855 Coming Soon?

The rumor mill is really grinding this week with speculation that the release of the new 855 toll free area codes is coming sooner than we expected–maybe even within a few weeks. We are on top of this, investigating, and we will keep our readers posted. As soon as we hear anything definitive, we will let you know.

Toll Free Donations Continue 90 Days After Haiti Earthquake

Millions in donations for Haiti relief came through toll free phone numbers established by charitable organizations in the past 90 days. The American Red Cross has released a three-month progress report on its efforts in Haiti since the January earthquake and described its plans to support Haiti’s recovery over the next five years. Since the earthquake, the American Red Cross has raised more than $409 million for Haiti relief and recovery and has spent approximately $111 million. Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Unique Features Of Toll Free Service

Among the many benefits of signing on for toll free phone service are the many unique features available. Calls can be routed to an any other phone line and faxes can be routed to email. These state-of-the-art features are not available from most typical phone service providers. 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. Just be sure to deal with a reputable, credentialed service provider.

855 Still In Abeyance

855 toll free phone numbers are still held in abeyance. We hear that the release could be as early as next year but nothing has been confirmed. We do know that the new toll free area codes (855, 844…) would allow millions of new toll free combinations for business owners and for personal users of toll free. The new numbers would allow for creative new custom numbers not currently available. The release of 855 area code phone numbers in 2011 is a good idea for the US economy and we hope the rumors are true. The minute we hear any confirmation we will advise our readers so they can contact toll free service providers to arrange for their new numbers.

iPad Launch. Get App With Toll Free Number

Apple expects to double its expectations of sales of the iPad due to a huge initial interest this past weekend. If you have a business and do not yet have an APP, it is time to get one. And be sure to attach a toll free phone number. Give every iPad, iPhone etc, user the opportunity to access you through an inventive APP (get creative!) and then to contact you or your representative for free through a toll free phone number. APP consultants can help you create a feature that will draw millions of consumers and a good toll free service provider can help craft the perfect custom toll free number to go along with your new APP.

NorthEast Flood Victims Seek Relief Through Toll Free

Thousands of victims of massive floods in the northeast states this week are reaching out to FEMA and other agencies for help. Residents and business owners can start the application process by calling 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or 1 (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone service is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their insurance coverage. President Barack Obama on Monday issued a disaster declaration for many New England counties. The relief applies to rainstorms occurring March 12 or later.

Virtual Office Systems

Virtual offices are popping up all over the place. 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.
Get more info on virtual offices here.

Peanut Toll Free

The Indiana Health Department set up a toll-free line to help confused consumers identify peanut products now recalled for possible salmonella exposure. The list is so big it would take 400 pages if you tried to print it all out. Read the full story here.

Release 855 Numbers To Improve Finances

If you have been keeping up with recent financial reports in our industry you know that total industry revenues are fluid and in some cases decreasing. Telecommunications services in 2007 were about $238 billion, compared to about $237 billion in 2006. Revenues for fixed local service providers remained at about $78 billion, while wireless service providers’ revenues increased to about $117 billion, from about $110 billion, and toll service providers’ revenues decreased to about $43 billion, from about $49 billion. One way to get the toll free providers’ more revenue is to release the 855 numbers. We hope the FCC heeds this advice.

Higher Cost Canadian Toll Frees

Bell Canada recently announced it is increasing its rates for toll free service. This is an important reminder that subscribers should carefully shop around before signing on for toll free service.Read more about this increase here.