Posted on March 11, 2010 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1-800, 800, 800 number, 866, 877, 888, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on March 8, 2010 by smsgov
The Internal Revenue Service is using toll free phone numbers in an attempting to fix one of this tax filing season’s biggest issues, a problem that has led 1 million taxpayers to have their electronically filed returns rejected. The problem involves two economic stimulus provisions approved by Congress last year: The $400 per worker ($800 per couple) Making Work Pay credit and the $250 per retiree ($500 per retired couple) Economic Recovery Payment. The IRS is offering a toll-free automated line for checking on whether you’ve gotten an Economic Recovery Payment. Taxpayers can call 1-866-234-2942.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 800 number, 866, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on March 6, 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).
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.
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 March 5, 2010 by smsgov
Toll free service is essential for new companies, start-ups and any business trying to get a competitive edge. Insiders are concerned that if the existing available 800 numbers are rationed, some businesses could be doomed.
The severe shortage of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers already has the toll free service industry feeling uneasy. Now that rumors are circulating that rationing of numbers is about to begin, experts say anyone who wants to obtain a toll free number had better act now.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 800 numbers, ration, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on March 1, 2010 by smsgov
The popularity of the 1-800 number, introduced in the late 1960s, led the FCC to add the new pre-fixes 888 and 877 in the mid-1990s. When availability of those numbers became scarce in 2000, the 866 pre-fixes were added to overcome the shortage. Now, eight years later, the stockpile is once again low despite the recent mass deactivation of unused 800 numbers.
Experts say the demand drastically outweighs supply and advise that the only way to guarantee obtaining a toll free number is to get one immediately.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on February 24, 2010 by smsgov
Growing concern about the limited stock of 800 numbers is creating an even higher demand for toll free service, a marketing tool that the FCC says is “proven” to increase business. In fact, studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent. With stats like that, industry insiders are not surprised by the emergence of a black market for 800 numbers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, auction, ebay, fcc, fcc law, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on February 23, 2010 by smsgov
Stories about people getting caught trying to illegally broker valuable toll free phone numbers are rampant and not only is the FCC and other agencies paying close attention, so are we. There are strict guidelines over the distribution and use of toll free phone numbers. But with supplies so limited, people are desperate for this remarkable marketing tool. And so others prey on the need. But if new toll free area codes were released, supplies would increase and these improper practices would diminish. The way to stop this is two-fold: increased FCC crackdown and the release of 855 numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free number, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on February 19, 2010 by smsgov
If the current trend continues, tens of thousands of toll free phone numbers will become unavailable this week. How many remain available? That figure is a moving target. But suffice it to say that there are not nearly enough good toll free numbers to last for very much longer. In a few short years, at this rate, we could be entirely out of toll free phone numbers…and the last few will not exactly be the cream of the crop numbers. With the release of new 855 area code toll free numbers, the problem of the low supply would be eased. Subscribers would be able to get new custom numbers that fit there needs and there would be less compromise. We hope the new 855 numbers are released soon, before the supply gets much lower. With tens of thousands of numbers being taken each week, they are going fast.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855 numbers, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on February 17, 2010 by smsgov
On your mark. Get Set. Go! The minute the new 855 toll free area codes are released, the toll free phone service market will instantly change and expand. Be ready. Tens of thousands of prepared subscribers will want to get their perfect new custom toll free phone number for their business or personal use. Our best advice is for customers to get all the information they need now, prepare creative phone numbers in order of preference so that they can cull through the list of available numbers and get the perfect match. The best way to get ready is to contact an established, reputable service provider in advance and find out ways to prepare for the new 855 numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 855, 855 numbers, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on February 16, 2010 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. Many service providers can help but it’s still very tough. Even the most major providers can have difficulty finding the right toll free for the right business. Make sure you go with a reliable provider who is willing to spend time discussing your needs.
Get the full article here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
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