Posted on August 8, 2009 by smsgov
The FCC has been clamping down on violations of Section 251 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, which prohibits the warehousing and hoarding of numbers. To ensure that toll free numbers are distributed in a fair and equitable way, the FCC is taking a close look at suspect activity. Recently they threatened an $11,000 daily fine to the owners of a California company for improper toll free use. This followed a string of unrelated instances, including at least one owner’s attempt to sell his numbers on eBay.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, fcc law, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 8, 2009 by smsgov
When an 800 number is disconnected, it eventually becomes available on the 800 Service Management System, (SMS/800) database. These retired numbers are in great demand and the competition to secure released numbers is fierce.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, 800 numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 7, 2009 by smsgov
The debate about toll free phone service continues. There has been a lot of discussion about concerns that the supply of available 1-800 numbers is nearly exhausted. There have not been any new toll free numbers introduced in the past nine years and an estimated 8,000 numbers or so are assigned each day. With demand high and supplies low telecommunications leaders are worried that this will create a real economic problem for United States businesses. Others argue that the problem is not too bad, yet. The debate continues.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free number, toll free rationing | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 7, 2009 by smsgov
Is concern growing about the diminishing stock of 800 numbers? It appears to be. Higher demand for toll free service, especially in this economy, is depleting stocks of good numbers. Studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent if a toll free number is advertised. These types of statistics bring in thousands of new toll free subscribers every day. And these subscribers want access to a good supply of available numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 6, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800 numbers. toll free number, fcc, fcc law, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 6, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free service has become a staple for businesses, organizations, and not-for-profits. According to reports, 98% of Americans use toll free numbers regularly. Businesses can see increases of as much as 600 percent if an advertisement includes a 1-800 number. Toll free numbers increase market reach, enhance customer confidence, establish recognition of brand image, and sustain businesses during times of a weak economy.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1967, 1980, 800 number, 800 numbers, business, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 5, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free numbers, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 5, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, local numbers, phone numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 4, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: toll free, toll free practices | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 4, 2009 by smsgov
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to mandate landline phone companies to move faster when their subscribers request moving their phone number to a rival service. The commission will require companies to transfer, or “port,” landline phone numbers within one business day. Wireless numbers are typically ported within one day — in some cases within hours — and the FCC has determined that landline companies should move just as quickly.
The FCC wants procedures developed within about three months. The carriers will then have nine months to comply. Smaller carriers will get an extra six months, for a total of about a year and a half before the new rules will be set in motion.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: fcc, porting numbers, transfer phone service | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 