Posted on June 11, 2010 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 11, 2010 by smsgov
With good toll free telephone numbers becoming scarce, we still await news of the fate of the unused 855 area code toll free numbers. Last month we did hear rumors that the new collection of toll free numbers would soon be allowed for use. We also received a tip that there is “testing” of the yet-to-be-released 855 toll free telephone numbers. We didn’t get any specifics on what type of testing is being done on these area code numbers. The new 855 numbers would provide millions of opportunities for subscribers to get new custom toll free phone number for their business or personal use.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800 phone numbers, 855 numbers, toll free number, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 10, 2010 by smsgov
Disaster officials overseeing recovery operations in response to the severe storms and flooding in the North East in March have extended the deadline for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for disaster assistance until July 1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agreed to the extension after reviewing the stream of new registrations this spring. Those affected by the storms should register for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY/TDD 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired (for relay service, call 711 or 1-800-852-7897) between 7 a.m. and 1a.m., seven days a week.
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Posted on June 10, 2010 by smsgov
UPDATE: The scarcity of toll free numbers is having an impact on telecom businesses nationwide. At&t no longer has 800 area codes available through it’s online toll free look-up tool. A number of other providers have followed suit and stopped offering the 800 numbers to their telephone subscribers.
Read more here.
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Posted on June 9, 2010 by smsgov
The FCC currently holds in reserve the next generation of toll free numbers, the 855, 844, and 833 numbers. The unprecedented growth of telecommunication and internet marketing services in the past decade has made 1-800 phone numbers increasingly valuable. In the 1990s, the FCC released 888, 877, and 866 toll free area codes to address the low supply of 800 numbers. Now, with more and more people getting their own toll free telephone number for business and personal use, the supply of those four toll free area codes is dwindling. Time for 855 numbers!
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Posted on June 9, 2010 by smsgov
Last week, a member of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com acknowledged that the scarcity is causing a surge of subscribers scurrying to obtain the available toll free numbers. If supplies deplete much further, small businesses nationwide could see disastrous economic fallout. Toll free numbers are known as an effective marking strategy that increases customer base and boosts revenue.
Read more here.
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Posted on June 9, 2010 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.
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Posted on June 8, 2010 by smsgov
Wells Fargo has just announced a program to provide toll free phone service and other resources to help summer travelers. Wells Fargo can provide an instant replacement ATM card at Wells Fargo banks. If cards are lost, stolen or temporarily suspended, Wells Fargo can rush a replacement card to customers almost anywhere in the world. Customers can contact Wells Fargo toll free at 800-642-4720. To find an ATM, customers can call 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557).
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Posted on June 8, 2010 by smsgov
The stock of available toll free numbers is now so depleted that insiders say government agencies may implement another rationing of the 800, 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes within months. Rumors of a rationing program have subscribers scrambling to obtain numbers, creating an even more limited supply.
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.
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Posted on June 8, 2010 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.
Many providers are expected to follow suit.
Read more here.
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Toll Free Service Management System News 