Despite Shape Of Economy, Toll Free Applications On The Rise

In the past year, the telecommunications industry has seen a steady increase in toll free subscribers. It appears to be in response to recent reports about the rapid decline of available 800 numbers, coupled with growing public awareness about the effectiveness of having a 1-800 number. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications. In recent years, reports indicate that an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers have been assigned daily. If this number continues to increase, and the reserved 855 numbers are not released, the shortage of available numbers will eventually have a detrimental impact on new businesses.

Toll Free Supply Debate Continues

The debate about toll free phone service continues. There has been a lot of discussion about concerns that the supply of available 1-800 numbers is nearly exhausted. There have not been any new toll free numbers introduced in the past nine years and an estimated 8,000 numbers or so are assigned each day. With demand high and supplies low telecommunications leaders are worried that this will create a real economic problem for United States businesses. Others argue that the problem is not too bad, yet. The debate continues.

Victims of Crime Protected Through Toll Free Number

Crime victims now have more access to information about the custody status of their offenders thanks to a new toll free service provided by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Citizens can call the LAVNS’ toll-free hot line at 866-LAVNS-4-U to find out if their offender is in jail. They also can register to be notified when that offender is released or if that offender escapes. The victim will receive notification calls regarding the status every half-hour for 48 hours.

New Concern Over Diminishing Supplies of 800 Numbers

Is concern growing about the diminishing stock of 800 numbers? It appears to be. Higher demand for toll free service, especially in this economy, is depleting stocks of good numbers. Studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent if a toll free number is advertised. These types of statistics bring in thousands of new toll free subscribers every day. And these subscribers want access to a good supply of available numbers.

1-800 Numbers Help Vets Reach Services This Holiday Weekend

This week of July Fourth, veterans’ groups nationwide typically receive twice the number of inquiries and requests for help than at other times of the year. usual. There are numerous veterans advocacy services available through 1-800 phone number inquiries. There are several dozen toll free numbers listed exclusively for organizations and agencies offering some type of service for U.S. veterans. (866-VETS-NJ4U and 800-273-TALK are two examples.)

Call Capture Now Standard

The Call-Capture feature, available from some toll free carriers, is an indispensable marketing tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Using Real-Time Automatic Number Identification (ANI) every single call to a 1-800 number can be identified. ANI provides a business owner with the caller’s ten-digit phone number, even if the call came from a blocked number. With this tracking feature these blocked calls can be unblocked and made available to the subscriber. With every call to a toll free number accounted for, the subscriber can develop very specific marketing plans.

1-800 Number Supply Dramatically Reduced

With more than 8,000 toll free numbers registered each day, the supply of available numbers is quickly depleting. This scarcity is causing a rush to obtain new toll free numbers or obtain disconnected numbers returned back to the system.

Toll free numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are at an all-time low.

Read more here.

Shortage + Demand = Crisis

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.

Read more here.

Most 800 Numbers Unavailable

UPDATE: The scarcity of toll free numbers is having an impact on telecom businesses nationwide. At&t no longer has 800 area codes available through it’s online toll free lookup tool. A number of other providers have followed suit and stopped offering the 800 numbers to their telephone subscribers.

Read more here.

More Realtors Using Toll Free Numbers

Home prices and sales dropped again in the first quarter of 2010. Realtors throughout the country are tackling the ongoing housing crisis by offering toll free phone numbers. This marketing trend is aimed at helping struggling homeowners contact real estate agents without the burden of costly phone calls. By offering a 1-800 number, realtors can help cash-strapped sellers negotiate a quick sale before they fall into a foreclosure situation. Homeowners in trouble can reach out for free and discuss all their sales options with an experienced realtor.