Posted on July 26, 2010 by smsgov
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of toll-free numbers and establishes rules on how they can be obtained and used.
Launched in 1967 by AT&T, 800 numbers came under the purview of the FCC in the 1980s when the phone service monopoly broke apart. In 1991, the FCC required that toll-free numbers be portable, meaning that a toll-free number subscriber can “port” his or her number to a new provider when changing toll-free number service providers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, fcc, federal communications commission, phone numbers, toll free, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 25, 2010 by smsgov
Posted on July 24, 2010 by smsgov
Concerns about Internet fraud and other scams can harm legitimate business sales. But business owners nationwide are finding solutions to this growing problem by using toll free phone numbers to communicate with their customers. Toll free phone numbers provide a sense of security for customers wary of scam businesses. Scammers won’t save the customer money by paying for the calls themselves. By offering toll free, business owners can distinguish themselves from the frauds.
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Posted on July 24, 2010 by smsgov
As telecommunications experts, we are actively spreading the word about the scarcity of good toll free numbers. Are we succeeding? Business owners should be educated and prepared for the shortfall at a time when they may need the advantages of toll free the most. With the economy still floundering, this dearth of available 1-800 numbers comes at a time when economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free to attract consumers and sustain relationships with existing customers. We know that toll free helps businesses. But getting good numbers, with supplies dwindling, is becoming a challenge. The best advice, still, is to obtain a good toll free phone number today.
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Posted on July 23, 2010 by smsgov
The millions of subscribers signing on for toll free service each year are quickly learning about the vital role of the 800 Services Management System (SMS/800).
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 July 23, 2010 by smsgov
Government officials and telecommunications insiders agree that say something must be done to offset the problem of depleted supplies of available toll free numbers. But will this mean a possible rationing program and a tougher crackdown on the burgeoning black market? Attempts to profit from the illegal sale of 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are in response to rapidly dwindling supplies. As with any commodity in high demand, a black market for toll free numbers has emerged. Some feel that rationing may just make the problem worse.
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Posted on July 21, 2010 by smsgov
Every one of the 50 States have 1-800 hotline phone numbers advertised for citizens to report crisis situations, health concerns, child neglect, environmental problems, and to request constituent assistance. Nationwide, smaller government agencies–counties, towns, and villages—are likewise beginning to offer their residents 1-800 numbers to report concerns and to ask questions.
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Posted on July 19, 2010 by smsgov
There have been shortages of good toll free numbers in the past. Remember, that to overcome shortages of 1-800 numbers, the 888 and 877 numbers were introduced in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Then, in 2000 the 866 numbers were added. Toll free numbers have become such a valuable commodity that the stock is once again depleted. Many people are asking……Where are the reserved 855 numbers? Will they be released soon?
What are your thoughts on the 855 numbers?
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855, 855 number, 855 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 18, 2010 by smsgov
On the heels of the Obama administration’s new veterans policy, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced an easier process for Veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with the publication of a final regulation in the Federal Register. Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of — or made worse by — injuries or diseases associated with active service. For additional information, call VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.
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Posted on July 18, 2010 by smsgov
Telecommunications insiders continue to recommend that anyone wishing to obtain a toll free number research them immediately. With a limited number of numerical possibilities, the finite supply of toll free numbers is nearly expended.There are no immediate plans to add another toll free pre-fix. These recommendations to obtain a toll free number immediately are widespread. Numbers do not have to be advertised until the owner needs it: so the cost is minimal until the subscriber is ready to actively use the number.
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Toll Free Service Management System News 