Posted on June 16, 2009 by smsgov
A proposed merger of Frontier Communication Corporation and Verizon Communications, Inc. that could affect 500,000 subscribers will undergo comprehensive consumer input, including public hearings, and a close examination by state regulators. Frontier and Verizon announced their merger request in May. Under Ohio law, the merger is automatically approved if the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) fails to suspend the process within 30 days of the application.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: phone service, telecommunications, toll free, verizon | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 11, 2009 by smsgov
Named as the new chairman of the failing General Motors Corp., M Edward E. Whitacre Jr. built AT&T Inc. into the biggest U.S. provider of telephone service over a 43-year-career. Mr. Whitacre, of Texas and nicknamed “Big Ed” said steering the nation’s largest automaker after bankruptcy is “a public service.” People who know him say he can meet GM’s need for the type of transformation he orchestrated at AT&T.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 1-800 numbers. toll free number, GM, telecommunications, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 7, 2009 by smsgov
From Massachsett’s paper the Pembroke Express: The Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy held a hearing on several bills including requiring telephone companies to eliminate the private caller feature that currently allows callers the option to not have their phone number show up on the caller ID system of the person being called (S 1475). Under the bill, all numbers would be displayed.
Another proposal would require telephone companies to establish a toll-free number and a database of consumers who wish to opt out of receiving telephone directories and prohibit companies from delivering books to those homes (H 3116).
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, news, telecommunications, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 21, 2009 by smsgov
The New York Times is reporting that Verizon has agreed to sell divisions that offer service to 4.8 million phone lines in 14 states to Frontier Communications for $3.3 billion in cash and $5.2 billion in Frontier stock. If it goes through, the deal will triple the size of Frontier, a collection of rural phone companies. As part of the reported deal, Verizon will wind up owning at least two-thirds of Frontier’s shares. The move allows Verizon to concentrate on its wireless business and on serving large companies. The company says that after the deal, only 15 percent of its revenue will come from residential customers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: phone service, telecommunications, toll free, wireless | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 18, 2009 by smsgov
The North Carolina State House has decided to free local telephone service providers from state regulation that for decades made sure the companies justified their prices, responded to consumer complaints and maintained service standards. The House members voted to allow 16 providers to cut loose from the Utilities Commission which sets conditions on rates, terms, and quality of their services.
Supporters said the phone companies need price deregulation because their former monopoly positions have been eroded under competition from wireless, Internet and cable television companies that are not regulated.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, phone company, telecommunications | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 14, 2009 by smsgov
When starting a new company, there are many decisions to be made on communications, advertising, marketing, and customer service. Toll free phone service combined with virtual office systems streamlines management needs and reduces communications costs. With a toll free phone system that mimics corporate phone set-ups, any small business can have comprehensive telephone connections without having to install any new equipment or purchase new set-ups. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: telecommunications, toll free, virtual office | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 11, 2009 by smsgov
Bell Canada recently announced it is increasing its rates for toll free service. This is an important reminder that subscribers should carefully shop around before signing on for toll free service. Rates and options can be vastly different and often the smaller carriers are less expensive and provide more personal service. The ability for every subscriber to transfer service is dissatisfied with prices and sound quality is key.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: telecommunications, toll free rates, toll free service | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 8, 2009 by smsgov
Although we have discussed this on this site previously, it seems there are still some misunderstandings about the FCC’s role in toll free practice. The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers, however they do regulate the guidelines under which 1-800 numbers can be used and obtained. For instance, the hoarding and warehousing of numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines—recently illustrated by a citation for an $11,000 fine each day a California company continued to implement improper toll free practices. Numbers are assigned by toll free carriers and phone companies.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free number, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 7, 2009 by smsgov
As telecommunications experts, we are actively spreading the word about the scarcity of good toll free numbers. Are we succeeding? Business owners should be educated and prepared for the shortfall at a time when they may need the advantages of toll free the most. With the economy still floundering, this dearth of available 1-800 numbers comes at a time when economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free to attract consumers and sustain relationships with existing customers. We know that toll free helps businesses. But getting good numbers, with supplies dwindling, is becoming a challenge. The best advice, still, is to obtain a good toll free phone number today.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 