local area codes

I live in Broadview Heights, Ohio.  I have the basic plan.  I do not have a long distance plan since the phone long is voice over IP I did not think I needed one.  I should be able to call anywhere in the world for free just as I can IM anywhere for free over the internet.

local calling area codes said:
I should be able to call anywhere in the world for free just as I can IM anywhere for free over the internet.

Ahhhhhh....no.  By that logic, shouldn't all telephone be free?

If your phone service is digital and on a dedicate network, it seems Cox could have some control with nuisance calls.  It's digital, so you could install a computer program.  It's on a dedicated network, so you control the gateway.

For example, block the following from entering your network:
 - Non-numbers:  000-000-0000, Unavailable, N/A
 - Invalid Area Codes
 - Invalid Exchanges (000, 070, 123, #11)
 - Source and destination numbers are the same, i.e. spoofing my number to call me

Of course, blocking non-numbers would force the spoofers to use valid numbers...but it's a start for now.

The program would require a CAPTCHA code on all toll free numbers (888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, 822).  By requiring a random code, this would ensure a human is making the call rather than a computer.

Also use the CAPTCHA code on all International Country Codes and International Area Codes in US Country Code 1 (Bahamas, Barbados, Anguilla, etc).

I'm unsure who enters the non-associated Calling Names in the caller ID, such as "Unavailable" or "(city) (state)" for wireless numbers.  Are spoofers entering the fake names or is Cox entering them to avoid third-party lookup charges?  If it's Cox, perhaps the program could standardize ALL non-associated Calling Names so we'll know during call screening.  For example, mark it as "Unavailable" and stop entering the city and state.  In addition, replace all spoofed non-associated names (Name Unavailabl, Private, Unknown, Unknown  Name, etc) with the standardized name.  Whether it's a spoofed or genuinely unavailable, distinguish it so we'll know.

Unfortunately "nuisance calls" amount to an upsell opportunity for the telephone industry (not just Cox) so any "free" features will be ineffectual- likely by design... in order to get subscribers to pay for additional features.

Oh, and having fought the good battle for the better part of 20 years, I can say that the federal DNC list and FCC are placebo buttons, don't waste your time there either.  The best defense is to shut off your ringer and explain the inconvenience to friends and relatives who should be understanding about being relegated to answering machines/voice mail.

Bruce said:

If your phone service is digital and on a dedicate network, it seems Cox could have some control with nuisance calls.  It's digital, so you could install a computer program.  It's on a dedicated network, so you control the gateway.

For example, block the following from entering your network:
 - Non-numbers:  000-000-0000, Unavailable, N/A
 - Invalid Area Codes
 - Invalid Exchanges (000, 070, 123, #11)
 - Source and destination numbers are the same, i.e. spoofing my number to call me

Of course, blocking non-numbers would force the spoofers to use valid numbers...but it's a start for now.

The program would require a CAPTCHA code on all toll free numbers (888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, 822).  By requiring a random code, this would ensure a human is making the call rather than a computer.

Also use the CAPTCHA code on all International Country Codes and International Area Codes in US Country Code 1 (Bahamas, Barbados, Anguilla, etc).

I'm unsure who enters the non-associated Calling Names in the caller ID, such as "Unavailable" or "(city) (state)" for wireless numbers.  Are spoofers entering the fake names or is Cox entering them to avoid third-party lookup charges?  If it's Cox, perhaps the program could standardize ALL non-associated Calling Names so we'll know during call screening.  For example, mark it as "Unavailable" and stop entering the city and state.  In addition, replace all spoofed non-associated names (Name Unavailabl, Private, Unknown, Unknown  Name, etc) with the standardized name.  Whether it's a spoofed or genuinely unavailable, distinguish it so we'll know.

I am lost, what does any of this have to do with a local calling area?  Did you both post on the wrong thread?

Also, I am confused why OP would ask what here local calling area was if they thought all calling was free. This seems contradictory to me. Perhaps this link will help.