Contacting NZ Vodafone subscribers from the US

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trenchcoatjedi

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#5902 7-Dec-2005 15:50

Hello,

I'm traveling to NZ in two weeks and I've been trying to get in touch with a friend whose already there. The problem is that she has a 021 Vodafone number beginning with 0 and I can't seem to dial it from the US. Apparently our phone system here hasn't been upgraded to support foriegn eight digit numbers with first digit 0.

I'd like to be able to either call or SMS the phone to let her know of this problem but I can't (she doesn't email unfortunatley either).

Any suggestions on web-based services that will allow me to either text or call the number? I tried SMS.ac but it gave me an error when I input her number as well.

Thanks all

johnr

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#24382 7-Dec-2005 16:03

Only your service provider in the US can fix this issue !!! Tell them to get cracking and update things

cokemaster

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#24383 7-Dec-2005 16:04

Use the international country code (New Zealands is +64) followed by 21 then the number.

If my number was 021 1234 567 it would be +64211234567.

+ = 00 when dialing. Usually holding down 0 will get you a + though.

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#24384 7-Dec-2005 16:39

It will also depends where you are calling from.

All area codes, regardless of country are always used without the leading 0 in international calls, preceeded by the country code: [International Access code] + [country code] + [are code without 0] + [phone number].

If you are using a GSM mobile (Cingular) you can press 0 until it turns + and keep entering the number as explained: +64 21 123 4567.

If you are calling from a landline or CDMA (Verizon or Sprint) then enter the International dailing code, which in the USA is 011 (unlike other places where 00 is the norm as cokemaster suggests). So the number from a landline or CDMA mobile is actually 011 64 21 1234 567.

trenchcoatjedi

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#24387 7-Dec-2005 18:09

I know how the international dialing system works and I'm aware that I need to drop the leading 0 on the area code. The problem is that the carriers don't support the eight digit numbers with leading zeros. Their networks see the 64 country code then either 1) truncate the final digit or 2) tell me the number is invalid because the first digit is zero. I tried doing the 011 64 21 0******* from my Verizon phone and was told to "check the number and try again."

I'm looking for a web based option to call the mobile number or send an SMS to the handset. I'm thinking about Skype. Has anyone used that to call a 021 Vodafone number with a leading zero?

sbiddle

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#24391 7-Dec-2005 19:49

Vodafone are actually partly to blame for the problem but it's a limitation of your carrier which is causing the root of the problem. All phone companies around the world have to maintain a database of valid numbers, this is maintainted by the ITU.

Vodafone introduced the 8 digit numbers not so long ago and while this has been correctly noted on the official NZ numbering plan but both the ITU site and numberplans.com show no provision for 64 21 0xxxxxxx numbers.

Telecom NZ's numbering plan gives Vodafone a minimum of 8 and max 10 characters

http://www.tnzi.com/us/numbering.asp

Overseas networks have to modify their systems to allow new or changed number plans, from the lack of any mention on the ITU site I would suspect it may be a problem affecting many overseas carriers if they are unaware this change has occured.

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#24392 7-Dec-2005 19:58

You can try giving me your friend's number (via Private Message) and I can call using my SkypeOut account. If it works then you can use it there.

You have to let your friend know I will be calling though...

trenchcoatjedi

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#24402 8-Dec-2005 06:26

Thank you guys for all your help. I did manage to reach her mobile last night via SkypeOut. But 0.51€ for 2 minutes is expensive!

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sbiddle

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#24404 8-Dec-2005 08:03

trenchcoatjedi: Thank you guys for all your help. I did manage to reach her mobile last night via SkypeOut. But 0.51€ for 2 minutes is expensive!

Expensive?! It's very obvious you aren't a New Zealander! :-)

The standard cost to call a mobile phone in New Zealand from a landline phone in NZ is 71c per minute (equates to 42 euro cents per minute!).

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#24411 8-Dec-2005 09:13

I've been using SkypeOut here in New Zealand to call New Zealand numbers - long distance and mobile. Although I tend to use my mobile phone most of the time, to consume the included minutes.

It's really not the case of having a landline - except that now one can't have TelstraClear cable modem without a bundled line - and I am not ready to give up my 10mbps connection yet.

But this is OT.

Glad to know you are sorted to talk to your friend!

sbiddle

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#24423 8-Dec-2005 11:12

Slightly off topic Mauricio but have you played around with any of the SIP based providers out there at all?

trenchcoatjedi

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#24463 9-Dec-2005 06:45

sbiddle: The standard cost to call a mobile phone in New Zealand from a landline phone in NZ is 71c per minute (equates to 42 euro cents per minute!).

That's one thing I do like about our mobile phone system here. There is no price difference in calling a landline versus a mobile here. That said, our mobile phone system is still 2-3 years behind the rest of the world.....

sbiddle

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#24514 9-Dec-2005 19:31

That's because the US doesn't have CPP (calling party pays). There are many arguments both for and against but both arguments seem to fall down when you look at the US market.

In most countries cellular networks get huge $$ from termination rate for incoming calls and the common argument is that this allows them to have cheaper outgoing call rates from mobiles. The reserve argument is that if termination rates are far lower (like the US) then outgoing call costs will have to be higher.

You guys have it so lucky over there really, the cellular market may be behind the times in many ways (and coverage, particularly inbuilding is one) but call costs are dirt cheap..:-(