Pool of U.S. Toll Free Numbers Running Low

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.

Toll Free Keeps Stressed Businesses Afloat

Economic stress in late 2009 and the first half of 2010 has led to the closings of thousands of retail stores. Nonetheless, many of these companies have stayed profitable through phone and web sales. The majority of sales from catalog and websites are still made through toll free phone calls. And these days, large chain stores like WalMart and Target offer shoppers the convenience of buying over the phone (800-966-6546 WalMart; 800-440-0680, Target). Toll free has helped many retail companies, large and small, stay afloat during this recession.

Supply of 800 Area Codes Remain Low

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 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.

Here to Advise

When advising our toll free customers, it is important that we steer them toward selecting a number that suits their company image and one that can be easily recalled by their consumers and clients. We also must take the time to remind them to always include their 800 numbers on your business cards, brochures, website, and to advertise the number liberally. Our advice as telecommunications experts is invaluable to business owners using toll free as a marketing strategy.

1-800 Numbers All but Gone

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 look-up tool. A number of other providers have followed suit and stopped offering the 800 numbers to their telephone subscribers.

Read more here.

Old Problems Surface Again

Word of potential rationing of toll free numbers has been floating through the gossip mill lately. Rationing of toll free numbers 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. Toll free service is essential for every business trying to get a competitive edge in tis economy. Insiders are concerned that if the existing available 800 numbers are rationed, some businesses could lose a viable marketing strategy.

Increasing Prices of 800 Numbers Could Hurt Economy

Due to the ongoing scarcity of 800 area code phone numbers, recent reports are indicating that phone companies are beginning to raise the cost to obtain 800 numbers.

Many providers are expected to follow suit.

Read more here.

Legal Ownership Of Toll Free

This seems to be a hot topic these days. Under rules established in 1997 by the FCC, toll-free service providers cannot reserve a toll-free number without having an actual toll-free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. By law, available numbers must be doled out on a first-come, first served basis off the main database maintained by the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800). Hoarding numbers is likewise illegal. A subscriber may not acquire more toll-free numbers than they intend to use. By FCC definition, “hoarding” also includes “brokering” which is the illegal lease or sale of toll-free numbers for a fee.

Hurricane Resource and Relief Toll Free Numbers Available

At the start of hurricane season, weather forecasters have just predicted a high rate of hurricanes this summer of 2010–double the typical amount of strong storms for southern California and the East Coast. But government officials are offering toll free phone numbers in many states for information on resources, preparation and relief. Call 1-800-FED-INFO for information on hurricane resources before the 2010s storms hit. These numbers are just one way the federal state and local officials use toll free to stay connected to their constituents throughout the United States.

Supply of Toll Free Numbers Running Depleted?

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.