Toll Free Embargo?

Some telecommunications sources are worried that an embargo on new toll free phone service is a real possibility. There is even speculation that could happen this 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 some officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Michael Phillips, a Sand Springs city Oaklahoma councilman speak out on area code exhaustion

Regarding the depletion of telephone numbers in Tulsa Oaklahoma, Michael Phillips, a Sand Springs city Oaklahoma councilman speak out on area code exhaustion.

“In an area code split, any business in the new area code would incur expenses — new business cards, new stationery, changes in periodical advertising, changes in Web site design,” Phillips said. “Plus, individuals would have expenses. Extended families in other states would have to be notified.”

Media Advisory – Decline of Available Toll Free Numbers Continues To Cause Alarm

Reports Cite Several Contributing Risk Factors

On the heels of numerous warnings about the alarming decline in the number of available toll free numbers, SMSGOV.com has now reported that toll service providers’ collective revenue decreased by six billion dollars according to a monitoring report released by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.

The report, filed with the FCC, is elevating concerns within an industry already worried about a potential meltdown. The popularity of the finite amount of toll free numbers, coupled with the failure of the FCC to release new numbers, has created a deficit of availability that is raising red flags throughout the telecommunications world.

Last week, a member of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com acknowledged that the scarcity is causing a surge of subscribers scurrying to obtain the available toll free numbers. If supplies deplete much further, small businesses nationwide could see disastrous economic fallout. Toll free numbers are known as an effective marking strategy that increases customer base and boosts revenue.

The Toll-Free Ration Bill

Read more about the potential phone embargo

Also causing alarm are the recent reports of increased incidents of illegal hoarding of toll free numbers. The FCC has been clamping down on violations of Section 251 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, which prohibits the warehousing and hoarding of numbers. To ensure that toll free numbers are distributed in a fair and equitable way, the FCC is taking a close look at suspect activity. Last spring, they cited a potential $11,000 daily fine to the owners of a California company for improper toll free practices. This followed a string of unrelated instances, including at least one owner’s attempt to sell his numbers on eBay.

More on Toll Free Laws

More information on Hoarding

Read about the eBay seller caught auctioning his number

For additional information, go to SMSGOV.com.

Embargo on Toll Free Phone Service?

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.

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The Toll Free Ration Program

Advisors say the best way to obtain a toll free number before the supply runs out is to use a reliable toll free service provider that has access to the database of available numbers.

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