Posted on May 10, 2009 by smsgov
With demand of new toll free phone numbers high, but supplies low, telecommunications leaders are worried that this will create problems for United States businesses. The leading toll free service providers are reporting that 1-800 numbers are more in demand than ever before.
Yet, it still appears there are no immediate plans to release the reserved 855 pre-fixes.
While we wait for more supply, telecommunications experts advise anyone looking for a toll free number to obtain one now, before the supply runs even lower. Contact a reliable toll free service provider that has access to a large pool of available numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: toll free numbers, toll free phone, toll free services | 2 Comments »
Posted on May 10, 2009 by smsgov
A toll free number forward to, or rings, at any local number and on any phone. It does not require a special set-up of installation of any kind. There are four toll free pre-fixes, 800, 888, 877, and 866, and they all work the same way. Calls to these numbers are charged to the subscriber, not to the caller. Vanity numbers spell a word or phrase that relates to the business.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free service | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 9, 2009 by smsgov
At this point, law enforcement officers and intelligence agencies can seek permission from the courts to enact surveillance of telephone and computers as part of an investigation. They are authorized to do so by the Wiretapping Act of 1968, the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA), and the Patriot Act of 2001. Investigations involving monitoring phone calls must be specifically for solving a criminal case or intended for national security purposes.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: law enforcement, monitor calls, record converstions, surveillance, trace the call, wiretap | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 8, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free number, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 8, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 8, 2009 by smsgov
CALEA requires telecommunications carriers to modify their equipment, facilities, and services to aid surveillance capabilities. Initially there was some question as to whether this would apply to VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol service—but in 2005 the courts ruled that indeed VoIP must comply with CALEA.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: calea, california, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, phone numbers, phone service, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 7, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 7, 2009 by smsgov
When the popular 800 numbers became scarce, the FCC introduced the 888 and 877 numbers in the mid-1990s and the 866 pre-fix in 2000. Available stock of toll free numbers is quickly depleting and industry insiders are awaiting the release of the 855 numbers currently reserved by the FCC. Insiders say these numbers may not be released for several years.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, fcc, federal communications commission, phone number, toll free, toll free service | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 6, 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 and the service providers. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, service management system, sms-800, sms800, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 5, 2009 by smsgov
