SMSGOV’s Official List of 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:

See list here.

Fair Distribution is Rule of Law

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.

Toll Free Gurus Anticipate Possible Phone Service Embargo

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.

Housing Help Line Launched for Residents of New York State

New York State has launched a toll free number to help address its affordable housing crisis. Through a web site and toll free number, people in need of housing can be matched with landlords. This is a brand new initiative from the New York State Department of Health and the New York Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The toll-free number to the bilingual call center is 1-877-428-8844, staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A Month After 855 Number Released…..

Just a month after its release, it is clear that the new 855 toll free area codes are a resounding success. By all accounts, these numbers are quickly being optioned by subscribers. The supply will deplete more quickly than expected. But the new 844 numbers are not far behind. We expect that supply to be released within the next 12-18 months, creating even more toll free opportunities nationwide.

When Transferring Your Toll Free Number a Bill Copy is a MUST

Legitimate phone companies require a copy of your bill to port-in an 1-800 phone number. Conversely, there are also illegitimate “toll free companies” in quotes because they are often shady, underhanded and deceitful shadowy entities lurking with no fixed address hoping to acquire your toll free phone number under their control. If you are a legitimate toll-free user, it’s important that you don’t fall into their trap. Oftentimes, upto 90% of their phone service is being used by scammers worldwide that buy from a shady phone company because it’s easier to get away with breaking the law and doing the kind of stuff that normal phone companies proactively prohibit; like Nigerian Bank Scams, or the phone number
used on the websites of Viagra bulk email SPAM.

Read more here.

Some Carriers Have Back Stock of Good 800 Numbers

Despite the nationwide shortage of toll free numbers, there are some carriers that can still provide subscribers with suitable 800 and vanity numbers for immediate ownership. This news may come as a relief to some business owners who have been finding it difficult to obtain a good toll free number. By researching different carriers, subscribers will find some that have ample stock, for now.

Once Again, Rationing Bill Is Narrowly Defeated

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.

SMS/800 Rejects Current Plans to Ration

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. Demand has grown rapidly however the supply of numbers has remained stagnant. Despite this shortage, reserved 855 numbers are not expected to be released by the FCC for several years.

Read more here.

If Rationing Bill Passes New Service Applications May Be Delayed or Denied

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.

Read more here.