Fongo can't port my number?

[GT!]

I just spoke with a Fongo CSR who informed me they are unable to port my number . This came as a surprise to me as I'm in a Fongo free calling area and according to other VoIP providers (specifically voip.ms) my number (450-458-xxxx) is portable. So what's the issue?

I guess I could port to voip.ms and then forward to Fongo, but that adds cost and complication.

-GT

[FONGO_mike]

Hi GT,

Without going into to much detail, we are unfortunately unable to port in any number in the 450 area code. (It has always been this way) I know we are working on it, but i can not give any sort of time frame on when they will be portable at this time.
At this time we are only able to port numbers from the same cities we can provide numbers in (granted, 450 has made it's way into certain area's on the island of Montreal) . This comes down to the fact that in order to provide numbers we must have a physical network presence in the city and once we have that we can also port. Other VOIP providers usually have no (or very little) network presence of their own and simply buy porting, termination, phone numbers, etc. in wholesale from existing providers. This means they can port everywhere in the country, but it comes at a cost of much higher (not free!) monthly service charges because they have to pay for all that network coverage. Since Fongo has a close partnership with Fibernetics, we can leverage their existing network infrastructure to provide free calling to most of Canada without having to pay these costly wholesale rates to other providers. As the coverage area continues to grow, so does the list of cities we can port from!

[GT!]

Thanks for the excellent explanation, Mike.

Not sure what I'll do now, but I am tempted to port to voip.ms and forward to my Fongo number. I'll track my Fongo usage for a couple of months to see how much that would cost if it was forwarded from voip.ms (they are pay as you go for all outgoing calls).

-GT

[Bloodsong]

Without going into detail you say...
Thanks for clearing that up Mike, I'll just add in one more thing.

While Fibernetics is working on expanding it's network coverage and presence in various cities, at the same time Fongo/FPL are constantly working on termination partnerships, advertising partnerships etc. This is what allows Fongo to sometimes reach calling areas that seem far abroad from anywhere that can seemingly be ported to/from, and to maintain in-expensive rates to those places which they cannot feasibly reach sans-gratis.

So in short yes, voip.ms is right that your number is portable (as are most numbers in Canada.) The issue with your specific number porting specifically to Fongo/FPL lies in the Fongo/FPL business model. I know it's little solace, but just think about the day when Fongo/FPL finally reaches it's goal of total Canadian network coverage, and then WORLD DOMINATION! *cough*ahem*cough* I mean, affordable, reliable service for all.

[TheHardy]

Almost a little too much "Pinky & The Brain" there, Bloodsong ...

[Jake]

I know it's little solace, but just think about the day when Fongo/FPL finally reaches it's goal of total Canadian network coverage, and then WORLD DOMINATION! *cough*ahem*cough* I mean, affordable, reliable service for all.

If Fongo does ever achieve this, it will probably be shortly before they go bust. Fongo needs healthy competition otherwise all calls will be in house and so no termination fees. I know Fongo doesn't rely completely on these fees, but I bet it would make a difference if they didn't get any.

Thinking about it, Fongo could be seen as a parasite If they kill the other telcos then they die also, so they must just weaken the other companies enough to keep everyone alive.