Changing Telcos

[ushikun69]

Hi, I'm new to all this, but here it goes.
We're switching our PRI services from our present provider to Verizon. We use a Definity G3si. We're porting over 40 DID lines to Verizon. What I would like to know is what information do I need in order to achieve the transition and how would I go about doing it? Any information is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

 

[Ronster]

You are porting the numbers. So the calls should come into you the same as before. You just need to tell Verizon what digits you want them to pass. This is usually the last 4 digits which the switch uses as a routing point (extension/VDN).

You will also have to tell them what protocol you are using Q931 is the most widely used these days.

Hope this helps,

Ronster

 

[ushikun69]

Hi, thanks for the info Ronster.
We just got a new PRI circuit installed by Verizon with 20 new DID numbers. We are trying to set these numbers up but we aren't having any luck. We changed the dialplan and trunk group settings but no luck. We got a busy signal before trying any settings and a busy signal after we tried the settings. Because of this we're holding off on the porting of our existing DIDs until we can figure out what we're doing wrong. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Subtech]

I had the same problem recently with a new swsitch. Turns out the new trunk group number I used, corrupt in the Linux. If you are using a new trunk group, that might be a problem.

 

[WHCARon]

There are about 10-15 things that need to be coordinated with your new LEC (Verizon) to make this transition smooth. Focus on the details and testing.

-Get as much info from Verizon as possible. Circuit Number; Trunk group number for the B-channels and the D-channel; Route Index Number; Type of Central Office; ISDN Option Settings; etc.

-Talk through the transition in detail with the customer rep and the technical rep. Make sure they understand your concerns-you are the customer.

-Recommend having the LEC send 10-digits as it gives you lots more options in the future and you can adjust for your dial plan at the trunk group level. You need to find several unused existing DID numbers that you can have turned up to the new PRI for testing. This ensures that the LECs set-up is correct and can be throughly tested before having the remaining numbers moved to the new PRI.

-DID Trunks vs. Outgoing Trunks. Check the quote from Verizon for this service. They typically don't charge for outbound trunks only DID trunks. Depending on the GOS and type of calls this could save you money on the new service.

-Actual cutover. The Verizon RCMAC center usually schedules the change to happen without a specific time. Make them schedule a time and be on-hand to test when they say the cutover is complete. If you can use the "list trace" feature or trap calls in a SecueLogix box you should be able to see every number deliver.

-Termination Order. Don't let Verizon walk away without acknowledging the CSR change and termination order details for the old trunks. They'll leave them on the books and continue to bill you for them. In some cases they (Verizon) has taken 2 years to correct the CSR and get teh termination completed properly.

I've cutover thousands of DID numbers and the key is the testing and follow-up.

Good Luck!

Thanks, WHCARon