[WXC/VFX] VFX local calls free?

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JayADee

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Topic # 27614 1-Nov-2008 18:05

So we just got switched over to a more local exchange (the hardware was just put into our calling area recently, before that we were hooked up through another city and had no free local calls) and apparantly our local numbers are now free to call but one of our friends figures he's going to get charged when he calls us because the number has an area code and he says Telecom is going to treat it as a long distance call.

Is he correct?

Thanks!
Julie

freitasm

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Reply # 175120 1-Nov-2008 18:09

The systems are smart enough to realise this and know when you are calling loca even if you put an area code in front of the number. For example in Wellington the area code 04 covers some areas that are not in the local area. You can dial 04 from any number though and you will only be charged if the call is to those destinations.

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JayADee

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Reply # 175121 1-Nov-2008 18:19

Sooooo, you're saying he won't be charged when he calls us, since he's only about eight blocks away, lol. (and in the local calling area)

I should note though, that the equipment we're linked up to IS in another town. When I asked about this xnet said it didn't matter, it was the exchange that covers the local calling area. I'm not sure how exactly that works since we do also have an in-town uh, internet exchange which is located about three blocks from me.

sbiddle

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Reply # 175123 1-Nov-2008 18:23

Why is he dialling an area code to call you? If you re in the same LCA (local calling area) there no need for areas codes. Area codes are needed if you are outside the LCA but within the same area code.

JayADee

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Reply # 175126 1-Nov-2008 18:28

It doesn't work without one. I have no idea. :(
also 985 isn't the code we use in our town either.
our old phone number (pre voip) was 315-XXXX
When we got this one we had to link up through Rotorua as there was no VFX hardware locally so we got given a 07-985-XXXX number.
When I asked to be changed to the new local equipment (also not located in town but supposedly within our LCA) I got given the number 985-XXXX but I rang them up and said "Hey, we're still being charged for local calls." So then they changed it to another 985-XXXX and now supposedly we aren't charged for local calls.

It's giving me a headache.

Are people who call us now going to be charged or not??

Well I can't sort it out now, they're closed and I'm away for a week as of Monday.
If we have to change numbers AGAIN the man is going to go rabid.

sbiddle

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Reply # 175136 1-Nov-2008 18:52

The number means nothing. Infact you can forget what you think are the "numbers" for Rotorua as they have only ever been what Telecom use, there are plenty of other providers who have local number ranges that are very different to what Telecom have. It's the LICA that the number belongs to that defines whether it's a toll call or local call.

Here is the list of allocated WxC number ranges and the LICA that they belong to

07	9850	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Tokoroa	Putaruru/Tokoroa	01-Oct-06
07	9851	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Waihi	Waihi	01-Oct-06
07	9852	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Whangamata	Whangamata	01-Oct-06
07	9853	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Putaruru	Putaruru/Tokoroa	01-Oct-06
07	9854	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Rotorua	Rotorua	01-Oct-06
07	9855	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Taupo	Taupo	01-Oct-06
07	9856	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Tauranga	Tauranga	01-Oct-06
07	9857	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Opotoki	Opotiki	01-Oct-06
07	9858	WorldXChange Communications Limited	Assigned	Whakatane	Whakatane	01-Oct-06

If you had a 985 4xxx number for example it is in the Rotorua LICA and will be a local call for anybody else who's in the same LICA. If you had a 985 6xxx number for example is a Tauranga number and would have been free to call within the Tauranga LICA and a free call from within the Tauranga LICA but a toll call from Rotorua.

What town are you in?

JayADee

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Reply # 175144 1-Nov-2008 19:07

Thanks, that's great.
I'm in Opotiki. I tested it out by using our cell and you do indeed have to call 07 985 7XXX to get us.
Would that be right?
I'm really phone illiterate.

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Reply # 175145 1-Nov-2008 19:08

No, this won't test anything because you always use an area code when calling from a mobile regardless of your location.

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JayADee

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Reply # 175146 1-Nov-2008 19:16

Oh! DOH!
Shows what I know. I had to ask hubby how to dial a number on it.
Ok, so should the friend of the man's have to dial the 07 part? I'm assuming he should not. It is quite possible (indeed probable) that he was trying to dial an incorrect number (he couldn't get through) probably one of our old ones. So I've given him the new one and will advize him to try it WITHOUT the 07 area code. Hopefully that will work.

And thanks for all your help, I'm relaying this info to the two of them, since they're hanging out here for tea. :P

sbiddle

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Reply # 175147 1-Nov-2008 19:19

The following number ranges are in the Opotiki LICA

7	2199	Vodafone New Zealand Limited	assigned	Opotiki	Opotiki	17-Apr-07
7	315	Telecom New Zealand Limited	assigned	Opotiki	Opotiki
7	325	Telecom New Zealand Limited	assigned	Opotiki	Opotiki
7	9229	Telstraclear New Zealand Limited	assigned	Opotiki	Opotiki	13-Apr-00
7	9746	Callplus Limited	assigned	Whakatane	Opotiki	12-Jun-01
7	9857	WorldXChange Communications Limited	assigned	Opotoki	Opotiki	1-Oct-06

If somebody calls your number from a phone that has any of the above numbers (ie a Telecom user with the number 315xxxx or 325xxxx for example) it will be a local call as the numbers are within the same LICA. The Telecom switch knows these calls are both local so you won't be charged.

If somebody is being charged to call you there is a problem somewhere.

JayADee

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Reply # 175153 1-Nov-2008 19:54

Theoretically as of a couple days ago, he isn't. :)
Now that he has the new number he (and we) ought to be fine.
Thanks very much for clearing that up. :)

And may I add I appreciate tremendously the support.

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Reply # 175190 2-Nov-2008 01:20

Be warned:

If you use a toll carrier other than Telecom, you *may* get charged National call rates by the toll carrier if you dial 09, 04 etc before a locally based number. This is because the call is getting passed to the toll carrier and not the local carrier due to you dialling 09, 04 etc.

usually if you are calling a nother number outside your free calling area, (EG: Wellington to kapiti, Auckland to pukekohe), you should hear a message asking you to dial the STD prefix.