannot be ported. I waited 3 years to decide to ditch Bell. The only city I cannot call for free with FPL that I could with Bell is the one my parents in-law live and for whom I'm long distance now... which is a good thing lol.

Seriously (wasn't I about my parents in law though?) although it can make you struggle its much easier than you think doing that change.

[diva]

Thanks callopsitte_himself,

I know you're totally right. It's not the people I know, but rather the people I don't know that keeps me from cutting off Bell, like banks and other institutions. My friends and relatives already call me on the FPL number or the cell phone. Actually after the last rise of their services, I've called Bell to terminate my subscription and they offered me $9.95 monthly for one year, which is quiet a promotion since the regular price is around $27 (plus taxes). So I've decided to wait one more year; if Pont-Viau will be available for portability by then, then I'll port it to FPL, if not I will give up on than number.

Cheers,
d.

[TheHardy]

Actually after the last rise of their services, I've called Bell to terminate my subscription and they offered me $9.95 monthly for one year, which is quiet a promotion since the regular price is around $27 (plus taxes). So I've decided to wait one more year; if Pont-Viau will be available for portability by then, then I'll port it to FPL, if not I will give up on than number.

So just curious -- when you called Bell to cancel your service with them and they offered you the "deal", had you mentioned that you were switching your primary service over to FPL? I have heard rumours from out East (as I am out West) that Bell has become very competitive vs most VOIP providers when (soon-to-be-former) subscribers call in to terminate their service and find out you are going VOIP.

It would be nice to get some confirmation on that, but I do know that other telcos do offer loyalty and retention deals to keep up their current subscribers.

[FONGO_mike]

So just curious -- when you called Bell to cancel your service with them and they offered you the "deal", had you mentioned that you were switching your primary service over to FPL? I have heard rumours from out East (as I am out West) that Bell has become very competitive vs most VOIP providers when (soon-to-be-former) subscribers call in to terminate their service and find out you are going VOIP.

It would be nice to get some confirmation on that, but I do know that other telcos do offer loyalty and retention deals to keep up their current subscribers.

just curious, how is $9.99 competitive compared to free?

[callopsitte_himself]

Diva, I understand your probable apprehensions with unknown callers such as banks like you mention.

I too was a bit worried at first but soon realized that institutions don't mind calling long distance when they need to reach you.

I even have services for my mom from our local CCAC (in quebec CLSC) and they do the long distance call to reach me when they need to call.

To Mike. You're right, how is $9,99 competitive compared to free?

Please Diva, when you get your first $9,99 Bell bill would you please post back and mention if there was not any catch to it (hidden fees like 9-1-1; touch tone dialing, etc.).

[TheHardy]

just curious, how is $9.99 competitive compared to free?

Never claimed that, Mike ... however, they offered him $10/mo on service they were charging him $27/mo for, so by threatening to leave, he saved just under 66% ...

As much as no one wants to admit it at FPL/Fongo, there is a HUGE difference still between POTS and VOIP ... don't need POWER for POTS to work (unless you only have cordless phones) ... POTS works when VOIP servers crash ... etc.

VOIP =/= POTS ... it can be a suitable replacement or alternative, but it is NOT the same ...

My original post was that he still saved Bell vs Bell (new vs existing) price plans ... I was not comparing FPL/Fongo to Bell on that level ...

Just thought I should clarify!

[diva]

So just curious -- when you called Bell to cancel your service with them and they offered you the "deal", had you mentioned that you were switching your primary service over to FPL?

Sorry for the delay, I didn't check the forum lately.

Nope, I did not have the time to mention anything, they've just transferred me to a manager who offered me this promotion right the way.
Either I was very determined or they already had a lot of requests after raising the prices and this was routine.

I din not receive a clear bill yet, only the usual gibberish Bell is serving you when changing from one plan to another, very hard to clearly understand what you are paying for.
Apparently the price is right, but I'll post the details in a couple of weeks.

[TheHardy]

I din not receive a clear bill yet, only the usual gibberish Bell is serving you when changing from one plan to another, very hard to clearly understand what you are paying for.
Apparently the price is right, but I'll post the details in a couple of weeks.

Clarity in billing is NEVER an incumbent telco's strong point. I think they TRY to confuse things as much as legally possible on purpose ...

[diva]

I din not receive a clear bill yet, only the usual gibberish Bell is serving you when changing from one plan to another, very hard to clearly understand what you are paying for.
Apparently the price is right, but I'll post the details in a couple of weeks.

Clarity in billing is NEVER an incumbent telco's strong point. I think they TRY to confuse things as much as legally possible on purpose ...

You're right for the clarity, and this month bill did not make an exception. Here's a copy&paste from the phone section:

Monthly Charges
Details Amount
Services mensuels (28 mar au 27 avr)
1 Téléphonie résidentielle de départ 23.95
1 Promotion Téléphonie résidentielle 12.37cr
1 Frais de service de zone 0.00
1 Frais de réseau 6.95
1 Plan inter Prov illim - Le Forfait 0.00
1 Taxe municipale serv 9-1-1 - Québec 0.40
1 Service d'appel d'urgence 9-1-1 0.17
1 Promotion Téléphonie résidentielle 6.95cr
1 Service Touch-Tone 2.80
Total Monthly charges (before taxes) 14.95

I don't know what's that 6.95 "network fees" they are charging, even if it's credited later. Usually I saw this for the cell phone, not for the land lines, but I may be wrong.
Anyway, since I have another service with Bell, I'm getting another 5 bucks credited, so the total charge for the phome line is $9.95 (plus taxes), as promised.
I'll see what I'm gonna do when the promotion is over.

[FONGO_mike]

Network access fee's can incorporate a number of things (can not say for sure about another company) but may include things like access to network, 911 availability, 411 availability, CRTC charges, etc, etc, etc.

[dibsmft]

I am with BellAliant they seem to get up to the same tricks.
The touch tone fee disappeared or became part of the regular bill years ago. Seems a bit silly now. Though I do have a friend who still uses the classic rotary dial (pulse) phone that he got when he moved into his residence 40 years ago!
The network fee is an interesting one, it appeared on my bill after I added a calling plan to my account. Curious, I called the phone company to ask what it was and was told it was because I had a calling plan. Well, I deleted the calling plan and the network charge went away. A little over a year ago they increased my charges for phone and internet by rather a lot so I dropped the phone (kept the internet service) in favour of voip which I have used for many years. I can't say that I have missed the land line phone at all.

Today, I had a letter from BellAliant offering me a great deal on the their home phone that would cost me $1 less than I pay for the internet now for one year. If you read the footnotes it is not quite such a good deal as it sounds as you have to have a term commitment. If it means what I think you agree to two years service with the second year at full rates. Now averaging over two years the deal looks like an increase of $16.50 per year on what I currently pay. They can keep that deal!

[Bloodsong]

I am with BellAliant they seem to get up to the same tricks.
The touch tone fee disappeared or became part of the regular bill years ago. Seems a bit silly now. Though I do have a friend who still uses the classic rotary dial (pulse) phone that he got when he moved into his residence 40 years ago!
The network fee is an interesting one, it appeared on my bill after I added a calling plan to my account. Curious, I called the phone company to ask what it was and was told it was because I had a calling plan. Well, I deleted the calling plan and the network charge went away. A little over a year ago they increased my charges for phone and internet by rather a lot so I dropped the phone (kept the internet service) in favour of voip which I have used for many years. I can't say that I have missed the land line phone at all.

Today, I had a letter from BellAliant offering me a great deal on the their home phone that would cost me $1 less than I pay for the internet now for one year. If you read the footnotes it is not quite such a good deal as it sounds as you have to have a term commitment. If it means what I think you agree to two years service with the second year at full rates. Now averaging over two years the deal looks like an increase of $16.50 per year on what I currently pay. They can keep that deal!

This reminds me of the Rogers home phone ads that promise to save you money over your current provider.
I'm still tempted to ask if they'll pay me to use their service

[TheHardy]

You're right for the clarity, and this month bill did not make an exception. Here's a copy&paste from the phone section:

WOW -- that IS spaghetti! See I was right all along!

I don't know what's that 6.95 "network fees" they are charging, even if it's credited later. Usually I saw this for the cell phone, not for the land lines, but I may be wrong.
Anyway, since I have another service with Bell, I'm getting another 5 bucks credited, so the total charge for the phome line is $9.95 (plus taxes), as promised.
I'll see what I'm gonna do when the promotion is over.

Catch-all for the F*%#k-you fees they tack on ... At least on paper (!) it looks like you are getting the promised rate at this point --- let's see what happens later on tho!