Breaking Down the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)

As part of an investigation, law enforcement agencies or intelligence services can tap into a phone call or trace the origin of the call without advising any of the parties involved in the communications.

This means that all VoIP phone service, including toll free providers using VoIP, is subjected to the surveillance provisions under CALEA.

Read more here.

Toll Free Service May Come to a Halt

Telecommunications industry sources now say an unthinkable embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States is a real possibility within the next year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Read more here.

Toll Free Simple Solution for Tickets and Info

NASCAR and Convergys Corporation have launched a toll free phone number for fans to call for all their NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Series tickets needs. Fans can call 1-866-GO-NASCAR for tickets and information to NASCAR events across the country. This toll free number allows one single, easy-to-remember free phone number for tickets and information. Research conducted by Convergys in 2010 found that more than half of consumers prefer a self-service solution like a toll free number.

Clearing Up Misunderstandings

Although we have discussed this on this site previously, it seems there are still some misunderstandings about the FCC’s role in toll free practice. The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers, however they do regulate the guidelines under which 1-800 numbers can be used and obtained. For instance, 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 and phone companies.

Your Thoughts On 855 numbers

As our readers know, we believe it is time for the new 855 toll free telephone are codes to be released. We have, many times, noted the limited number of available toll free numbers and the growing need. We have written our opinion that the new numbers will ease the burden and decrease illegal hoarding and distribution. And we mention again that its been a decade since any toll free area codes have been unveiled. We’d like to hear from you? What are your thoughts on this subject?

FCC Must Keep The Public Informed

In recent years, the limited availability of new toll free numbers has created an intense and competitive demand for valuable 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers. Following the emergence of a black market for these numbers, sources say federal authorities are cracking down on illegal toll free practices, including reports of attempts to sell or lease numbers off eBay. Let’s hope so.
With depleted supplies leading to a growth of illegal hoarding and leasing practices, experts say it is imperative that subscribers be informed on the proper acquisition and use of toll free numbers. Its incumbent upon the FCC and telecommunications companies to educate subscribers.

What is A RespORG?

We have had a few inquiries about the meaning of a RespOrg. Well, here it is: A RespOrg is a companies that has access to the Service Management System (SMS) database that houses and controls toll free phone numbers. The FCC established RespOrgs in 1993 as part of the program to allow toll free portability. Every ten-digit toll free phone number is managed by a RespOrg. A RespOrg can be a telephone company or an independent service provider.

What is the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)?

As part of an investigation, law enforcement agencies or intelligence services can tap into a phone call or trace the origin of the call without advising any of the parties involved in the communications.

This means that all VoIP phone service, including toll free providers using VoIP, is subjected to the surveillance provisions under CALEA.

Read more here.

Educate Yourself

As telecommunications experts, we are actively spreading the word about the scarcity of good toll free numbers. Are we succeeding? Business owners should be educated and prepared for the shortfall at a time when they may need the advantages of toll free the most. With the economy still floundering, this dearth of available 1-800 numbers comes at a time when economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free to attract consumers and sustain relationships with existing customers. We know that toll free helps businesses. But getting good numbers, with supplies dwindling, is becoming a challenge. The best advice, still, is to obtain a good toll free phone number today.

Gain Profit. Reduce Overhead. Virtual Offices

Gain profit. Reduce expenditures and overhead. These are two of the benefits of a virtual office. 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. Employees can work from home or on the road. Calls can be transferred from one staff member to another. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.