Posted on December 6, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 5, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 800 number, 800 numbers, fcc, fcc law, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free practices | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 4, 2009 by smsgov
We have been fielding dozens of calls and texts regarding more information about the possible release of the new 855 toll free numbers. The answer is that we don’t know yet exactly when these new numbers will be available but we do know that insider buzz suggests within the next 18 months. As soon as we learn solid information here at SMSGOV, we will pass it on immediately so keep reading our daily posts!
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 800, 855 numbers, toll free numbers, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 3, 2009 by smsgov
It is , no doubt, getting more difficult to obtain a good, quality toll free phone number. But they can still be located–you just have to research good service providers and put in some time coming up with creative numerical sequences. Soon, though, an influx of new toll free numbers (presumably with the area code 855) will likely be released and tens of thousands of new phone number combinations will immediately be up for grabs. These toll free treasures will be scooped up fast so contact a service provider today and learn how you can be prepared when the time comes.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 800, 800 numbers, 855 numbers, Toll Free Phone Numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 3, 2009 by smsgov
There is a misconception that changing toll free carriers will cause an interruption in phone service. Carriers need to make sure subscribers understand that in most instances service can be transferred without any down time. If working with quality companies, the subscriber should fine the transfer to be seamless. The bulk of the work is completed before the new phone company forwards a transfer request and this process should take just a few days. To educate the consumer, toll free providers should discuss the transfer process with potential subscribers who may be suffering with poor quality toll free service because they fear costly interruptions if they transfer.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free transfer | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 1, 2009 by smsgov
It takes just minutes to sign up for toll free service. The service providers do most of the work for you. Service providers assign and reserve numbers off the database on a first-come, first-served basis. To get started, subscribers simply contact a service provider, find a suitable vanity number or numerical sequence, and then sign on for service. Better yet, toll free service is affordable and often less expensive than standard phone services.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800, Marketing Tools, phone service, toll, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 1, 2009 by smsgov
The proposed hike in the interstate telephone contribution that consumers might soon be paying into the Universal Service Fund was recently criticized by the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates. The increase would bring the USF contribution to 12.9% of a users bill, compared with the current 11.4%. Every telephone user in the country pays into the USF already. The monies are used to maintain and subsidize rural telephone service to places where it would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
The USF is controlled by the Universal Service Administrative Company, and overseen by a joint board consisting of FCC and state-level commissioners.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, fcc, phone service, telecommunications, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 30, 2009 by smsgov
Utilizing multiple toll free phone numbers is a proven marketing tool that can increase existing business and jump-start a new company. Several great, memorable, toll free numbers will reach countless potential customers and clients. Toll free service is so affordable that anyone can get multiple numbers and still save over standard service. By advertising more than one toll free number, you can reach more customer and get more business coming your way. Let your customers call you for free.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1-800, 800, 800 numbers, marketing, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 30, 2009 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, black market, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 28, 2009 by smsgov
Letting your customers call you free of charge is a win-win for the businessperson and the customer. With toll free service, professionals can respond to customers more effectively and manage customer calls more efficiently. Why lose potential long-distance customers to the competition? With a toll free number, the customer base is limitless. Toll free numbers have proven effective for decades and are becoming more popular every year.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 800 numbers, Free Marketing Tools, marketing, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 