Rationing May Cause Further Damage to Weakened 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.

Read more here.

It’s Time For 855

As far as we can determine, there is still no word about a decision to allow more toll free area codes into the telecommunications marketplace. With the majority of existing numbers already taken, the need for new numbers is imminent. 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.

Business Owners Scared About Toll Free Decline

Heeding recent warnings about the rapid decline of 800 numbers, subscribers are applying for toll free service at record rates. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications are expected to continue to rise this year. With no information on when a new toll free area code will be released, business owners are hard pressed to find a number ASAP. Read more here.

Toll Free Rationing Taken into Consideration

There are no immediate plans to add another toll free pre-fix. In fact, the reserved 855 pre-fix numbers are not expected to be released for several years. Meanwhile, toll free phone numbers have become a staple of the business world and demand is consistently rising.

Industry insiders are recommending that anyone wishing to obtain a toll free number secure one immediately. There are an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers registered each day

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Toll Free Governmental Tax Assistance

With tax season in full swing and April 15 just a few weeks away, state and federal governments are accepting inquiries over changes in tax laws. Residents can call toll free numbers to learn more about any changes. Assistance can be obtained at the Internal Revenue Service hotline at 1-800-829-1040. Make sure you receive all your entitled deductions. Call toll free today for information and guidance.

Rationing Toll Frees Defeated

Rumors that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers was imminent circulated through the telecommunications industry earlier this month. Supplies of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are so depleted that availability is at an all-time low. But some say rationing the numbers, as the federal government did in 1995, is not the answer and could have a negative impact on the business community. Read more here.

SMS Provide Automatic Number Release to Lessen Strain

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.

Read more here.

Get Your Toll Free Up and Running Now

Heard from a distraught new business owner yesterday who tried seven combinations for a new toll free phone number. But all seven were already taken. He wanted to know about new toll free area codes. Should he wait, then use his favorite phrases when 855 became available? (his seven first-picks are all very common themes for his type of business so I was not surprised they were taken) Here is the advice I offered him: Work with an established, reputable service provider and find a suitable alternative to use for now. Get creative. Then talk to the provider about how to be prepared when the 855 numbers are released so he can jump on his first pick phrases right away. He is better off with an operating toll free phone number rather than standard service. So if he has to wait for awhile to get his preferred phrase with an 855 area code, in the meantime he will have another toll free number up and running.

Instant Access to Toll Frees

Advisors say the best way to obtain a toll free number before the supply runs out is to use a reliable toll free service provider that has access to the database of available numbers. For example, Verizon, or Qwest will assist subscribers in finding a quality toll free number at a very low cost. Find out more information here.

Toll Free and E-Fax Save Paper

Some service providers 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.