My home phone is connected through Vodafone (formerly telstraclear). We have encountered on a small number of occasions that people wishing to ring us receive a message to the extent that this number is not in service. One of our friends raised the issue with Orcon (their provider), only to be told that Orcon cannot reach us through their service, only by using a Telecom connected phone. And that that's how it is (or something along these lines).

Is this common? Seems an absurd situation. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

p.s. I have not made a systematic survey of our contacts as to which provider they are with, so I do not know if there are any Orcon callers who can reach us. But inevitably when someone complains that they cannot reach us, I will ask: "Are you with Orcon?" - with an affirmative answer. I know of one business connection where we have to resort to email or mobile to get in touch, and some private connections.

I should add, that in the few known instances, we have no problem reaching the Orcon subscribers.