Rationing Scare Delays New Toll Free Applications

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.

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Digital TV Info Available at FCC Toll Free Number

Changes in television service are in store for all U.S. TV watchers this week as analog systems are changed over to digital transmission. Anyone with an antenna will now need a convertor box. The transition can be confusing so the FCC has implemented a toll free number for anyone with questions about their digital service or the need to get a converter box. Call toll-free 888-225-5322 (CALL FCC) for information.

List of SMSGOV Approved Toll Free Service Providers

In addition to the complete list of toll free telephone companies SMSGOV.com maintains; SMS-GOV.US also maintains a list of approved Toll Free Service Providers. We have compiled the full list below:

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Toll Free Allocation

In March 1998, the FCC ordered the fair distribution of vanity toll free numbers. The Commission concluded that assigning vanity numbers would be on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair allocation of numbers. The FCC decided that “a first-come, first-served process is also the most efficient method for assigning toll free numbers because it is the most easily administered and least expensive way to allocate numbers.” The FCC also announced that the the first-come, first-served system avoids disputes among subscribers over who is entitled to a particular number

Insiders Speculate Toll Free Embargo in the U.S.

Recent reports have referred to the situation as the ‘the perfect storm” meaning the shortage of numbers, the soaring demand, and the failure of the federal government to release reserved numbers have all collided to create a situation in which rationing, an embargo or even a complete depletion of 800 numbers is possible.

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Toll-free Ration Bill Rejected by SMS800.

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.

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Toll-free Number Shortage to Delay New Phone Service Applications.

Rationing is not a new concept. After 800 numbers ran dry in 1995 the federal government rationed numbers until the 888 numbers were launched a year later. The rationing of toll free numbers could a tighter squeeze on U.S. businesses, already in trouble with a shaky economy. 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.

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Call Toll Free For Info on Samsung Phone Recall

National news outlets are reporting that Samsung is recalling 160,000 Jitterbug cellphones. The handsets are missing one very important feature. They don’t connect to 911 services whenever the handset is out of their service area. Jitterbug owners get an “out of range, try again later” message instead of help. The recall will apply to SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 Jitterbug models sold between March 2008 and May 2009. Owners of the OneTouch model don’t have to worry since that handset is not affected. The problem is easily corrected via a software upgrade, so make sure you get a free upgrade by calling Samsung toll-free at 866/304-4980.

800 Shortage Could Bring About Embargo

More than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken and millions of new subscribers are registering every year. Business owners who wait much longer to obtain a number might find themselves out of luck. In a competitive market, a toll free number is a valuable commodity for every business.

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What is Happening to All The 1(800) Numbers?

Insiders are calling it the perfect storm. Toll free phone service has hit all all-time high in popularity. The 800 numbers are so successful that once obtained, they are rarely retired. And the federal government has not released reserved numbers intended to alleviate the shortage. Supplies will soon run out.

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