Who is The SMS?

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 and the service providers. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis.

Who Is the SMS? Find out here.

Communications Act

Are telecommunications companies ready to be on their own in governing themselves? Most would say no and assume that the absolute power given will destroy a “company” in the Telecom business. Other organizations are helpful in the regulations, though.
Need to know more? Do so here.

Recognizing High Demand FCC Reintroduces Toll-Free Ration Bill

Growing concern about the limited stock of 800 numbers is creating an even higher demand. The FCC cites toll free service as a “proven” marketing tool for increasing and sustaining business. In fact, studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent. American adults report that they make an average of 60 toll free calls per year.

Read more here.

Supply of 1-800 Numbers Still low Due to High Demand

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.

Start Planning Now For An 855 Number

There has still been no official word on exactly when the new 855 area codes will be released by the FCC. We hear it could be within the next 18 months. To be certain you are prepared to get the numbers you want before someone else scoops them up, contact a service provider today and learn how to be ready to get your favored numbers. Start planning a list of catchy, memorable, vanity numbers or great numerical sequences that matches your business and image so you can get your very own 855 number the day they become available.

Telecom Insiders Warm of Possible Embargo

Telecommunications industry sources now say an unthinkable embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States is a real possibility within the next year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Read more here.

All Signs Point to Toll Free Number Embargo

Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number can see almost instant increases in sales, word of mouth referrals, and a decrease in product returns and the FCC reports that toll free service is a “proven” marketing tool.

Read more here.

800 Numbers All But Gone

UPDATE: The scarcity of toll free numbers is having an impact on telecoms 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.

More info here.

FCC Enforces Authority, Violators Face Stiff Fines

The demand for 800 numbers is at an all-time high. Finite supplies of available 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are plummeting. Making the situation worse, hopes that the new 855 numbers would soon be released have been dashed as insiders report the launch of the numbers may be held off until 2011. Meanwhile more than two-thirds of available numbers have been taken and millions of news numbers are registered each year.

Read more here.

Possible Meltdown Has Toll-free Providers On Edge

Telecommunications industry sources now say an unthinkable embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States is a real possibility within the next year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Read more here.