Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does DIAL IN service work?
From registered lines in Canada and the USA, you simply dial the DCI access number in your area and then your destination number. From non-registered lines, dial the DCI access number in your area, enter your calling card number and pass code, and then dial the destination number.
2. How does 1+ Direct Access service work?
You have to sign a Direct Access authorization form and 5 days later we become your primary long distance carrier. Once Direct Access is activated on your line, you simply pick up the phone and dial the destination number you want to reach, just as you normally would, with no access number to dial and no codes to enter. Direct Access works for 1+ and 011+ calls. ($2.95 / month system access fee).
3. How many numbers can I activate with DCI?
There is no pre-set limit but the lines must be used and can't simply be "parked" with DCI. You can activate any combination of residential or business landlines, fax lines, data lines and cellular phone numbers. (Direct Access does not work with cellular phones).
4. In which cities is your program available?
DCI Telecom has local access numbers in Barrie, Burlington, Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Guelph, Halifax, Hamilton, Hull, Kanata, Kelowna, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Montreal, Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prince George, Quebec City, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Sherbrooke, St. Catharines, St. Johns, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Windsor, and Winnipeg. Where no local access number exists, in the USA and Canada, we provide subsidized 1-800 number access to our switch. Direct Access is available in most metropolitan areas where DCI is ON-Net.
5. Do I need to cancel my existing long distance service?
That depends. If you simply want dial in service, adding DCI long distance service to your line has no impact whatsoever on your existing local lines and/or long distance service. DCI dial in service does not replace your existing services. It's simply an add-on that allows you to circumvent the exorbitant rates of your existing providers. If you subscribe to our 1+ Direct Access service and your provider charges a monthly service fee, you may need to inform them of your decision to switch so they stop charging the monthly fee.
6. Do I need a special telephone to use DCI service?
No. As long as your telephone has touch tone service, you are good to go.
7. Do I need a PIN number to make long distance calls?
No, not from lines registered with DCI. You'll need your PIN only if you want to make calls from non-registered lines while away from home on business or vacation.
8. Can I make multiple calls after I dial the DCI access number?
Yes. On both DIAL IN and 1+Direct Access service, you don't need to hang up to make another call. At the end of your call press ## and wait for the DCI dialtone.
9. Do I get a bill at the end of the month?
Yes. DCI sends out a detailed invoice every month to all customers whose invoice exceeds $15. If you spend less than $15 in a given month, the calls will be carried forward to your next invoice.
10. Can I use DCI long distance from my cellular phone?
Yes. Absolutely. Simply dial the DCI access number, wait for the DCI dial tone and enter the destination number you wish to reach and press #. Do not press "SEND" on your cellular phone after dialing the destination number or the call will be processed by your cellular provider instead of DCI.
11. Is DCI service available outside of Canada and the US?
Yes. DCI now offers service from 80 countries around the world.