[kurun]

Metropolitan Toronto uses 416 and 647 area codes, (647 is an "overlay" on the original 416 Toronto area code).

All calls from any 416 or 647 area code Bell Canada phone lines to 416 or 647 numbers are local and hence free whether mobile or land lines.

Municipalities that share a border with the 416/647 area code are in the 905 area code, and can call the 416/647 area code for free.

In general a call is charged if the called number is more than one municipality away. Yes, it is confusing, as the border line of the specific regions is not clearly identified, except perhaps in the local phone books, and perhaps some specific website dealing with this.

If you call a 647 number from Newmarket, the little voice will tell you if you dialled incorrectly ie. left the 1 out ("You have dialled a number to which long distance charges apply. You must dial 1 or 0 before the number you are calling"), and then you dial again.

If you want a number reachable by the largest number of people without a charge, than a 647 or 416 number is the best one to get for Southern Ontario, unless you get a 1800 toll free number.

If you use a voip provider, this problem disappears, because most providers accept the international dialling method (00+Country Code+AreaCode+Phonenumber), and then you have to use the "1" anyway or add it via some kind of dial plan, in Voxalot or in your ATA.