Toll Free Gurus Anticipate Possible Phone Service Embargo

Posted on November 8, 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.

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Housing Help Line Launched for Residents of New York State

Posted on November 7, 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.

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Greater Demand Causes Supply Toll Free Supply To Be Cut Short

Posted on November 6, 2010 by smsgov

Thirteen years after the federal government rationed the dwindling supply of toll free numbers, reports are circulating that rationing will once again be implemented. Severe shortages of 800 numbers are forcing these extreme measures as a means of protecting the limited remaining supply.

Read more here.

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A Month After 855 Number Released…..

Posted on November 5, 2010 by smsgov

Just a month after its release, it is clear that the new 855 toll free area codes are a resounding success. By all accounts, these numbers are quickly being optioned by subscribers. The supply will deplete more quickly than expected. But the new 844 numbers are not far behind. We expect that supply to be released within the next 12-18 months, creating even more toll free opportunities nationwide.

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Hoarding Toll Free Numbers is an Actionable Offense

Posted on November 5, 2010 by smsgov

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.

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Before Long, We Will Need The 844 Numbers

Posted on November 2, 2010 by smsgov

The addition of the reserved 855 to the toll free industry, and the pending release of the 844 area codes, ease the burden and open communications between businesses and customers. New area codes released in the 1990s temporarily fortified the existing toll free stock, allowing millions of businesses to secure profitable 1-800 numbers. The stock depleted considerably during the subsequent decade and are now bolstered by the new 855 numbers. But those are going fast. Before long, we will need the new 844 area code numbers.

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Toll Free 866 Numbers Become More Popular. 855 Going Fast!

Posted on November 1, 2010 by smsgov

866 numbers, released by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 to address the shortage of 800, 888, and 877 numbers are increasingly popular and becoming scarce. Meanwhile, the newest toll free numbers, the 855 area code, are going fast. Recent studies indicate that 9 out of 10 consumers recognize all the toll free area codes–800, 888, 877,866 and 855 as a toll free number.

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A Toll Free Advisory Committee Official Recommendations

Posted on November 1, 2010 by smsgov

In recent years, 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 recommended the release by the FCC of the reserved toll free area codes in 2010. And that happened! The 855 numbers were released last month and we are now awaiting the 844 numbers.

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This Halloween Be Afraid of Black Market Brokers

Posted on October 31, 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.

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.

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Business Marketers Highly Recommend Toll Frees

Posted on October 30, 2010 by smsgov

With the economy not expected to rally anytime soon, 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.

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