I have US calling included in my plan - can I call forwarding my telus number to a USA number?

[boomieman]

exactly as the title states.

I have a plan that includes US calling and text and unlimited call forwarding. Can I FWD my telus number to a t-mobile US cell number? Will I get charged anything extra?

[NFtoBC]

Call forwarding often has different rules than direct calling. I suspect you would be charged for call forwarding to a US number. Why not try a test call and see?

[Darkbob]

That is a super good question and there won't be an easy or accurate answer until you try it.  But I'd be super careful.

I was with another provider (koodo).  I had a US land line and a Canadian (Alberta) cell with unlimited US calling on the cell account.  When I called the USA I had no problems and no bill so I assumed I could call forward my cell to the US number - easy way for friends to keep in touch without me paying roaming fees.  But just to be sure before I left I confirmed with multiple CSR's who assured me I could call forward my Canadian cell to my US land line (because I had unlimited US calling). 

Well month 1 I got a bill from Koodo for $800.  I called them up and they said "mmm... weird.  Computer error.  We will reverse it!  Go on about your business."  So Month 2 comes along - and another bill for $800 with no reversal of the previous bill.  I called and got a supervisor who again assured me my US calling would cover call-forwarded calls.  They would reverse the previous crazy charges.  I got names and documented everything and had a confirmation Email.  

Along comes month 3 and another $800 bill plus my previous 2.  Now I'm starting to get a bit worried.  I spent the whole day on the phone and finally got somebody who said "nope.  Call-forwarding isn't the same as calling directly."  Something to do with termination rates or some such nonsense.  

Long story short, I got all my charges reversed (thank god for that email I had!).  But I had to stop call-forwarding my cell to my US number.

[BillTelusCust]

"Something to do with termination rates or some such nonsense"  I don't buy that.

There may be some other reason, but it won't be that one.

[Darkbob]

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@BillTelusCust wrote:

"Something to do with termination rates or some such nonsense"  I don't buy that.

There may be some other reason, but it won't be that one.

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Sure they could just be making up random excuses.  No idea.  But the long and short of it is don't call-forward a Canadian cell to a US number without doing a lot of checking first.  

[NFtoBC · Accepted solution]

Here is the answer to the US call forwarding question. Cost is $0.75 per minute unless you buy a $5 add on.

[Darkbob]

Wow thats a great heads up.  I expected call forwarding to the US would be expensive but normally local call forwarding is free.  Wouldn’t that be a nasty surprise!

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@NFtoBC wrote:

Here is the answer to the US call forwarding question. Cost is $0.75 per minute unless you buy a $5 add on.

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