Posted on August 14, 2010 by smsgov
With available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers at all all-time low, insiders fear the numbers will run completely dry, hurting business and creating an out-of-control black market.
Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number can see almost instant increases in sales, word of mouth referrals, and a decrease in product returns and the FCC reports that toll free service is a “proven” marketing tool.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1-800, 800, 800 number, 866, 877, 888, embargo, phone numbers, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 13, 2010 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, hotline, toll free, toll free hotline, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 5, 2010 by smsgov
In this business, we get a lot of questions about international toll free service. It’s actually a very simple process. With the right toll free service, you can speak to your clients no matter where you are—even if you are traveling outside the United States or Canada. International toll free allows U.S. clients to place toll free calls to any business no matter where it is located. If the business owner or sales representative is traveling, or even living, outside the United States they can still communicate with their clients and continue to expand their business. If a business is set up outside of the U.S. the owner can set up a special international toll free number to attract new American customers and to retain relationships with their existing U.S. customers. Many, but not all, toll free carriers offer international options.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, international toll free, toll free, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 3, 2010 by smsgov
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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free provider, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 2, 2010 by smsgov
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.
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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 31, 2010 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 services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 30, 2010 by smsgov
Many news reports on how to succeed in the business world during a recession are providing advice that we here in the telecommunications industry have long known—that the value of a 1-800 number cannot be underestimated. A toll free number lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. Studies show that sales can double and word of mouth referrals can increase by as much as 200% making toll free service indispensible for all types of business.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, marketing, toll free, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 28, 2010 by smsgov
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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 800 numbers, rationing, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free ration, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 26, 2010 by smsgov
Sales of sought-after toll free numbers on eBay continue even as reports of the FCC looking into improper turnover of these numbers continues. Log on now and you will see listings. A black market for toll free numbers has emerged and attempts to illegally buy and sell choice numbers is increasing. According to regulations enacted by the FCC in 1997, toll free phone numbers cannot be sold or brokered. These rules were approved after the FCC fielded numerous complaints about price gouging for catchy vanity numbers and popular numeric sequences. The FCC reports that anyone caught attempting to sell or broker an 800 number faces significant fines. But that hasn’t stopped brokers from attempting to sell numbers on Internet websites and auction sites such as eBay.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, phone service, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free hoarding, toll free number, toll free numbers, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 25, 2010 by smsgov
An unprecedented decrease in the availability of 1-800 numbers in 2008 has telecommunications experts concerned about the depletion of quality available numbers within the toll free sector. Recently, a member of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com said this scarcity of really good numbers is causing a rush to get new toll free numbers. Toll free phone numbers are considered one of the best marketing tools, particular during recessionary financial times.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, rationing, toll free number | Leave a comment »
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