Michael Phillips, a Sand Springs city Oaklahoma councilman speak out on area code exhaustion

Posted on March 27, 2009 by smsgov

Regarding the depletion of telephone numbers in Tulsa Oaklahoma, Michael Phillips, a Sand Springs city Oaklahoma councilman speak out on area code exhaustion.

“In an area code split, any business in the new area code would incur expenses — new business cards, new stationery, changes in periodical advertising, changes in Web site design,” Phillips said. “Plus, individuals would have expenses. Extended families in other states would have to be notified.”

Filed under: Information | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

$11,000 fine for selling a toll free number

Posted on December 30, 2008 by smsgov

According to the FCC, anyone who is caught hoarding or selling toll free numbers will face severe penalties. In the past these have included an $11,000 fine per incident.
[ Continue article…]

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , | 3 Comments »

1(800) Phone Number Rationing Proposals

Posted on October 26, 2008 by smsgov

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.

Continue Article…

Filed under: Information | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

Phone Service Embargo in the U.S.

Posted on September 24, 2008 by smsgov

Telecommunications industry sources now say an unthinkable embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States is a real possibility within the next year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Recent reports have referred to the situation as the ‘the perfect storm” meaning the shortage of numbers, the soaring demand, and the failure of the federal government to release reserved numbers have all collided to create a situation in which rationing, an embargo or even a complete depletion of 800 numbers is possible.

More than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken and millions of new subscribers are registering every year. Business owners who wait much longer to obtain a number might find themselves out of luck. In a competitive market, a toll free number is a valuable commodity for every business.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a stockpile of new 855 numbers reserved to address the shortage but these numbers are not expected to be released anytime soon. With available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers at all all-time low, insiders fear the numbers will run completely dry, hurting business and creating an out-of-control black market.

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 can see almost instant increases in sales, word of mouth referrals, and a decrease in product returns and the FCC reports that toll free service is a “proven” marketing tool.

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. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply is nearly expended but numbers can safely and rapidly be obtained through providers such as AT&T, Verizon,  or Qwest.

Filed under: Information | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments »

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

Posted on September 3, 2008 by smsgov

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.

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.

To overcome shortages of 1-800 numbers in the past, 888 and 877 were introduced in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Then, in 2000 the 866 numbers debuted. But toll free numbers have become such a valuable commodity that the stock is once again depleted.

The value of a 1-800 number has become a necessity for any business. Toll free numbers allow callers to reach businesses, organizations and even friends and relatives without being charged for the call. A toll free number lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. There are no additional installations needed for a 1-800 number and the calls can be routed to any cell phone, landline, or fax. Studies show that sales can double and word of mouth referrals can increase by as much as 200% making toll free service indispensable for business.

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.

Filed under: Information | Tagged: , , , , , | 41 Comments »

« Previous Page