Posted on September 25, 2010 by smsgov
The popularity of the 1-800 number, launched in 1967, led the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add the new pre-fixes 888 and 877 in the mid-1990s. When availability of those numbers plummeted, 866 was added in 2000 to overcome the shortage. SMS/800, started in the mid-1980s, manages all these numbers.
While popularity soars, availability of new and used toll free numbers is plummeting. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. At some point it becomes available on the SMS/800 database. Then, service providers can access the numbers and assign it to a customer in the United States or Canada.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, service management system, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 4, 2010 by smsgov
During a recent discussion with members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee, it was agreed that if the database of toll free numbers isn’t beefed up soon, the finite supply of toll free numbers could run out. Last year, a plea for the deactivation of unused 800 numbers resulted in a temporary surge of numbers returned to the main database. But despite these mass replacements, the supply of available toll free numbers continues to dwindle as thousands of subscribers register for a toll free number each day. It’s time for some action.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: sms, toll free, toll free advisory committee, toll free numbers, toll free practices, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 20, 2010 by smsgov
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. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, database, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 2, 2010 by smsgov
Rumors that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers was imminent circulated through the telecommunications industry earlier this month. Supplies of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are so depleted that availability is at an all-time low. But some say rationing the numbers, as the federal government did in 1995, is not the answer and could have a negative impact on the business community.
Once used primarily by big businesses, the 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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 1, 2010 by smsgov
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. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, database, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 20, 2010 by smsgov
Happy Fathers Day from everyone here at SMSGOV.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: sms, smsgov, telecommunications | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 22, 2010 by smsgov
By a narrow defeat, telecommunications insiders say a proposal to ration the limited supply of existing toll free numbers has suffered a loss at 800 Services management System (SMS/800).
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, ration, sms, sms800, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 20, 2010 by smsgov
To help users get the numbers they wanted and to help alleviate system congestion, the SMS/800 Management Team worked with the Resp Orgs and the Federal Communications Commission to make the change and set a regular sparing schedule.
Users can go to the REL screen to verify the established time for sparing numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 17, 2010 by smsgov
To help users get the numbers they wanted and to help alleviate system congestion, the SMS/800 Management Team worked with the Resp Orgs and the Federal Communications Commission to make the change and set a regular sparing schedule.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, status, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 3, 2010 by smsgov
We have had a few inquiries about the meaning of a RespOrg. Well, here it is: A RespOrg is a companies that has access to the Service Management System (SMS) database that houses and controls toll free phone numbers. The FCC established RespOrgs in 1993 as part of the program to allow toll free portability. Every ten-digit toll free phone number is managed by a RespOrg. A RespOrg can be a telephone company or an independent service provider.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: resporg, sms, toll free, Toll Free Phone Numbers | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 