Well of Toll Free Numbers Running Dry?

The question of just how many really good toll free numbers remain available for new subscribers continues to circle throughout the telecommunications world. While we don’t have a precise figure, we can say for certain that the well is running dry. Experts advise that anyone interested in a toll free number should consider getting one immediately. There are an average of between 6,000 and 8,000 new toll free numbers registered daily. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply could eventually be depleted.

Retired Numbers

The demand for retired numbers is so great that some companies are charging subscribers thousands of dollars to reserve one. Industry experts say that turnover of claimed numbers is minimal because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure an 800 number tend to keep it.

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Car Dealers Utilizing Toll Free

From Dealer Marketing Magazine: Times have changed and finding the perfect and available toll-free phone number to use in your advertising campaigns is a challenge. Sure, you can get any numeric toll-free from your phone company, but who wants that? You want something unique and, in today’s economic environment, you need something unique to brand your dealership, bring in more leads, and stand out from your competition.

RADA Launches Toll Free Hotline

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has launched a toll free number 1-888-429-5723 aimed at helping farmers obtain valuable agricultural information without being concerned about the cost. The toll free line will not only help to reduce farmers’ communication expenses, but will allow for quick access to credible technical information related to their operations. Another way toll free helps society and brings information to a community.

Simple Process To Get Toll Free

Getting toll free service has ever been easier. Service providers assign and reserve numbers off the database for their customers on a first-come, first-served basis. To get started, subscribers simply contact a service provider, find a suitable vanity number or numerical sequence, and then sign on for service. The process can’t get much simpler than that.

Hoarding of Toll Free Numbers Unlawful

According to regulations enacted on April 11, 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) toll free phone numbers cannot be hoarded 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.

Toll Free Shortage Worsens

But the limited availability of toll free numbers could have an impact on small business owners. The supply is the lowest it has ever been, while popularity of 1-800 numbers is soaring. Insiders fear that customers waiting to secure a toll free 1-800 number or vanity number may find the supply of suitable numbers gone.

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Bolster The Stock of Toll Free

It remains a mystery when the reserved toll free area codes will be released to address the shortage of toll free numbers. The addition of the reserved 855 and 844 area codes would bolster the depleted stock of and ease the burden within the industry. New area codes released in the 1990s temporarily fortified the existing toll free stock, allowing millions of businesses to secure profitable 1-800 numbers. It’s time to do that again.

Toll Free Broker Warning Signs

According to regulations enacted on April 11, 1997 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 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.

Read more here.

Avoid Toll Free Phone Number Hoarding

The FCC began investigating hoarding of 800 numbers as far back as 1995, but despite the subsequent release of 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes, the practice continues to grow along with the skyrocketing popularity of toll free service. The FCC has the 855 pre-fix reserved to alleviate the shortage but has not yet announced plans to release those numbers.

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