How-to Become an Approved Toll Free Resporg

The application process consists of three main steps:

1. Fill out and submit the 10 page Service Establishment Form.
2. Send your deposit to the SMS800 Help Desk. (about $4000)
3. Study for and pass the certification test

You can begin the application process by clicking here

The FCC’s Administration of Toll Free Numbers

The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of new toll free numbers. Instead, they regulate the guidelines under which 1-800 numbers can be used and obtained. For instance, the FCC has declared that 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 (resp. orgs) and phone companies. Subscribers have the option of shopping around for the best quality and the best rates.

Pfizer Establishes Toll Free Number For Unemployed

Pfizer has launched a new toll free number as part of a program to provide people with free prescription drugs for up to a year to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance. To be eligible, people must have lost their job since January 1st and have been on Pfizer drugs for three months or more before that. Patients can call a toll-free number, 866-706-2400, to sign up.

Don’t Hesitate to Establish Toll Free Service

More than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken and millions of new subscribers are registering every year. Business owners who wait much longer to obtain a number might find themselves out of luck. In a competitive market, a toll free number is a valuable commodity for every business.

Read more here.

The Need to Release New Toll Free Numbers

A reminder of the need for new toll free area codes: more than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken and millions of new subscribers are registering every year. Business owners who wait much longer to obtain a number might find themselves out of luck. In a competitive market, a toll free number is a valuable commodity for every business. To manage fair distribution of the numbers remaining, federal agencies have cracked down on the illegal sale of 800 numbers and the hoarding, or stockpiling, of numbers and this is helping somewhat. The real solution, many say, is the release of reserved toll free numbers.

Scarcity of 800 Numbers Becomes Concern

The question of just how many really good toll free numbers remain available for new subscribers continues to circle throughout the telecommunications world. While we don’t have a precise figure, we can say for certain that the well is running dry. Experts advise that anyone interested in a toll free number should consider getting one immediately. There are an average of between 6,000 and 8,000 new toll free numbers registered daily. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply could eventually be depleted.

(800) Numbers A Cut Above Standard Service

Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number see increases in sales, word of mouth referrals and a decrease in product returns. Standard local phone service does not provide any of these advantages.

Read more here.

A Reminder About Triggerfish Technology and It’s Applications

As one of the documents intended to provide guidance for DOJ employees explains, triggerfish can be deployed “without the user knowing about it, and without involving the cell phone provider.” That may be significant because the legal rulings requiring law enforcement to meet a high “probable cause” standard before acquiring cell location records have, thus far, pertained to requests for information from providers, pursuant to statutes such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) and the Stored Communications Act.

Read more here.

Toll Free Advisory Determines Shortage Imminent

During a recent discussion with members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee, it was agreed that if the database of toll free numbers isn’t beefed up soon, the finite supply of toll free numbers could run out. Last year, a plea for the deactivation of unused 800 numbers resulted in a temporary surge of numbers returned to the main database. But despite these mass replacements, the supply of available toll free numbers continues to dwindle as thousands of subscribers register for a toll free number each day. It’s time for some action.

Workshop Centers on Toll Free Scarcity

During a workshop at an upcoming telecommunications conference, members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com will be discussing the scarcity of available, good toll free numbers and how it is causing a surge of subscribers scurrying to obtain toll free. At previous discussions some of the attendees have feared that small businesses nationwide could see disastrous economic fallout. Toll free numbers are proven as an effective marking strategy that increases customer base and boosts revenue. The depletion of supplies are creating much discussion within the industry.