Posted on November 14, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix debuted. It took just two years for that supply to run out. With the popularity of toll free service soaring and supplies dropping, the FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866. While insiders initially worried that consumers would not recognize 877 and 866 as toll free, these numbers have steadily grown in popularity.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 866, 866 number, 866 numbers, phone numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 13, 2009 by smsgov
In March 1998, the FCC ordered the fair distribution of vanity toll free numbers. The Commission concluded that assigning vanity numbers would be on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair allocation of numbers. The FCC decided that “a first-come, first-served process is also the most efficient method for assigning toll free numbers because it is the most easily administered and least expensive way to allocate numbers.” The FCC also announced that the the first-come, first-served system avoids disputes among subscribers over who is entitled to a particular number
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, fcc law, toll free number, vanity numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 13, 2009 by smsgov
Along with hoarding, the outright sale of specific toll free numbers is likewise illegal. Some crafty entrepreneurs have attempted to skirt the regulations by “leasing” or “renting” numbers. But industry insiders say the crackdown on illegal use of toll free numbers is aimed at this practice too.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, fcc, free, local numbers, number, toll, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 13, 2009 by smsgov
Google – Breaking Announcement
Google welcomes Gizmo5
Thursday, November 12, 2009 | 2:30 PM
Today we’re pleased to announce we’ve acquired Gizmo5, a company that provides Internet-based calling software for mobile phones and computers. While we don’t have any specific features to announce right now, Gizmo5’s engineers will be joining the Google Voice team to continue improving the Google Voice and Gizmo5 experience. Current Gizmo5 users will still be able to use the service, though we will be suspending new signups for the time being, and existing users will no longer be able to sign up for a call-in number.
We’ve acquired a number of small companies over the past five years, and the people and technology that have come to Google from other places have contributed in many ways, large and small, to all kinds of Google products. Since the GrandCentral team joined Google in 2007, they’ve done incredible things with Google’s technology and resources to launch and improve Google Voice.
We welcome the Gizmo5 team to Google and look forward to working together to bringing more useful features to Google Voice.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: gizmo5, google | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 12, 2009 by smsgov
Users who are waiting to reserve a number that will soon be returned to spare now know what time a given number will automatically spare. With the implementation of SMS/800 Release 16.0, numbers scheduled for automatic spare are released at 11 pm Central.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, status, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 12, 2009 by smsgov
On the heels of the arrest of a man trying to illegally sell his coveted 800 number to an undercover FBI agent, attempts by another seller trying to auction off his valuable toll free number on eBay have been shut down.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, auction, ebay, fcc, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 11, 2009 by smsgov
By law, phone numbers cannot be sold or brokered. In 1997, the FCC made the sale of 800 numbers illegal. Because of the short supply of available numbers, complaints were pouring in at that time that price gouging for the popular numbers was becoming a common practice. The FCC acted quickly, prohibiting sales.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, auction, ebay, number, phone, resp org, resporg, sell 800 numbers, vanity | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 11, 2009 by smsgov
1-866 numbers are increasing in popularity. For many subscribers, it is easier to find a suitable 1-866 number these days than a 1-800 number. They are widely recognized as toll free numbers. AT&T introduced 800 numbers in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix was introduced. It took just two years for that supply to run dry. The FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 1-866 numbers, 866, 866 area code, 866 pre-fix numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 11, 2009 by smsgov
In the past few years, proposals to ration toll free numbers have been narrowly defeated. Yet, rumors are still swirling that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers is imminent. 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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 10, 2009 by smsgov
In the past, 800 and 888 pre-fixes have been the most popular choices of subscribers. Experts say this was due mostly to the lack of public awareness that 877 and 866 were also toll free. But in recent years, this situation has changed. Reports now indicate that the majority of the public recognizes all four pre-fixes as toll free. Business owners are quickly taking advantage of the 877 numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855 number, 866, 877, 877 number, 877 numbers, 888 | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 