Posted on January 10, 2010 by smsgov
Among the most frequently asked question we get as experts in telecommunications field is: Can i still get a decent custom toll free phone number with the existing four area codes? Or should I wait to sign up until the new area codes are released. The answers are a resounding YES and NO in that order. Subscribers can still get a good custom number. They need to research providers and find one that has access to a good stock of custom options. And NO..there is no reason to wait. A toll free number is affordable and produces better recognition of a company and expands potential revenue. So the advice within the industry is to get one now, and another if needed when the new area codes are released.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 9, 2010 by smsgov
Last minute decision to try and get a table at the hottest restaurants in New York, L.A. or Vegas? It is easier than it used to be. Many chic eateries now offer a toll free phone number to make reservations, even at the last minute. Program these numbers into your phone and with the click of a button you can be connected to the host to secure your primo table. I know a frequent traveler who takes care of this from the plane before arrival. This is yet another growing trend in the toll free service arena.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free numbers, Toll Free Phone Numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 7, 2010 by smsgov
The SMS/800 Data Center houses the main database of available toll free 800, 888, 877 and 866 phone numbers for the United States and Canada. The SMS/800 maintains and updates the database and keeps records of the owners of each number and the service providers. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, service management system, sms-800, sms800, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 6, 2010 by smsgov
Did you see this recent advice in the Los Angeles Times Business Section. It is the same advice we here in the telecommunications business have been doling out for years:
From LA Times Business Section written by Karen Klein: Make sure your sales page includes product details and a toll-free customer service line. “The easier it is for customers to speak to a real human being, the less likely they are” to return merchandise or resort to a credit card “chargeback,” said Brien Heideman of BadCustomer.com.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: customer returns, customer service, LA Times, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 5, 2010 by smsgov
As we anticipated due to the buzz we heard prior to the holidays, there was a surge in toll free phone numbers given as gifts this holiday season. It appears that toll free phone numbers were mostly given for personal use so that family members and friends could stay in touch. Elderly, grandchildren, college kids and others who will now pay less than they would for long distance and cellular plans. In many instances, the “giver” pays for the subscription for the number and then a portion of, or all of, the monthly bill. And why not? Toll free is so affordable that it is a creative and inexpensive gift to give.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, Personal Toll Free, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 4, 2010 by smsgov
Municipalities continue to use toll free phone service to reduce the necessity for residents to drive to municipal offices. This is especially important in rural states where government offices could be hundreds of miles away. For instance. the The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reducing walk-in service hours at its centers statewide. As of today, Jan. 4, 2010, the DNR service center in Black River Falls, 910 Highway 54 E., will offer reduced counter service however, the DNR has beefed up customer service on-line and with the popular toll-free call center. Residents can call the toll free number to get licenses or answers to questions about rules and regulations. The service has one number for English speaking residents and a second for Spanish speaking residents.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free numbers, Toll Free Phone Numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 3, 2010 by smsgov
With major snow and ice storms knocking out travel throughout the midwest and the east coast these past few weeks, the National Weather Service is relying on their toll free phone service to stay in touch with weather patterns throughout the U.S. Whenever the National Weather Service suspects there could be icy and hazardous conditions, they are asking people to report ice accumulation to the National Weather Service’s toll free number at 877-633-6772. With this connection through toll free service, the weather experts are better equipped to warn travelers about dangerous conditions.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 877-633-6772, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 2, 2010 by smsgov
Heard from many colleagues over yesterday’s post about the possibility of new 855 area codes released in 2010. Many believe it could happen, some think toward the end of the year or early 2011. But all agreed that there is a need for a bolstered supply of toll free phone numbers. Everyone also agrees that the new numbers will be scooped up fast and that the release of an additional area code–in other words simultaneous release of 855 and maybe 844–would be the best way to help the industry and enhance business owners ability to obtain new custom numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 844, 855, 855 numbers, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 2, 2010 by smsgov
We look to our Federal Advisory Committee on numbering issues, the NANC, for a recommendation on how best to administer toll free numbers. We ask the NANC to address whether a system of administration similar to that used to administer the NANP or a different system should be established.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, sms, sms800, smsgov, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 1, 2010 by smsgov
At the start of 2010, most of us in the industry are wondering if this will be the year that the new 855 toll free area codes will be released. It has been more than a decade since new area codes were made available by the FCC and the time is now for a new supply. With toll free phone numbers now a basic marketing tool used by most businesses, it is becoming harder to obtain ideal custom numbers. The new 855 numbers would relieve the burden. Will this be the year?
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 855, phone service, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 