By a narrow defeat, telecommunications insiders say a proposal to ration the limited supply of existing toll free numbers has suffered a loss at 800 Services management System (SMS/800).
Rumors that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers was imminent circulated through the telecommunications industry earlier this month. Supplies of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are so depleted that availability is at an all-time low. But some say rationing the numbers, as the federal government did in 1995, is not the answer and could have a negative impact on the business community.
Once used primarily by big businesses, the 800, 888, 877, and 866 toll free numbers are now popular with small businesses, charities, churches, and for personal use. Toll free service has become a staple of all successful businesses. Demand has grown rapidly however the supply of numbers has remained stagnant. Despite this shortage, reserved 855 numbers are not expected to be released by the FCC for several years. Until a new pre-fix is launched, which could take years, it appears the race is on to secure the remaining numbers.
According to the FCC, toll free numbers are becoming increasingly popular for business and personal use. The supply of disconnected numbers is low because 800 numbers are extremely effective in helping businesses thrive. Toll free numbers increase market reach, enhance customer confidence, establish recognition of brand image, and sustain businesses during a weak economy.
Industry insiders are recommending that anyone wishing to obtain a toll free number secure one immediately. There are an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers registered each day. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply is nearly expended.
The best way to obtain a toll free number before rationing is imposed, or before supply runs out completely, is to contact a reliable toll free service provider that has access to the database of available numbers. Verizon and Qwest are providers that will assist subscribers in finding a quality toll free number at a very low cost.
21 responses so far ↓
smsgov // September 8, 2008 at 8:50 pm |
see also:
http://smsgov.com/2008/09/03/toll-free-number-ration-may-deny-or-delay-new-phone-service-applications/
Gary Hall // September 9, 2008 at 3:16 am |
Without a rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar.
Gregory Baker // September 10, 2008 at 1:44 am |
I really wish that I could get the 800 number of my horrible hosting company. Man.
Steven Garcia // September 10, 2008 at 7:58 pm |
Life becomes useless and insipid when we have no longer either friends or enemies.
Harold Turner // September 10, 2008 at 10:53 pm |
The wisest mind has something yet to learn.
Jimmy Diaz // September 12, 2008 at 12:00 am |
Why is abbreviation such a long word ?
Walter Mitchell // September 12, 2008 at 12:04 am |
interesting article. much appreciated
Daniel Thomas // September 12, 2008 at 6:42 pm |
I’m glad some of these truly buried numbers are published finally…
Carlos Henderson // September 13, 2008 at 9:27 pm |
Between thought and expression lies a lifetime.
Randy Wood // September 16, 2008 at 6:16 pm |
American Idol is gonna be a lot worse now…
Benjamin Ward // September 17, 2008 at 6:57 pm |
Copying from a single source is called plagiarism, copying from multiple source is called research.
Russell Coleman // September 20, 2008 at 1:28 am |
good point
Arthur Evans // September 21, 2008 at 5:39 am |
well said
Ralph Cooper // September 22, 2008 at 8:12 pm |
I’m glad some of these truly buried numbers are published finally…
John Johnson // September 23, 2008 at 1:30 am |
If you don’t know where you’re going how do you expect to get there ?
Ryan Edwards // September 23, 2008 at 3:07 pm |
My name is Werner Brandes, my voice is my passport. Verify me.
Chris Alexander // September 23, 2008 at 4:47 pm |
thanks – good thoughts
Charles Wilson // February 25, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
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