Posted on August 6, 2009 by smsgov
The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of new toll free numbers. Instead, they regulate the guidelines under which 1-800 numbers can be used and obtained. For instance, the FCC has declared that the hoarding and warehousing of numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines—recently illustrated by a citation for an $11,000 fine each day a California company continued to implement improper toll free practices. Numbers are assigned by toll free carriers (resp. orgs) and phone companies. Subscribers have the option of shopping around for the best quality and the best rates.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800 numbers. toll free number, fcc, fcc law, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 6, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free service has become a staple for businesses, organizations, and not-for-profits. According to reports, 98% of Americans use toll free numbers regularly. Businesses can see increases of as much as 600 percent if an advertisement includes a 1-800 number. Toll free numbers increase market reach, enhance customer confidence, establish recognition of brand image, and sustain businesses during times of a weak economy.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1967, 1980, 800 number, 800 numbers, business, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 5, 2009 by smsgov
The question of just how many really good toll free numbers remain available for new subscribers continues to circle throughout the telecommunications world. While we don’t have a precise figure, we can say for certain that the well is running dry. Experts advise that anyone interested in a toll free number should consider getting one immediately. There are an average of between 6,000 and 8,000 new toll free numbers registered daily. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply could eventually be depleted.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free numbers, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 5, 2009 by smsgov
Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number see increases in sales, word of mouth referrals and a decrease in product returns. Standard local phone service does not provide any of these advantages.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, local numbers, phone numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 4, 2009 by smsgov
During a recent discussion with members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee, it was agreed that if the database of toll free numbers isn’t beefed up soon, the finite supply of toll free numbers could run out. Last year, a plea for the deactivation of unused 800 numbers resulted in a temporary surge of numbers returned to the main database. But despite these mass replacements, the supply of available toll free numbers continues to dwindle as thousands of subscribers register for a toll free number each day. It’s time for some action.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: toll free, toll free practices | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 4, 2009 by smsgov
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to mandate landline phone companies to move faster when their subscribers request moving their phone number to a rival service. The commission will require companies to transfer, or “port,” landline phone numbers within one business day. Wireless numbers are typically ported within one day — in some cases within hours — and the FCC has determined that landline companies should move just as quickly.
The FCC wants procedures developed within about three months. The carriers will then have nine months to comply. Smaller carriers will get an extra six months, for a total of about a year and a half before the new rules will be set in motion.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: fcc, porting numbers, transfer phone service | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 3, 2009 by smsgov
1-800 numbers are available from large phone companies and from federally approved toll free service providers, Responsible Organizations. These smaller companies have the same access to the database of available phone numbers as AT&T and Verizon. However, service fees and features can vary greatly so the best thing we can do is to advise subscribers to research several toll free providers before signing up.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 3, 2009 by smsgov
The demand for retired numbers is so great that some companies are charging subscribers thousands of dollars to reserve one. Industry experts say that turnover of claimed numbers is minimal because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure an 800 number tend to keep it.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, long distance, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 2, 2009 by smsgov
The North Carolina State House has decided to free local telephone service providers from state regulation that for decades made sure the companies justified their prices, responded to consumer complaints and maintained service standards. The House members voted to allow 16 providers to cut loose from the Utilities Commission which sets conditions on rates, terms, and quality of their services.
Supporters said the phone companies need price deregulation because their former monopoly positions have been eroded under competition from wireless, Internet and cable television companies that are not regulated.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, phone company, telecommunications | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 2, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free service has a long history. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800 numbers are at an all-time low. More than two-thirds of the available numbers are taken and there are no immediate plans by the FCC to introduce a new pre-fix.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, free, toll, toll free, voip | Leave a comment »