Are NTL blocking Sipgate numbers?

BarGin

I've just set up a Grandstream 486 with a Sipgate account and I can call my Sipgate geographic number from my mobile but not from my NTL landline phone.

Are NTL blocking landline numbers allocated to Sipgate?

BarGin

BarGin

It seems to be working now. Must be some delay before the number going live and NTL recognising it.

BarGin

bunking_off

It's less about ntl actively blocking the number, and more about delays in Sipgate getting ntl to enable it. By default, most operators will route number blocks to Number Unobtainable tone/message until the assignee of the range asks them to enable it.

Conventionally, an operator getting a new number block from Ofcom get BT to enable it first, then approaches the other operators (this is for two reasons - firstly because sorting BT catches the majority of lines, and secondly because many operators won't have direct interconnectivity so will route the call via BT, so clearly it makes sense to enable them first).

Although the ideal is to get the block working from all operators prior to issuing individual numbers to customers, if an operator is either a new entrant or is short of spare numbers, they may take a risk on releasing them once BT have got them active.

BT have got an obligation to enable the number ranges within a contractual period (30 working days). Other operators have no such obligation, and some have started to prioritise the activity according to the benefit accrued...."network effect" - if operator B wanting the block enabled is one that has many existing customers, operator A who's being asked will give them higher priority than a new entrant with no existing customers, because the following week when operator A wants a range enabled, they'll want prompt action from operator B.

BarGin

Now I can't make or receive calls and I haven't changed anything.

I have tried using my landline and 3 different mobiles on different networks. All return a sound similar to an engaged tone except my 3 mobile which gives the message "The number you have called is not compatible with the service you are using".

Do you need to credit a Sipgate account to be able to receive calls

BarGin

BexTech

I've had my Sipgate account for coming up to 2 years, have no problems receiving calls or making calls to freephone numbers, and I have never added credit on the account.

pricefighter

If you are talking about 0560 numbers, yes NTL dont appear to be allowing you to access them.

BarGin

Seems to have sorted itself out this evening. I didn't realise I could call freephone numbers which is a plus (thanks for that info BexTech).

I can't seem to use my Onetel call.saver account though. I get through to the prompt using the freephone number but never reach the ongoing number. No use using the dialler box either.

Does anyone know if I open a call1899 account I will experience the same problems?

BarGin

BexTech

You can use 1899's 0808 access number via Sipgate, though you will have to pay the slightly higher charges when using the 0808 access.

dc

pricefighter wrote:

If you are talking about 0560 numbers, yes NTL dont appear to be allowing you to access them.

I can confirm this, I cannot call my Voipcheap 05601 in-number from NTL lines. :mad:

BexTech

Wonder if your area NTL block all newly issued VoIP Cheap numbers, including those like mine that have a standard number, My VoIP Cheap number begins 0121 660 .....

BarGin

Have tried using 18866 (didn't realise my account was still active as I hadn't used it for ages) as well as onetel.

With both services I get through to their announcements OK but the dial-on numbers don't work. I just get something similar to an engaged tone.

I can also receive calls OK.

BarGin