Car Dealers Find Benefit in Toll Free Numbers

From Dealer Marketing Magazine: Times have changed and finding the perfect and available toll-free phone number to use in your advertising campaigns is a challenge. Sure, you can get any numeric toll-free from your phone company, but who wants that? You want something unique and, in today’s economic environment, you need something unique to brand your dealership, bring in more leads, and stand out from your competition.

To FCC “Renting” or “Leasing” a Considered Same as Hoarding

Along with hoarding, the outright sale of specific toll free numbers is likewise illegal. Some crafty entrepreneurs have attempted to skirt the regulations by “leasing” or “renting” numbers. But industry insiders say the crackdown on illegal use of toll free numbers is aimed at this practice too.

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Officials Take Rationing of Toll-Free Phone Numbers into Consideration

The force behind the demand for toll-free numbers is not only the traditional business use: a growing market is comprised of residential customers. If rationing is implemented, obtaining a new toll free number will be more difficult than ever before.

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No Word on When Toll Free 855 Numbers Will Be Released

With several million new toll free numbers registered each year, the supply of toll free numbers is quickly depleting. The scarcity is causing a rush to obtain new toll free numbers or to register for disconnected numbers returned back to the system. Experts say this type of intense demand can lead to price-gouging and unethical hidden fees. The safest and most cost effective way to secure a toll free number is to contact a reputable service provider such as the one we list on our COMPANIES page at SMSGOV.COM.

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RADA Maintains Toll Free Hotline

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has launched a toll free number 1-888-429-5723 aimed at helping farmers obtain valuable agricultural information without being concerned about the cost. The toll free line will not only help to reduce farmers’ communication expenses, but will allow for quick access to credible technical information related to their operations. Another way toll free helps society and brings information to a community.

Obtaining an 800 Can Be Problematic

Toll free service has a long history. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800 numbers are at an all-time low. More than two-thirds of the available numbers are taken and there are no immediate plans by the FCC to introduce a new pre-fix.

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Obtaining a Toll Free is Relatively Simple

Getting toll free service has ever been easier. Service providers assign and reserve numbers off the database for their customers on a first-come, first-served basis. To get started, subscribers simply contact a service provider, find a suitable vanity number or numerical sequence, and then sign on for service. The process can’t get much simpler than that.

SMSGOV Approved Toll Free Service Providers

In addition to the complete list of toll free telephone companies SMSGOV.com maintains; SMS-GOV.US also maintains a list of approved Toll Free Service Providers. We have compiled the full list below:

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Supply of U.S. 1-800 Numbers Shrinking

According to the FCC, toll free numbers are becoming increasingly popular for business and personal use. The supply of disconnected numbers is low because 800 numbers are extremely effective in helping businesses thrive. Toll free numbers increase market reach, enhance customer confidence, establish recognition of brand image, and sustain businesses during a weak economy. Because businesses that offer 1-800 numbers prosper, disconnected numbers returned into the system are scarce.

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Federal Toll Free Management

The FCC has a long history of reviewing legislation with regard to the use of toll free. For instance, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 amended section 228 to impose more stringent restrictions on the use of toll-free numbers to charge consumers for information services. On July 11, 1996, the Commission amended its rules governing interstate pay-per-call (900 numbers) and other information services to address abusive practices that threatened public confidence in toll-free numbers and left telephone subscribers vulnerable to unexpected charges for calls and information services.