Advisory Committee Recommendation: Release 855

In recent months, members of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com have been repeatedly warning of the decline of available toll free phone numbers. To offset the anticipated impact of this scarcity of 1-800 numbers, the Tollfree Advisory Committee strongly recommends the release by the FCC of the reserved toll free area codes in 2010.

Marketing Experts Recommend Toll Free in Tough Economy

With the economy rallying slowly, economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free phone numbers to attract consumers and sustain relationships with existing customers. Toll free is a proven marketing strategy that marketing experts say is a necessity in these days of staunch competition for every consumer dollar.

Summer Concert Season Heats Up With Toll Free Numbers

The summer concert and event season is heating up, ads are popping up all over with toll free telephone numbers for tickets and information. Many of these numbers are temporary numbers set up specifically for the event. Once the concert or event is over, the number is disconnected. This is becoming a more and more popular way to connect with consumers. Toll free numbers are so easy to set up, can be routed to many phone lines and are very cost-effective. Temporary toll free numbers are convenient for the organizers of all types of events.

Approved List of 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 here:

Phone Service May Be Put on Hold 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.

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.

Read more here.

Toll-free Phone Service Applications Expected To Rise Again

Heeding recent warnings about the rapid decline of 800 numbers, subscribers are applying for toll free service at record rates. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications are expected to continue to rise this year.

Read more here.

Some Providers Maintain Good Stock Of Toll Free 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.

Lawyers and Toll Free Gear Up For Oil Spill Lawsuits

Lawyers nationwide are advertising 1-800 telephone numbers related to lawsuits anticipated in the wake of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. With tens of thousands of gallons of oil spewing into the waters each day for over a month now, personal injury and civil litigation attorneys are gearing up to advertise their toll free phone numbers to as many clients as possible. Attorneys have used toll free service for decades and with national disasters like the spill, they are marketing their services with toll free all over the southeast.

Planned Toll-free Number Rationing May Deny or 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.

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.

Toll-free Ration Bill Rejected at SMS800.

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).

Read more here.