A Toll Free Advisory Committee Official Recommendations

In recent years, 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 recommended the release by the FCC of the reserved toll free area codes in 2010. And that happened! The 855 numbers were released last month and we are now awaiting the 844 numbers.

Expanding Your Business with Toll Free Numbers

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.

As Toll Free Number Pool Shrinks, Black Market Grows

As with any commodity in high demand, a black market for toll free numbers is growing. We hear 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.

Many Companies Utilize Multiple Toll Free Numbers

The anticipated release of new toll free phone number area codes within the next 18 months can help all types of businesses expand by allowing them to utilize multiple toll free phone numbers to attract new customers and clients. New, creative numbers will reach an unlimited customer base and could help any type of business, large or small, expand and thrive.

Toll Free Supplies Limited Until Number Pool is Expanded

Some argue that there are plenty of good toll free numbers still available. Actually, the supply is limited, resulting in an increase in hoarding of these valuable numbers and other improper practices. Some business owners and professionals settle for an adequate phone number …but one that isn’t exactly what they wanted. With the pending release by the FCC of new numbers, these burdens will ease and everyone will benefit.

Many New Hotlines Established to Help Those in Need

In addition to the previously announced toll free numbers to help provide assistance and information about the 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.

Which Level of Service Meets Your Needs?

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.

SMSGov Reminder

As some may already know, 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 Exactly Does “Porting” a Toll Free Number Mean?

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.

Release of Additional Toll Free Area Codes Could Alleviate Strain

Rationing of toll free numbers could be avoided when the anticipated new toll free area codes are released. Insiders are speculating that there will be a shift in the telecommunications industry over the next 18 months as the expanded supply of good toll free numbers becomes available. The shortage has been a problem for many business owners in recent years and the time is now for the new numbers to be released.