It's not the REAL Local Number?

[pat100]

I signed up the Dell Voice couple days ago, and received the local phone number (area code 778, from Vancouver). I can dial out without problem, but my friend can’t call me at that number, it said that it’s not the local number, and need to dial 1 before that number (just like to make the long distance call). Can someone help me to solve this problem? Thanks.

[TheHardy]

I signed up the Dell Voice couple days ago, and received the local phone number (area code 778, from Vancouver). I can dial out without problem, but my friend can’t call me at that number, it said that it’s not the local number, and need to dial 1 before that number (just like to make the long distance call). Can someone help me to solve this problem? Thanks.

This is a problem that has been encountered on several occasions. Rest assured that the DV #s are real numbers, and that the fault in this one lies with the carrier that your friend is using. They will need to file a report with their customer service department to get the "exchange" loaded into their carrier's "rates and routing" table.

I experienced similar problems with many of the Fongo exchanges in BC with both Telus Mike and Fido ...

I am going to guess that you have a 778-775 or 778-806 number?

While it may be a pain in the arse, rest assured that it IS the fault of whichever carrier your friends are using.

[TheHardy]

2 quick tests from both my work Bell Mobility phone and a Telus landline have resulted in all the Vancouver Fongo exchanges being recognized as local functional numbers ...
604-283
778-300
778-775
778-776
778-806

As I posted, it is likely something to do with the carrier that your friend is using. Try to find out from them which one it is, and have them call 6-1-1 and report the issue to their carrier. Have them say that it is a rate&routing problem.

On a side note: if they are NOT a pre-paid (pay as you go) customer, what happens if they dial as 1+your number? IE dialing it as a long distance call? Does it go thru, or does it reach an error message? (This is what Telus Mike was doing previously). If it does go thru, then when the bill comes, if they are charged as long distance, they should take it up with their carrier as a "rates and routing" issue, as that is where the problem lies.

May sound like a "passing the buck" answer, but I can assure you from MUCH past experience that this is indeed where the problem lies!!