FCC Maintains Authority Over Toll Free Numbers

Attempts to profit from the illegal sale of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are in response to rapidly dwindling supplies. Thee FCC rules were established and are very clear. Hoarding and Brokering of toll free phone numbers is unlawful. Our experts advise anyone interested in obtaining an 800 number should legally obtain a toll free number through a reliable toll free service provider

Toll Free Gurus Anticipate Phone Service Embargo

Recent reports have referred to the situation as the ‘the perfect storm” meaning the shortage of numbers, the soaring demand, and the failure of the federal government to release reserved numbers have all collided to create a situation in which rationing, an embargo or even a complete depletion of 800 numbers is possible.

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Hoarding Toll Free Numbers is Unlawful

According to regulations enacted on April 11, 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) toll free phone numbers cannot be hoarded 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.

Toll-Free Advisory Committee Recommendation

In recent months, members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com have been repeatedly warning of the decline of available toll free phone numbers. To offset the anticipated impact of this scarcity of 1-800 numbers, the Tollfree Advisory Committee strongly recommends the release by the FCC of the reserved toll free area codes in 2009.

The SMS/800 Data Center

The SMS/800 Data Center houses the main database of available toll free 800, 888, 877 and 866 phone numbers for the United States and Canada. The SMS/800 maintains and updates the database and keeps records of the owners of each number. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.

Influx of 1-800 Hotlines Continues

In addition to the recently announced toll free numbers to help provide assistance and information about the swine flu, millions of other toll free hotlines are available to help people in distress, victims of natural disasters, or just for those seeking information or looking to report a problem.
When toll free service first became popular, a handful of 1-800 hotlines were established. Now, there are millions of 24-hour hotlines offering assistance for people in almost any circumstance.

Standard Service or Virual Office?

When getting a full service toll free/virtual office system, advise your clients to carefully consider the options. For instance, they should think carefully before getting the type of automated system that may turn off potential customers. These systems can be effective for some types of businesses: but they can be a detriment for many others. Consider whether an automated system matches a company’s image. If they do decide to go with an IVR system, buying one instead of renting one typically makes more financial sense.

Toll Free Hotlines Included In Plan To Help Restore Credit

Bills have passed in the House and Senate that provide credit cards with severe restrictions to help some people restore their credit ratings, ravaged in the recent economy. The bills require the credit card companies to provide toll free numbers to offer financial management and credit counseling.

What is Toll Free Porting?

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior phone service.

Toll Free Area Codes (866)

1-866 numbers are increasing in popularity. For many subscribers, it is easier to find a suitable 1-866 number these days than a 1-800 number. They are widely recognized as toll free numbers. AT&T introduced 800 numbers in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix was introduced. It took just two years for that supply to run dry. The FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866.