Scarcity of Numbers

Attended a very interesting telecommunications conference last last week, At one workshop, a member of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com discussed that the scarcity of available, good toll free numbers is causing a surge of subscribers scurrying to obtain toll free. Some of the attendees at the meeting fear that small businesses nationwide could see disastrous economic fallout. Toll free numbers are proven as an effective marking strategy that increases customer base and boosts revenue. The depletion of supplies are creating much discussion within the industry.

FCC Monitors Illegal Sales of Toll Free Numbers

The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers. However they do set and regulate the guidelines under which 800 numbers can be used and obtained. According to the FCC, hoarding and warehousing numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines.

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High Demand for Toll Free 866 Phone Numbers

866 numbers are the newest toll free numbers, released by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 to address the shortage of 800, 888, and 877 numbers. Once consumers began to recognize the 866 pre-fix as toll free, the value of 866 soared. Recent studies indicate that 9 out of 10 consumers recognize 866 as a toll free number. The 866 numbers are more popular then ever before, increasing in demand every day.

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