Posted on July 28, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, hoarding, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 26, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, data base, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 25, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, automated, IVR, toll free. virtual office | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 24, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, porting numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free transfer | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 23, 2009 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 1-866 numbers, 866 area code, 866 pre-fix numbers, toll | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 22, 2009 by smsgov
American consumers expect a toll free call. Those of us in the telecommunications industry know that if company does not offer 1-800 numbers to assist customers with tech support or payment assistance, it may not succeed.
Toll free phone service has become such a staple of retail and service companies that they are now expected by most customers. Without toll free, many companies are at risk.
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Posted on July 21, 2009 by smsgov
A toll free number is available for Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteers. A network of more than 25,000 volunteers work with Make-A-Wish Foundation to help kids with life-threatening medical conditions. These volunteers have signed up by calling the toll free phone number and learning how to serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities. If you would like to volunteer, call 1-800-722-WISH today.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1-800, toll free hotline, toll free numbers. hotlines | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 18, 2009 by smsgov
In this business, we get a lot of questions about international toll free service. It’s actually a very simple process. With the right toll free service, you can speak to your clients no matter where you are—even if you are traveling outside the United States or Canada. International toll free allows U.S. clients to place toll free calls to any business no matter where it is located. If the business owner or sales representative is traveling, or even living, outside the United States they can still communicate with their clients and continue to expand their business. If a business is set up outside of the U.S. the owner can set up a special international toll free number to attract new American customers and to retain relationships with their existing U.S. customers. Many, but not all, toll free carriers offer international options.
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Posted on July 17, 2009 by smsgov
Last year, there was a call for the owners of unused toll free numbers to retire their dormant 1-800 numbers back to the main database for use by others. Perhaps it is time for another call to action. With an estimated 8,000 numbers registered each day, and more than two-thirds of the supply already taken, there is a real concern about the limited stock of available numbers and the impact on small businesses. The limited availability of new toll free numbers, coupled with the limited turnover of used numbers, have created an intense demand for the remaining toll free numbers. Retire those unused numbers!
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, database, retired toll free number, toll free use, tollfreenumbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 16, 2009 by smsgov
The idea of toll free rationing is one that evokes a lot of response. There has been a lot of discussion about the dearth of good 1-800 numbers, and some are now wondering if the federal government will start rationing again at some point if new numbers aren’t released. Rationing 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. Rationing toll free numbers is not good news for entrepreneurs about to launch a new business.
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