Are Phone Calls in the USA Monitored?

Posted on November 5, 2008 by smsgov

A common question people ask is if phone calls within the United States are recorded or monitored by third parties like the government or law enforcement.

The answer is YES.  The “Trap and Trace” law requires telephone companies to integrate software or hardware into their system to allow “law enforcement” instant access to any phone calls that are taking place at any time.  All phone companies were required to install this software/hardware by the end of 2006.

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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.

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.

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.

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Man Fined After Trying To Sell 800 Number

Posted on July 21, 2008 by smsgov

The owner of a valuable 800 toll free number who attempted to illegally sell the number to an undercover agent faces stiff fines according to regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission.

By law, phone numbers cannot be sold or brokered. In 1997, the FCC made the sale of 800 numbers illegal. Because of the short supply of available numbers, complaints were pouring in at that time that price gouging for the popular numbers was becoming a common practice. The FCC acted quickly, prohibiting sales.

According to the FCC, anyone who is caught hoarding or selling toll free numbers will face severe penalties. In the past these have included an $11,000 fine per incident.

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.

According to the FCC, toll free numbers are becoming increasingly popular for business and personal use. The supply of retired numbers is low because toll free numbers are so effective in helping businesses thrive. Toll free numbers increase market reach, enhance customer confidence, establish recognition of brand image, and sustain businesses during times of a weak economy. Because businesses that offer 1-800 numbers prosper, disconnected numbers returned into the system are scarce.

In an unstable economy, small businesses need reliable marketing tools to increase the flow of new and repeat business and compete with bigger, sustained companies. Toll free numbers instantly win customer confidence and give new businesses the jumpstart they need to grow into sustained companies.

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

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