Embargo May Be Enacted to Prevent Black Market Dealings

With available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers at all all-time low, insiders fear the numbers will run completely dry, hurting business and creating an out-of-control black market.

Experts say that consumers recognize that many of the advantages of 1-800 numbers outweigh standard local phone service. Toll free service is becoming increasingly common with parents wishing to keep in close contact with children and teens. Businesses with a 1-800 number can see almost instant increases in sales, word of mouth referrals, and a decrease in product returns and the FCC reports that toll free service is a “proven” marketing tool.

Read more here.

Toll Free Numbers Help With Identity Theft

Government agencies are using toll free telephone numbers to curb crime–and lately the focus has been on identity theft. Criminals are increasingly searching for random Social Security numbers. Once they find them, they cross-check these numbers against other databases to see if the numbers have been used to obtain credit. The newest unfortunate trend is targeting children’s Social Security numbers. The Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft hotline can be reached toll-free at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).

Toll Free Calls De Rigueur

American consumers expect a toll free call. Those of us in the telecommunications industry know that if company does not offer 1-800 numbers to assist customers with tech support or payment assistance, it may not succeed.
Toll free phone service has become such a staple of retail and service companies that they are now expected by most customers. Without toll free, many companies are at risk.

They Want Their 855 Numbers ASAP

We have had some recent inquiries from people looking to speed up the release of the 855 area code toll free number pool. They want them out for use sooner rather than later. Here is our suggestion: 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

We Are Monitoring The 855 Situation

Please pass this along too all those who have expressed interest in getting an 855 toll free area code phone numbers the minute they are released: We are monitoring the situation carefully and will keep our readers posted on all new developments. We do know that an official recommendation has been made to the FCC and that it appears the 855 combinations will be released at some point in the near future. We will continue to keep all our readers posted and as soon as we hear anything at all about 855 numbers we will let you know through this blog.

The Toll Free Service 411

Toll free numbers enable callers to reach businesses, organizations, and non-profits without having to pay for the call. This marketing tool has been so successful that the available 800 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.

Read more here.

Good Toll Free Numbers Can Still Be Found

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.

Perhaps a Virtual Office is What You Need

When starting a new company, there are many decisions to be made on communications, advertising, marketing, and customer service. Toll free phone service combined with virtual office systems streamlines management needs and reduces communications costs. With a toll free phone system that mimics corporate phone set-ups, any small business can have comprehensive telephone connections without having to install any new equipment or purchase new set-ups. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.

Shortage of Toll Free Numbers May Cause Halt in Service

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.

Read more here.

More Toll Free Government Use

Rapid City employees may soon be able to report possible cases of fraud or theft simply be dialing a toll free telephone number. The Rapid City Council is considering implementing an anonymous third-party hot line to help discover misuse of city resources similar to one already in operation in Sioux Falls. This is just another way that governments are utilizing toll free service to help save money and to help their constituents. Over the past decade, we have seen toll free grow in use by small towns, counties, states and the federal government.