free | Toll Free Service Management System News

Why Is It So Difficult To Get An 800 Phone Number?

Posted on May 28, 2009 by smsgov

Toll free service has a long history. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800 numbers are at an all-time low. More than two-thirds of the available numbers are taken and there are no immediate plans by the FCC to introduce a new pre-fix.

FCC Cracks Down On Illegal Sale of Toll Free Numbers

Posted on May 25, 2009 by smsgov

The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers. However they do set and regulate the guidelines under which 800 numbers can be used and obtained. According to the FCC, hoarding and warehousing numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines.

Alternate Toll-free Ration Bill To Be Reintroduced

Posted on May 6, 2009 by smsgov

If approved, this would be the second time toll free numbers were rationed. The federal government rationed coveted 800 numbers in 1995 until the new 888 pre-fix was introduced a year later. Industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this latest rationing proposal. Telecommunications experts are reportedly concerned that a toll free number ration could delay new phone service applications in the midst of one of the worst U.S. economic downturns in decades.

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

Posted on March 27, 2009 by smsgov

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.”

Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 800 numbers, a Sand Springs city Oaklahoma councilman speak out on area code exhaustion, calea, embargo, fcc, free, law, number exhaustion Michael Phillips | 1 Comment »

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

Posted on February 25, 2009 by smsgov

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

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.

The Toll Free Ration Program

Posted on February 24, 2009 by smsgov

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.

Toll-free Phone Number Supply Expected To Be Cut Short.

Posted on September 15, 2008 by smsgov

Thirteen years after the federal government rationed the dwindling supply of toll free numbers, reports are circulating that rationing will once again be implemented. Severe shortages of 800 numbers are forcing these extreme measures as a means of protecting the limited remaining supply.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a stockpile of new 855 numbers reserved to address the shortage but these numbers are not expected to be released anytime soon. With available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers at all all-time low, insiders fear the numbers will run completely dry, hurting business and creating an out-of-control black market.

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. Standard local phone service does not provide any of these advantages.

Government officials say something must be done to offset the problem—this means a possible rationing program and a tough crackdown on the burgeoning black market. Attempts to profit from the illegal sale of 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are in response to rapidly dwindling supplies. As with any commodity in high demand, a black market for toll free numbers has emerged in the United States, sending regulators scrambling to control the illegal sales of valuable 800 numbers.

Available toll free numbers are at an all-time low and experts advise anyone interested in obtaining an 800 number should act now. Thousands of toll free numbers are registered each day and with a limited number of possibilities, the finite supply is nearly expended.

The most expedient way to secure an 800 number is to contact a reliable service provider such as Qwest, AT&T, or Verizon.

Why do toll-free phone companies require a bill copy to transfer your 800 number?

Posted on September 14, 2008 by smsgov

If you currently control your own 1-800 toll free phone number (or 888/877/866) and choose to transfer your toll free number to another company (also called ‘porting your number’) the company you are ransferring it to will require a bill copy, but why?

The answer is simple; it’s for the security of three entities:

1. The phone company
2. You
3. Every other person who has a toll free number

Recently there have been reports of some rogue toll free companies that claim you don’t need a bill copy, or that if a bill copy is requested you should dispute having to send one. That information is inaccurate and skewed for the following reasons:

Legitimate phone companies require a copy of your bill to port-in an 1-800 phone number. Conversely, there are also illegitimate “toll free companies” in quotes because they are often shady, underhanded and deceitful shadowy entities lurking with no fixed address hoping to acquire your toll free phone number under their control. If you are a legitimate toll-free user, it’s important that you don’t fall into their trap. Oftentimes, upto 90% of their phone service is being used by scammers worldwide that buy from a shady phone company because it’s easier to get away with breaking the law and doing the kind of stuff that normal phone companies proactively prohibit; like Nigerian Bank Scams, or the phone number
used on the websites of Viagra bulk email SPAM.

If the phone company doesn’t have safe procedures for verifying the end-user of a toll free phone number before they begin transferring it, then it would be YOUR toll free number being put at risk. What if someone tries to transfer YOUR 1-800 number without your consent either on purpose or on accident, if the phone company doesn’t verify the bill copy, the phone company could be held liable for damages, AND it could severely disrupt the business of the toll-free user and their callers. No legitimate phone company wants to be a part of causing that, it’s an all around bad situation for everybody. The bottom line is that phone companies that require bill copies have no liability because they create an environment that has no liabilities; the other “phone companies” create glitches and cause problems.

Filed under: Information | Tagged: free, number, numbers, toll, toll free, toll free transfer, transfer | 11 Comments »

Toll-free Ration Bill Reintroduced With Changes.

Posted on September 12, 2008 by smsgov

Rumors are swirling that an amended proposal to ration the remaining supply of toll free phone numbers has been re-introduced to officials at the 800 Service Management Systems (SMS/800). Earlier this year, insiders reported that a similar rationing bill was narrowly defeated.

To overcome shortages of 1-800 numbers in the past, 888 and 877 were introduced in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Then, in 2000 the 866 numbers debuted. But toll free numbers have become such a valuable commodity that the stock is once again depleted.

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 numbers are shrinking while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.

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.

Experts recommend that anyone wishing to obtain a, 866 toll free number secure one immediately. With a limited number of toll free possibilities, the finite numerical supply is nearly expended. Companies like AT&T and Verizon can quickly secure a number for any subscriber, then offer low rates, a variety of services and reliable fiber optic connections.

Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, free, number, numbers, phone, ration, toll, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration | 12 Comments »

Why Is It So Hard To Get An 800 Phone Number?

Posted on August 14, 2008 by smsgov

With the fixed amount of available 800 numbers shrinking fast, subscribers who waited to secure toll free service are now learning why it is so difficult to obtain a number.

Industry insiders say the soaring popularity of toll free service combined with the failure of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release additional numbers have created a tight supply of 800 numbers in heavy demand.

Once used primarily by big businesses, 800, 888, 877, and 866 toll free numbers are now popular with small businesses, charities, churches, and for personal use. Toll free service has become a staple of all successful businesses. Demand has grown quickly but the supply of numbers has remained stagnant.

Adding to the problem, insiders say 800 numbers retired back to the main database for someone else to use are scarce. Toll free numbers have such an extreme positive impact on any company, that it is rare for business owners to cancel their numbers. A plea for unused numbers to be released offered a brief reprieve earlier this year. But within weeks, the supply dropped again as thousands of new subscribers invested in toll free service each day.

Telecommunications experts recommend that anyone wishing to obtain a toll free number secure one immediately. There are an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers registered each day. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the supply is nearly expended. Advisors say the most effective and affordable way to obtain a toll free number before supplies run out is to contact a reliable toll free service provider. A few examples are Verizon or Qwest. These providers can quickly assist subscribers in finding a quality toll free number.

Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, free, toll, toll free, voip | 82 Comments »

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