Posted on September 5, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, ration, sms, sms800, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 5, 2009 by smsgov
The SMS/800 Data Center houses the main database of available toll free 800, 888, 877 and 866 phone numbers for the United States and Canada. The SMS/800 maintains and updates the database and keeps records of the owners of each number. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, database, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 4, 2009 by smsgov
When starting a new company, there are many decisions to be made on communications, advertising, marketing, and customer service. Toll free phone service combined with virtual office systems streamlines management needs and reduces communications costs. With a toll free phone system that mimics corporate phone set-ups, any small business can have comprehensive telephone connections without having to install any new equipment or purchase new set-ups. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.
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Posted on September 4, 2009 by smsgov
In addition to the recently announced toll free numbers to help provide assistance and information about the swine flu, millions of other toll free hotlines are available to help people in distress, victims of natural disasters, or just for those seeking information or looking to report a problem.
When toll free service first became popular, a handful of 1-800 hotlines were established. Now, there are millions of 24-hour hotlines offering assistance for people in almost any circumstance.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, hotlines, swine flu, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 3, 2009 by smsgov
When getting a full service toll free/virtual office system, advise your clients to carefully consider the options. For instance, they should think carefully before getting the type of automated system that may turn off potential customers. These systems can be effective for some types of businesses: but they can be a detriment for many others. Consider whether an automated system matches a company’s image. If they do decide to go with an IVR system, buying one instead of renting one typically makes more financial sense.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, automated, IVR, toll free, virtual office | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 3, 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 September 2, 2009 by smsgov
The FCC began investigating hoarding of 800 numbers as far back as 1995, but despite the subsequent release of 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes, the practice continues to grow along with the skyrocketing popularity of toll free service. The FCC has the 855 pre-fix reserved to alleviate the shortage but has not yet announced plans to release those numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number hoarding, 800 numbers, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 2, 2009 by smsgov
Bills have passed in the House and Senate that provide credit cards with severe restrictions to help some people restore their credit ratings, ravaged in the recent economy. The bills require the credit card companies to provide toll free numbers to offer financial management and credit counseling.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free hotline, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 1, 2009 by smsgov
In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior phone service.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, porting numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free transfer | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 1, 2009 by smsgov
The federal government rationed coveted 800 numbers in 1995 until the new 888 pre-fix was introduced a year later. But the U.S. supply of available 1-800 numbers, dwindling for years, is again nearly depleted. Toll free numbers enable callers to reach businesses, organizations, and non-profits without having to pay for the call. This marketing tool has been so successful that the available 1-800 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855, 855 area code, 866, 877, 888, att, qwest, ration, rationing, toll free, verizon | Leave a comment »
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