Toll-free Number Shortage May Deny or Delay New Phone Service Applications.

Facing an extreme dearth of 800 numbers, telecommunications experts are now concerned that a toll free number ration could delay new phone service applications. And in the midst of an economic meltdown, U.S. business owners could not imagine worse news.

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Why Are All The 1(800) Numbers Seemingly Unavailable?

Where are all the 800 numbers going? Industry experts say toll free service is now a staple of any type of business. Small business owners, following the lead of the CEO’s of nearly half the Fortune 500 companies, are securing toll free vanity phone numbers as a strategic marketing tool. Personal use of toll free numbers has skyrocketed as parents secure an 800 number to stay in touch with their teens, college-aged children, and elderly parents.

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855 Would Allow Millions To get New Toll Free Number

The release of the 855 toll free telephone area code numbers would allow millions of toll free subscribers to get a new custom toll free phone number. It is a win-win for everyone including the phone service providers. Let’s hope the rumors that the 855 numbers will be released soon are accurate. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything.

Toll Free Service May Come to a Halt

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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Toll Free Simple Solution for Tickets and Info

NASCAR and Convergys Corporation have launched a toll free phone number for fans to call for all their NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Series tickets needs. Fans can call 1-866-GO-NASCAR for tickets and information to NASCAR events across the country. This toll free number allows one single, easy-to-remember free phone number for tickets and information. Research conducted by Convergys in 2010 found that more than half of consumers prefer a self-service solution like a toll free number.

Clearing Up Misunderstandings

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.

Toll-free Ration Bill Restructured and Reissued

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.

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

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.

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High Fines Follow Illegal Sales

Advisers 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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Phone Service Shortages Likely in the U.S.

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.

Read more here.

Read more here.