Posted on July 29, 2009 by smsgov
New York State has launched a toll free number to help address its affordable housing crisis. Through a web site and toll free number, people in need of housing can be matched with landlords. This is a brand new initiative from the New York State Department of Health and the New York Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The toll-free number to the bilingual call center is 1-877-428-8844, staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: toll free, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 28, 2009 by smsgov
According to regulations enacted on April 11, 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) toll free phone numbers cannot be hoarded or brokered. These rules were approved after the FCC fielded numerous complaints about price gouging for catchy vanity numbers and popular numeric sequences. The FCC reports that anyone caught attempting to sell or broker an 800 number faces significant fines.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, hoarding, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 28, 2009 by smsgov
But the limited availability of toll free numbers could have an impact on small business owners. The supply is the lowest it has ever been, while popularity of 1-800 numbers is soaring. Insiders fear that customers waiting to secure a toll free 1-800 number or vanity number may find the supply of suitable numbers gone.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 numbers, all time low, short supply, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 27, 2009 by smsgov
It remains a mystery when the reserved toll free area codes will be released to address the shortage of toll free numbers. The addition of the reserved 855 and 844 area codes would bolster the depleted stock of and ease the burden within the industry. New area codes released in the 1990s temporarily fortified the existing toll free stock, allowing millions of businesses to secure profitable 1-800 numbers. It’s time to do that again.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 855 numbers, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 27, 2009 by smsgov
According to regulations enacted on April 11, 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) toll free phone numbers cannot be sold or brokered. These rules were approved after the FCC fielded numerous complaints about price gouging for catchy vanity numbers and popular numeric sequences.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number brokering, 800 numbers, brokers, number brokering, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 26, 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. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, data base, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 26, 2009 by smsgov
When starting a new company, there are many decisions to be made on communications, advertising, marketing, and customer service. Toll free phone service combined with virtual office systems streamlines management needs and reduces communications costs. With a toll free phone system that mimics corporate phone set-ups, any small business can have comprehensive telephone connections without having to install any new equipment or purchase new set-ups. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.
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Posted on July 25, 2009 by smsgov
When getting a full service toll free/virtual office system, advise your clients to carefully consider the options. For instance, they should think carefully before getting the type of automated system that may turn off potential customers. These systems can be effective for some types of businesses: but they can be a detriment for many others. Consider whether an automated system matches a company’s image. If they do decide to go with an IVR system, buying one instead of renting one typically makes more financial sense.
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Posted on July 25, 2009 by smsgov
The FCC began investigating hoarding of 800 numbers as far back as 1995, but despite the subsequent release of 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes, the practice continues to grow along with the skyrocketing popularity of toll free service. The FCC has the 855 pre-fix reserved to alleviate the shortage but has not yet announced plans to release those numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number hoarding, 800 numbers, fcc, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 24, 2009 by smsgov
In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior phone service.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, porting numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free transfer | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 