Posted on September 15, 2010 by smsgov
With 1-800 numbers becoming more and more difficult to obtain, some business owners are finding relief by securing 877 numbers.
Supplies of 800 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing. According to the Federal Communications Commissions, toll free service is a valuable commodity for businesses and popularity is consistently on the rise. The availability of toll free numbers is plummeting yet there are no immediate plans by the FCC to overcome the shortage by launching the reserved 855 numbers
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855, 855 number, 866, 877, 877 number, 877 numbers, 888, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 15, 2010 by smsgov
As for the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act, virtually all common carriers and telecommunications companies are subject to the regulations under CALEA. This means all telephone communications can be monitored as part of legal, warranted, surveillance by law enforcement agencies. However, fiber optic communications are a possible exception for some wiretapping purposes because detecting transmission through the fiber optic cables is very difficult.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, calea, telecommunications, toll free, toll free phone | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 14, 2010 by smsgov
Of course, the hospitality industry has used toll free phone numbers as a major part of their marketing programs for decades. But now, some have taken it to a new level with a secondary number fro preferred customers. Starting this week, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. will introduce its highly-anticipated luxury frequent guest stay program. Creation of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is based on strong customer feedback and demand for a world-class loyalty program that recognizes its members. Membership will be complimentary and guests are invited to enroll by calling toll free at 1.800.241.3333, or, by contacting The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Guest Services at 1.866.922.6882. This is another creative way businesses are sidestepping the competition using toll free.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-866 numbers, hotel rewards programs, tol free, toll free marketing | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 14, 2010 by smsgov
Last year Verizon Communications Inc. told Comcast Corp. that its Verizon-bashing “Don’t Fall for FiOS” advertisements are false and asked the cable giant to fix them in a “cease and desist” letter. Among other advertising claims, Comcast says that a comparable triple-play bundle of TV, phone and Internet service from Verizon can cost $400 more a year, after promotions expire, than one from Comcast. The case was eventually settled however, Comcast still faces heightened competition from Verizon and AT&T Inc., which are investing billions of dollars into new equipment to deliver TV and Internet along with their phone service in Comcast’s core markets. Verizon or AT&T compete in about 25 percent of Comcast’s franchise areas.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: Comcast, phone service, telecommunications, verizon | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 14, 2010 by smsgov
Posted on September 13, 2010 by smsgov
All telecommunications companies as defined by the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) must maintain updated system securities plans with the Federal Communications Commission. Internet providers and VOIP service providers were required to submit their initial plan by March 2007 and now must provide updated material as mandated by CALEA. Virtually all common carriers and telecommunications companies are subject to the regulations under CALEA. This means that all VoIP phone service, including toll free providers using VoIP, is subjected to the surveillance provisions under CALEA.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: calea, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, phone service, telecommunications | 1 Comment »
Posted on September 13, 2010 by smsgov
What happens if regulators discover illegal hoarding or sales of toll free numbers. If the FCC discovers illegal hoarding, they immediately send out disconnect and suspend letters to the owner of the numbers. Additionally, the brokering of toll free numbers can result in hefty fines. Remember, last year, an astounding daily fine of $11,000 was reportedly imposed on a California company accused of improperly using toll free numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: fcc, fcc law, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 12, 2010 by smsgov
It is interesting that toll free phone service in recent years is surpassing standard in popularity with businesses.The popularity of 1-800 numbers is exceeding industry expectations. Toll free phone service has increased at such a fast pace that the supply of available 1-800 numbers is at an all-time low. According to the Federal Communications Commission 1-800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are increasingly popular for businesses and for personal use. But the new 855 numbers, when introduced, should meet the growing demand–temporarily.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 1-800 service, 855 area codes, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 12, 2010 by smsgov
The Timesunion.com has reported troubles with broadband phone service and 911. Phone service over the Internet can cause problems for callers trying to reach 911 that traditional phone lines (and fiber optic technology) don’t have. Emergency assistance professionals are advising callers whose home phone line is the Internet to manually check to see that the 911 system knows where to find them.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, broadband, fiber optics, phone service, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 12, 2010 by smsgov
When advising our toll free customers, it is important that we steer them toward selecting a number that suits their company image and one that can be easily recalled by their consumers and clients. We also must take the time to remind them to always include their 800 numbers on your business cards, brochures, website, and to advertise the number liberally. Our advice as telecommunications experts is invaluable to business owners using toll free as a marketing strategy.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, marketing, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 