cannot call cell phones out of area code

annanigh · Post by **annanigh** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 4:52 pm

has anybody else had this issue its only been happening since last night before i could call cell phones out of area

lymon · Post by **lymon** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:57 pm

Oddly enough I experienced the same problem yesterday and today when dialing a cell phone that was not in it's native coverage area and therefore roaming. The phone would ring once and then disconnect to a dial tone. Weird business.

I did not have any problem dialing cell phones that were in their native coverage area even though they were not in my area code.

mc5 · Post by **mc5** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:57 pm

same problem here must be the mj server problems

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:59 pm

When cell phones are calling my MJ number they get this message.

"the call you are attempting to place is not allowed from this line"

If I call them, it rings once, shows up on their caller ID, then my MJ disconnects. Have tried calling ATT, TMobile, and Verizon systems. PLEASE, PLEASE Fix this MJ..

Also seems to have just started over the weekend.

askfault · Post by **askfault** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:15 pm

I've had the exact same problem. No doubt something fishy is going on that the greedy dogs won't tell us about.

Dialing a metropcs cell phone and it gives half a ring then disconnects, then three tones.

Sometimes that cell can call me but I get the same thing since this weekend.

askfault · Post by **askfault** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:27 pm

Hey guys,

I tried the As a temporary fix, see if any of these dialing formats work for you.

For example, to call 817-284-1234, you would normally dial 8172841234 or 18172841234 (MJ does not officially support 7-digit dialing).
But, as a workaround, try dialing:

*678*172841234

That I found on the forum here and it worked INSTANTLY and like a charm.

Hopefully this will help.

The number I was trying to call for example was 941-123-4567 and wouldn't go through.

I added *67?* to the number which dialed as *679*411234567. Call worked first time.

The question mark just represents the first number of the area code in question.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:33 pm

Thanks, but that didn't work either.
I still can't call the ATT number (haven't tried the others)..
But, at least now that number can call me on my MJ # & it rings & we can talk. (seemed to start working on its own)
Still seems to be a problem with MJ to Cell phone. Although I can call my cell # & it works fine (verizon)..

askfault · Post by **askfault** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:08 pm

Alright, something obviously screwy is going on here.

I modified a number by placing *679*41-123-4567 (941-123-4567 being the number I was attempting to call) and the first time it worked.

I tried about 2 hours later and it half rang then dropped the call with three tones in my earpiece.

I then added an extra * to make the number look like *679**41-123-4567 and it worked like a charm.

It's obvious some organization is trying to disrupt service to either metropcs customers or out of the area cell phones at this time.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:42 pm

Same results for the extra **'s too..
However, When I was testing it & it dropped - they called me back - I had it forwarding to my cell phone.
As they called me, I called them again on my MJ and I was able to connect to their Voice Mail on their cellular phone.
DANG, this ain't fun.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:22 pm

Contacted MJ help.. They had me download the player from www.divx.com
they seemed to know about the issue in this thread. After downloading, had the same problem as before.

hung up with MJ help...

HOWEVER, on a whim,, when I did the *67?**??-???-???? where ? are the 10 digit phone number !!!
SUCCESS !!!...

Bless the internet & all the techies of the world.
I'll let you know if I have anymore problems.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:10 pm

ONCE !... IT Worked ONCE...
Then, same problem again. Tried all the different combinations of **'s and begging...
Back to 2 rings, 3 beeps, and a hang-up.

Back to the drawing board.

doodoo16 · Post by **doodoo16** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:18 pm

I spent an hour on tech chat last night with this same issue. I can only call number from within my MJ's own area code. It suddenly started happening yesterday. The tech chat could not figure out the problem and said they were sending it to engineering for resolution in 24-48 hours!

What's strange is that even though the MJ hangs up and you get a dial tone, the phone you try to call still rings but when you pick it up it is dead air.

MonsterFM · Post by **MonsterFM** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:42 pm

doodoo16 wrote:I spent an hour on tech chat last night with this same issue. I can only call number from within my MJ's own area code. It suddenly started happening yesterday. The tech chat could not figure out the problem and said they were sending it to engineering for resolution in 24-48 hours!

What's strange is that even though the MJ hangs up and you get a dial tone, the phone you try to call still rings but when you pick it up it is dead air.

This is now what's happening with our MagicJacks. We couldn't call ANY number for a while and now it's become cell phone numbers that we cannot call.

They worked fine for more than a month and, just as soon as we told AT&T to "take a hike", this happens... Oh well, live and learn, I guess. But, since we mostly use ours for "request lines" and talk-show lines, I guess it could've been worse...

Keith

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:12 pm

I just started having this issue today. Working perfectly before today...

wrngway · Post by **wrngway** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:45 pm

Same thing here. Was there a recent "upgrade" to the firmware? I'm running 1.80.4471.3124.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:39 pm

Just noticed... and adding more info on my setup.

Since I'm running this MJ on my other computer Using XP - the autorun.exe in that folder has a file version of 1.73.4183.2940
The autorun.exe in the Vista only directory version is 1.8.4.1501 & the autorunu.exe 1.80.4471.3124

Since I'm running this off my whole house - I've got it plugged into the phone jack with the Qwest line disconnected from the house. I have 3 or 4 phones hooked up to phone lines throughout the house all using MJ.

I was getting a radio station over my phone, (phone cables became an antenna) but today I went to Radio Shack & bought a DSL/Phone Line filter for $13.00 . That made the music stop, but didn't do anything else for my problem.

doodoo16 · Post by **doodoo16** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:29 pm

Come to think of it, i beleive the problem started to occur right after the firmware was upgrade. Does anyone know how to revert back to the old firmware?

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:04 am

doodoo16 wrote:Come to think of it, i beleive the problem started to occur right after the firmware was upgrade. Does anyone know how to revert back to the old firmware?

Same here, I upgraded the firmware today and that's when the problem started happening...

doodoo16 · Post by **doodoo16** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:23 am

I've been chatting online with tech for an hour. they have me again going through the stupid, "plug in" and "restart" and switch usb hubs. of course this is not working.

The problem is definately out of area cell phones. I can call in area code no problem. I can call landlines anywhere no problem. just out of area cell phones.

MJ must not have greased the wheels this month to the switchs and they got shutdown!

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:27 am

It looks like it ISN'T a firmware upgrade issue. I spoke with a rep yesterday and today and got some answers. Here is the chat transcript from today - I bolded the the parts you might find useful (It basically says that their engineers are aware of the issue and should have things back to normal within the next 2 days):

Charlotte: Hello, how may I help you?

Charlotte: Hello Jibu . How are you today? I hope you're doing fine.

Jibu: Hi, how are you? I am following up on an issue I was having yesterday and spoke with a support rep.

Charlotte: I'm doing great. Thanks for asking.

Charlotte: Thank you for addressing your concern to us.

Charlotte: Let me assist you with that.

Jibu: She told me that she will inform the engineers of my issue and to get back in touch with support if the problem still persists after a few hours.

Jibu: I tried again today, and I am still having the issue.

Charlotte: May I know the exact issue that you encountered Jibu?

Jibu: I'm not sure if you have the previous chat trascripts, but basically, I can't make calls to cell phones (probably cell phones outside my area code)

Jibu: I can make calls to my landline, to other landlines, and receive calls from anyone

Jibu: but if I call my cell phone with my MJ phone, I hear 2 or 3 rings, and the MJ goes back to dialtone

Jibu: my cell phone rings & keeps ringing, even after my MJ goes to dialtone

Jibu: I tried it on 2 other cell phones also

Jibu: same problem occurs

Jibu: if I call my MJ phone with the cell phones, the MJ phone rings and all works normally.

Jibu: This is the issue.

Charlotte: Okay.

Charlotte: One moment please...

Jibu: I should note that I also upgraded to the latest version of MJ yesterday

Jibu: and the problem occurred around that time, not sure if I was having the problem before the upgrade though

Charlotte: Okay Jibu.

Charlotte: Let me check on that.

Jibu: ok

Charlotte: Thank you for waiting Jibu.

Charlotte: I have found out that our engineers are still working on that Jibu. I do apologize for inconvenience.

Charlotte: Let me inform that there are also issues that are same as yours.

Charlotte: They are working on that right now.

Jibu: is it because of the new version upgrade?

Charlotte: No Jibu.

Charlotte: There new systems for certain networks that are on process right now.

Charlotte: I do apologize that it takes longer time Jibu. It suppose to be easy to solve but since our engineers are also working for the enhancement of our product and for our database we should expect a little longer time for this.

Charlotte: As I've check that status it almost done Jibu. No need to worry about.

Charlotte: We will inform you as soon as it all done and working.

Jibu: how will I be informed, Charlotte?

Charlotte: We will email you Jibu.

Charlotte: *****DELETED*****

Jibu: Do you have a timeframe as to when this will be fixed, Charlotte?

Charlotte: May I know if that is the best email address to contact you Jibu?

Jibu: yes, it is

Charlotte: Good.

Charlotte: I personally check this out for you Jibu.

Charlotte: As what I've heard it would take one or 2 more days since our engineers and executive will contact all phone services and networks to identify this issue further.

Charlotte: Would that be okay Jibu?

Jibu: That would be great, Thank you.

doodoo16 · Post by **doodoo16** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:45 am

I just spoke with tech service again and got a knowledgable person that said they are aware of the cell phone number issue and are working on it and that they will email me when resolved.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:36 pm

Thanks for the info... but would that be the standard "soon" answer we've heard about sooooooo many other things?
At this point, I'm glad I didn't port my home number to MJ but to Tracfone instead.
I'm all for saving money, don't get me wrong.

But, it's a pain because I can't call my Mommy's cell # & I miss her sweet voice.

Please keep the forum informed when you get your email saying it fixed, or if it gets worse/better.

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:48 pm

Blakelg wrote:Thanks for the info... but would that be the standard "soon" answer we've heard about sooooooo many other things?
At this point, I'm glad I didn't port my home number to MJ but to Tracfone instead.
I'm all for saving money, don't get me wrong.

But, it's a pain because I can't call my Mommy's cell # & I miss her sweet voice.

Please keep the forum informed when you get your email saying it fixed, or if it gets worse/better.

No, I don't think it's a typical MJ "soon" as posted in the transcipt above. The rep specifically says "1 to 2 days".

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:33 pm

Someone posted a reply to his problem that was similar to the one we're having (another thread in this formum)..
He said he was trying to call his cell phone that was using the Sprint Airave (Airrave).
And, once he turned this off he was able to make calls to his cell again.
I looked up info on the Airrave & it's basically a mini cell tower box for your house, which improves your signal.

http://search.sprint.com/inquiraapp/ui. ... _highlight

It does this by turning your cell phone into an IP Phone... Light bulbs started going off in my head...

I'm thinking maybe MJ is having issues with some blocked IPs from some of the cell companies.. Probably fighting over rights or such.
Or, are we trying to call cell phones that have their web browser / internet function turned on?
any ideas or more knowledge about this stuff?

jeffnyc · Post by **jeffnyc** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:54 pm

But it is to all cell phone carriers, not just Sprint.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:01 pm

You can't call Any cell phones? I'm just having the problem with select cell #'s.
I have no problem calling some cells, but others give the listed - ring, beeps, hangup.

MonsterFM · Post by **MonsterFM** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:01 pm

jeffnyc wrote:But it is to all cell phone carriers, not just Sprint.

I would have to wonder: What is it that sets cell phone numbers apart from "regular" numbers? To a switched system, it would seem like that would all be "just numbers", huh?

Keith

jeffnyc · Post by **jeffnyc** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:45 pm

Blakelg wrote:You can't call Any cell phones? I'm just having the problem with select cell #'s.
I have no problem calling some cells, but others give the listed - ring, beeps, hangup.

To be honest, Im not really sure. I know I can call my own Verizon voicemail because my number is spoofed to my Verizon cell so it goes direct. I am having trouble calling most other cell phones regardless of locality or carrier.

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:44 pm

Even with the numbers that I am having issues calling, I don't seem to have any problems getting directed to their voicemail.
If they're on the phone talking to anyone, my call will go into their voicemail system everytime. - which seems to work, because then they'll call me back to my MJ line & we connect.

I'm just having issues getting to the phone directly & having our calls connect. Two of the phones I'm trying connect to are the ATT Razor.
I'm going to see if there's anyway to turn off the Web browsing on these phones or something else that won't make them have an IP number.
I think that's where the problem lies, as I am able to connect to older cell phones that don't have internet capabilites with no problem.

billinin · Post by **billinin** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:57 pm

My MJ is in the 317 area. I attempt to call a Verizon cell in the 707 area, after entering the last digit I get a dial tone. The person in the 707 area then calls me on my MJ and tells me they just had a "missed call" which came from my MJ. Land line calls to the 707 area seem to be fine. Very Strange! Switching problem somewhere. Thank goodness for the QVC 30 day return policy.

MonsterFM · Post by **MonsterFM** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:12 am

I have noticed that the "1 to two days" for a fix has now become three days with still no fix in sight...

Keith

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:10 pm

MonsterFM wrote:I have noticed that the "1 to two days" for a fix has now become three days with still no fix in sight...

Keith

maybe they meant 1 to 2 business days?

MonsterFM · Post by **MonsterFM** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:54 pm

Jibu wrote:maybe they meant 1 to 2 business days?

Possibly but, if that is the case, I'm in the WRONG end of the communications industry! I get calls 24/7 ANYTIME there's a problem and, man, there had better be NO downtime otherwise the FCC gets involved...

Sorry for expecting the folks at MagicJack to meet these requirements as well but, in my own humble opinion, when your customers depend on you, "business days" are EVERY DAY.

Keith

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:40 pm

Ain't that the truth?!! I did 24/7 computer support. If I fell asleep, your ATM card got eatten.

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:37 am

MonsterFM wrote:
Jibu wrote:maybe they meant 1 to 2 business days?
Possibly but, if that is the case, I'm in the WRONG end of the communications industry! I get calls 24/7 ANYTIME there's a problem and, man, there had better be NO downtime otherwise the FCC gets involved...

Sorry for expecting the folks at MagicJack to meet these requirements as well but, in my own humble opinion, when your customers depend on you, "business days" are EVERY DAY.

Keith

Yeah, hopefully there's a good explanation for this and it's a temporary glitch. I would hate to have to go back to traditional phone service and throw away $600/year...

Blakelg · Post by **Blakelg** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:29 pm

As of this morning... It's WORKING AGAIN!!!!
I was able to connect with the cell phone & they were able to call me back.
Hope it's working for everyone else now too... I'll post if it stops again.

Jibu · Post by **Jibu** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:41 pm

Blakelg wrote:As of this morning... It's WORKING AGAIN!!!!
I was able to connect with the cell phone & they were able to call me back.
Hope it's working for everyone else now too... I'll post if it stops again.

Same here. I was able to make a call to my out-of-areacode cell phone and it goes through fine.