[asterisk-users] caller id problem

[Terry Nathan]

I'm having a weird problem with CallerIDs and I can't tell if it is a 
problem with Asterisk, the telco, or the VOIP provider I'm using.

Basically, I am using Asterisk as a proxy for my cell phone. People call 
in and the call gets forwarded to my personal number. The feature on my 
phone allows for unlimited phone calls from one number, any time, for 
$7/month, so I'm saving a bundle (I use it for outgoing too). However, 
whenever somebody calls in and the call is forwarded to my regular telco 
cell number, the number is coming up different e.g. instead of 478-9987 
(made up number) it is coming in as 383-6894. Since it is now a 
"different number" I am getting charged for incoming calls and my neat 
trick is no longer working.

I'd just like to know if anybody has an inkling as to where the problem 
might be. I've tried to use Asterisk to set the CallerID and nothing has 
changed. I have called both the telco and VOIP provider's tech support 
and they both seem to blame the other.

To make things even more strange, over the course of dozens and dozens 
of calls, I have twice received a call from the correct number! That is 
the 478-9987 number, not the 383-6894. But I have no idea what the 
conditions where to make that happen.

Additionally, it seems that most everybody else who gets a call from the 
Asterisk box receives the correct number, suggesting that the problem is 
with the telco. But I can't be certain, and besides their tech support 
is no help at all. I'm running out of options and I may need to switch 
providers.

I know this is only loosely related to Asterisk, but any help would be 
greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.