Posted on September 5, 2010 by smsgov
The indisputable success of toll free phone numbers in the marketing world is the source of much discussion. It appears to be fail-proof. Customers who make transactions over the phone tend to order more merchandise than by internet or mail. Customer returns tend to decrease dramatically if customer support is provided over the phone. An response rates soar when advertisements include a toll free number. Studies show that customers equate toll free numbers with high quality services and products. Any company with a quality toll free number–especially a vanity number that matches their brand, name or image–sends the message that their products and services are of superior quality to those of a competitor.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, custom number, customer service, customers, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 4, 2010 by smsgov
As with any commodity in high demand, a black market for toll free numbers is growing. And we here that regulators are scrambling to control the illegal sales of valuable 800 numbers. With toll free service soaring in popularity while finite supplies of available numbers drop, attempts to illegally buy and sell choice numbers on the black market is increasing.
According to regulations enacted in 1997 by 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. The FCC reports that anyone caught attempting to sell or broker an 800 number faces significant fines.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800 numbers, black market, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 3, 2010 by smsgov
Industry big-wigs are getting more and more creative with the use of toll free telephone numbers. Motorists in metropolitan areas are noticing billboards featuring a toll free number that is in fact a hidden movie advertisement for “The Virginity Hit,” a mockumentary about a teenager trying to lose his virginity. Callers to the toll free number are greeted by an automated message from Zack Pearlman, one of the film’s stars. The movie producers appear to be using a temporary toll free phone number to create a media storm and some controversy which will then bring attention to the movie, made by and featuring unknowns. There are always creative ways to use toll free to boost any type of business.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800 phone numbers, 1-888 numbers, toll free marketing, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 1, 2010 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, fcc, fcc law, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 31, 2010 by smsgov
We appreciate our growing readership and feedback on our SMSGOV blog. occasionally we get an inquiry about what SMSGOV is so here are some details: SMSGOV.com is home to the Toll Free Advisory Committee (TAC). The Toll Free Advisory Committee (TAC) is a self regulated association of telecom companies. We work as an external layer within the toll free industry. We aggregate news and information involving Responsible Organizations and regulatory agencies including the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the Service Management System (SMS800.)
We provide a public resource on the topics of telecom and 800 numbers that are accessible to the general public.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, resp org, responsible organization, SMS GOV, sms800, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 30, 2010 by smsgov
With the economy rebounding, corporations and professional employment recruiters are looking to hire en masse. And they are beginning to use toll free phone numbers to attract qualified applicants. For example, Timesjobs.com has launched an initiative- DialBPOJobs–a voice based call-in service which allows Business Process Outsourcing companies which employ telemarketers or tele-support service operators, to screen applicants. Applicants call a toll free phone number 1-800-3000-3003. This is another way that toll free service is helping both big corporations and people looking for work.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 800 numbers, employment recruiters, toll free, toll free phone number | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 30, 2010 by smsgov
From Dealer Marketing Magazine: Times have changed and finding the perfect and available toll-free phone number to use in your advertising campaigns is a challenge. Sure, you can get any numeric toll-free from your phone company, but who wants that? You want something unique and, in today’s economic environment, you need something unique to brand your dealership, bring in more leads, and stand out from your competition.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, auto dealers, marketing, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 29, 2010 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 numbers, 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free numbers, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 28, 2010 by smsgov
We had a question about NANPA–The North American Numbering Plan Administration. So here is what this group does: As administrator of the 800-855 resource, NANPA is responsible for assigning 800-855 numbers and maintaining an accurate record of the entity responsible for each assignment. The 800-855 resource is to be used only for the purpose of accessing public services on the PSTN intended for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. And, if a service provider goes out of business, or if the assignee no longer provides the services for which the 800-855 number was assigned, the number must be returned to NANPA.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 800 numbers, 800-855 numbers, nanpa, resp org, Service Providers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 26, 2010 by smsgov
Experts warn that the U.S. supply of available 1-800 numbers, dwindling for years, is now nearly depleted.
Toll free numbers enable callers to reach businesses, organizations, and non-profits without having to pay for the call. This marketing tool has been so successful that the available 1-800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 1800, 1800number, 800, 800 number, 800 numbers | Leave a comment »
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