Planned Toll-free Number Rationing May Deny or Delay New Phone Service Applications.

Rationing is not a new concept. After 800 numbers ran dry in 1995 the federal government rationed numbers until the 888 numbers were launched a year later. The rationing of toll free numbers could a tighter squeeze on U.S. businesses, already in trouble with a shaky economy. Toll free service is essential for new companies, start-ups and any business trying to get a competitive edge. Insiders are concerned that if the existing available 800 numbers are rationed, some businesses could be doomed.

The severe shortage of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers already has the toll free service industry feeling uneasy. Now that rumors are circulating that rationing of numbers is about to begin, experts say anyone who wants to obtain a toll free number had better act now.

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Toll-free Ration Bill Rejected at SMS800.

By a narrow defeat, telecommunications insiders say a proposal to ration the limited supply of existing toll free numbers has suffered a loss at 800 Services management System (SMS/800).

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855 Rumors Continue

Since reporting here last month that rumors were flying about the imminent release of 855 toll free area codes, we have been bombarded with questions and demands for follow-up information. So far, we have heard nothing definite. With the majority of existing numbers already taken, the need for new numbers is growing. Numbers with the 855 (and 844 and so on..) area codes are being held in reserve for this specific purpose. It’s been a decade since new toll free phone numbers have been released for public use and demand grows every year. It’s time.

If Supplies of Toll Frees Remain Low Proposed Rationing Of Toll-free Phone Numbers May Proceed As Planned.

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.

The popularity of the 1-800 number, launched in 1967, led the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add the new pre-fixes 888 and 877 in the mid-1990s. When availability of those numbers plummeted, 866 was added in 2000 to overcome the shortage. Since then, there have been no new pre-fixes introduced and supplies are rapidly shrinking.

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New 1-800 Hotlines Join So Many Others

In addition to the previously announced toll free numbers to help provide assistance and information about the swine flu, millions of other toll free hotlines are available to help people in distress, victims of natural disasters, or just for those seeking information or looking to report a problem.
When toll free service first became popular, a handful of 1-800 hotlines were established. Now, there are millions of 24-hour hotlines offering assistance for people in almost any circumstance.

SMS800 Provides Automatic Number Spare Release at 11PM Every Night

To help users get the numbers they wanted and to help alleviate system congestion, the SMS/800 Management Team worked with the Resp Orgs and the Federal Communications Commission to make the change and set a regular sparing schedule.

Users can go to the REL screen to verify the established time for sparing numbers.

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Toll-free Number Shortage May Deny or Delay New Phone Service Applications.

Facing an extreme dearth of 800 numbers, telecommunications experts are now concerned that a toll free number ration could delay new phone service applications. And in the midst of an economic meltdown, U.S. business owners could not imagine worse news.

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Allow 855 Into The System

The last time a new toll free telephone number was released, stock was limited, interest was growing and the economy was changing. The same situation is happening now and a new toll free area code, specifically the 855 numbers, would generate millions of new toll free possibilities for companies and for personal use throughout the United States and Canada. Discussions about the imminent release of 855 are abundant and we hope that the numbers are allowed into the system soon.

Toll-free Fax Numbers: Green Technology for Your Business

When choosing toll free service, subscribers can select from a menu of services—phone calls routed to land lines, faxes, emails etc. and a variety of other features that suit their needs and their budget. Once a number is assigned, it stays with the owner permanently. If a company grows or moves locations, the numbers goes with them, safeguarding the connection to all their customers.

Some service providers such as Qwest and Verizon allow fax messages to go straight to email. This convenience saves costly paper and immediately transports the message to the business owner or company representative. This type of service is good for customer relations, saves pricey paper fees, and saves the environment.

Read more here.

Proposed Rationing Of Toll-free Phone Numbers Considered

The stock of available toll free numbers is now so depleted that insiders say government agencies may implement another rationing of the 800, 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes within months. Rumors of a rationing program have subscribers scrambling to obtain numbers, creating an even more limited supply.

Read more here.