Posted on June 30, 2010 by smsgov
When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available for use on the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800) database and is up for grabs. The good retired numbers go fast. But the overall percentage of retired numbers is quite low because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure a 1-800 number tend to hold onto it. Even those who take a break from their businesses often hang onto their numbers indefinitely. It costs so little to keep a toll free number that they decide to retain their favored phone number for future use.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: sms800, toll free number, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 29, 2010 by smsgov
With more than 8,000 toll free numbers registered each day, the supply of available numbers is quickly depleting. This scarcity is causing a rush to obtain new toll free numbers or obtain disconnected numbers returned back to the system.
Toll free numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are at an all-time low.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, 800, 800 numbers, all time low, short supply, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 28, 2010 by smsgov
Continuing to cause alarm in our industry are reports of increased incidents of illegal hoarding of toll free numbers. The FCC has been clamping down on violations of Section 251 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, which prohibits the warehousing and hoarding of numbers. The FCC is taking a close look at all suspect activity. This is an ongoing issue. It is imperative that subscribers are educated on the proper way to obtain and use toll free phone numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: hoarding, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 27, 2010 by smsgov
Someone asked recently what they could do to help in the movement to get the 855 toll free telephone area codes made available. Writing to your federal elected official is one option. The 855 numbers are currently held by the FCC until they are deemed needed for public use. In our opinion, the pool of 855 toll free numbers would be helpful to ease the burden of decreasing available toll free phone numbers and would reduce the illegal hoarding and distribution of these numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 855 numbers, 855 toll free number, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 27, 2010 by smsgov
As with any commodity in high demand, a black market for toll free numbers has emerged in the United States, sending regulators scrambling to control the illegal sales of valuable 800 numbers.
With toll free service soaring in popularity while finite supplies of available numbers drop, attempts to illegally buy and sell choice numbers on the black market is increasing.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number brokering, 800 numbers, brokers, number brokering, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 26, 2010 by smsgov
If you want some support with your new iPhone 4 and are hoping to test out FaceTime but don’t know anyone else with the latest handset? Apple has provided a toll-free number for users to call and video chat with a company representative. Facetime allows you to see who you are speaking with (think SKYPE over a phone) This week Apple sent out e-mails to customers, advising them they could try out FaceTime by calling 888-FACETIME (322-3846) number. The toll free phone number is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800 number Apple, 1-888, area codes, iPhone 4, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 26, 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 June 25, 2010 by smsgov
In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior service.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, porting numbers, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 24, 2010 by smsgov
Under rules established in 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission, toll-free service providers cannot reserve a toll-free number without having an actual toll-free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. By law, available numbers must be doled out on a first-come, first served basis off the main database maintained by the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800).
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number hoarding, 800 numbers, fcc, fcc law, toll free hoarding, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 23, 2010 by smsgov
Home prices and sales dropped again in the first quarter of 2010. Realtors throughout the country are tackling the ongoing housing crisis by offering toll free phone numbers. This marketing trend is aimed at helping struggling homeowners contact real estate agents without the burden of costly phone calls. By offering a 1-800 number, realtors can help cash-strapped sellers negotiate a quick sale before they fall into a foreclosure situation. Homeowners in trouble can reach out for free and discuss all their sales options with an experienced realtor.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, realtors, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 