Posted on June 25, 2009 by smsgov
The severe shortage of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers already has the toll free service industry feeling uneasy. Now that rumors are circulating that rationing of numbers is about to begin, experts say anyone who wants to obtain a toll free number had better act now.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 800 numbers, ration, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 24, 2009 by smsgov
After a recent blog post on regulation, a reader requested an example of how regulators have controlled the improper use of toll free numbers. Here’s one: In 2005, the FCC yanked control of 1-800-RED-CROSS from a private California business owner who was leasing the use of the number to local chapters of the Red Cross. When the charity filed a formal complaint, the FCC determined that the brokering was illegal and handed over control of the number to the non-profit.
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Posted on June 24, 2009 by smsgov
The state owned telecom operator, MTNL is going to offer 3G phone services. MTNL will offer the 3G high-speed data mobile phone free services initially to its high-spending mobile customers for a period of two months on a trial basis.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 3g, india, New Delhi, telecom | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 23, 2009 by smsgov
Word of potential rationing of toll free numbers has been floating through the gossip mill lately. Rationing of toll free numbers is not a new concept. After 800 numbers ran dry in 1995 the federal government rationed numbers until the 888 numbers were launched a year later. Toll free service is essential for every business trying to get a competitive edge in tis economy. Insiders are concerned that if the existing available 800 numbers are rationed, some businesses could lose a viable marketing strategy.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free ration | 1 Comment »
Posted on June 23, 2009 by smsgov
Due to the ongoing scarcity of 800 area code phone numbers, recent reports are indicating that phone companies are beginning to raise the cost to obtain 800 numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800, 800 number, 800 numbers, 800 service | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 22, 2009 by smsgov
This seems to be a hot topic these days. Under rules established in 1997 by the FCC, toll-free service providers cannot reserve a toll-free number without having an actual toll-free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. By law, available numbers must be doled out on a first-come, first served basis off the main database maintained by the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800). Hoarding numbers is likewise illegal. A subscriber may not acquire more toll-free numbers than they intend to use. By FCC definition, “hoarding” also includes “brokering” which is the illegal lease or sale of toll-free numbers for a fee.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 800 numbers, fcc, toll free brokering, toll free practices | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 22, 2009 by smsgov
SMSGOV.com is home to the Toll Free Advisory Committee (TAC). The Toll Free Advisory Committee (TAC) is a self regulated association of telecom companies. We work as an external layer within the toll free industry. We aggregate news and information involving Responsible Organizations and regulatory agencies including the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the Service Management System (SMS800.)
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Posted on June 22, 2009 by smsgov
The Google brand is ubiquitous. You’d have to make a concerted effort to avoid all the Googley things that GoogleGoogle reviewsGoogle reviews has Googled. But what if some of the most useful Google iPhone apps…weren’t made by Google at all?
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Posted on June 21, 2009 by smsgov
There is a misconception that changing toll free carriers will cause an interruption in phone service. Carriers need to make sure subscribers understand that in most instances service can be transferred without any down time. If working with quality companies, the subscriber should fine the transfer to be seamless. The bulk of the work is completed before the new phone company forwards a transfer request and this process should take just a few days. To educate the consumer, toll free providers should discuss the transfer process with potential subscribers who may be suffering with poor quality toll free service because they fear costly interruptions if they transfer.
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Posted on June 21, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free service has gone through several incarnations over the past four decades. First, 800 numbers were primarily used by big business. This is still the case—almost all of the Fortune 500 companies have an 800 number. Then, toll free service became more affordable and easy to obtain, causing a surge in use by small businesses, online companies, and not-for-profits. Now, personal use is all the rage.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 numbers, 866, 877, 888, home phone, local, local numbers, numbers, phone number, phone numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »