Can't always forward to my cell phone

[longshadows]

As I leave the house, I like to use Call Forwarding to send calls to my cell phone number. I can't always do so when I attempt to set it up using my VoIP phone. After I enter "the ten digit number of the phone to which I wish my calls forwarded" I get a rapid "busy" tone. No matter how many times I try, rapid busy. Sometimes, however, it works and the computer voice confirms that the call forwarding has been made successfully.

This is to the same cell phone number each time 207-409-XXXX. So, I'm wondering if some data base table needs updating to know that "207-409" is a valid NPA-NXX?

In such cases, I have to hop on the old PC and go to the VoIP website and enable call forwarding with this same cell phone number. It works fine, but it's a hassle and I should be able to invoke CF from my telephone. (For that matter, it would be really great if you could provide the ability to access the CF feature from a third-party line (cell phone or another land line) and invoke or change the CF number on the fly!)

But for now, I'd just like to be able to enable CF from my own telephone!

[roztom]

I don't know if this will address your issue or at least provide a work around.

I use FMFM so that my ATA and my cell phone ring simultaneously.

This works great as I just answer whichever one I want.

Typically when my cell is on and I don't answer VOIP picks up the VM, sends me a text message to let me know there is a VM and also sends me a .wav file email so I can listen on my email enabled cell phone.

If my cell phone is off it typically goes to VOIP VM and then there is a text/email waiting for me when I power up my cell phone.

I have found this to be very functional so when I'm in my home office I do not have to run up cell minutes if I answer my VOIP phone but also have the option to answer by cell.

I do not know if this is a solution for you but it works great for me..it might address your issue.

Best,

Tom

[longshadows]

Tom,

Thanks, I had not used FMFM before, but I love it. Only one thing, how do I call home from my cellphone now? When I dial my home phone, my cellphone's voicemail application comes on, just as if I were trying to access it from my cellphone by dialing my cellphone number! This is potentially dangerous in an emergency situation!

How do you handle this?

Thanks,

Michael

[roztom]

Great Question. I don't know.

I tried mine from my cell and it went right to my cell VM also. When you cell is in use it goes directly to VM...Hmmm.

Of course if you call home from your cell when you are forwarded to your cell the same thing would happen it would go right to your cell VM. (?)

I keep a POTS line at home just...because.

tom

[longshadows]

Tom,

Interesting that you have the same response. Having a POTS line is a luxury I'd rather not pursue right now. We don't use the phone that much anyway.

What would be a nice remedy to this problem, is if you could designate which VoIP phone numbers were FMFM. So, you could "bypass" you cell phone VM, when you call home by using a different virtual VoIP number.

Don't suppose it's something VoIPYL would even consider implementing. Too bad, because that FMFM is pretty nifty.

Now, alternatively, if I were to set up the FMFM to be sequential, rather than simulteneous, it might allow me to get to the home phone before it rolls over to my cell number. I'll give it a try and let you know.

Michael

[roztom]

I suppose you could add a seperate virtual number, not an add-on to your existing number.

I have 2 numbers but they are the same line...that would not solve the issue but a second line enabled might be worth it I think it's only a few $ per month.

Tom

[longshadows]

I just addressed this issue to the VoIP CS folks and see if they have a suggestion. The best solution would be to allow for one SEQUENTIAL the home phone (ATA), followed by a SIMULTANEOUS (dual phone) ring.

(Cell 1 - 4 rings)
--- (ATA-4 rings)--< simultaneous >--VM
(Cell 2 - 4 rings)


While not a menu option on their website, it might be something an engineer could do on a request basis.

Worth asking, anyway.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Michael

[roztom]

Can they do that?

Why not add another seperate line/should not be big $. You can have 2 phones with sep #'s on one ATA.

tb