Some Say Rationing is Impossible but History Doesn’t Lie

Posted on October 14, 2010 by smsgov

In the past few years, proposals to ration toll free numbers have been narrowly defeated. Yet, rumors are still swirling that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers is imminent. Supplies of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are so depleted that availability is at an all-time low. But some say rationing the numbers, as the federal government did in 1995, is not the answer and could have a negative impact on the business community.

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Toll Free Service Costs Can Vary

Posted on October 12, 2010 by smsgov

Toll free phone service has become an affordable and reliable option that offers customers countless features and price points to meet their individual needs.

Subscribers will never encounter any surprise costs and hidden fees with toll free numbers obtained through a reputable service provider. Subscribers can choose from a list of specific services and products not available through regular phone service. With toll free service, they never pay for options they don’t need and won’t use.

Read more here.

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Toll Free Customer Support Expected

Posted on October 11, 2010 by smsgov

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.

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844 Next.

Posted on October 10, 2010 by smsgov

With so much buzz and volume over the new 855 toll free area code phone numbers, there is already talk that the next toll free area code (844 numbers) will be right on 855’s heels. The 844 could be released within the next 12-18 months. By then, the supply will likely be diminished and the need will be there.

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Southwest’s Toll Free TTY Hotline

Posted on October 10, 2010 by smsgov

Southwest Airlines currently offers toll-free TTY (teletypewriter) and video relay access, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing customers direct access to their customer service hotline. With this toll free service, deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech disabled customers needing to call Southwest Airlines or can dial a dedicated toll-free TTY telephone number: 800-533-1305. That number is answered by a Sprint relay agent. The Sprint relay agent relays information between the Customer Service representative and the relay user in English or Spanish.

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Consumers Clamor for 855 Numbers

Posted on October 9, 2010 by smsgov

We hear a lot about the possible release of new toll free area codes (specifically the 855 numbers) but separating fact from fiction is the tricky part.
What we do know is that the Federal Communications Commission has a stockpile of new 855 numbers reserved to address the shortage but these numbers are not expected to be released anytime soon. We also know that available 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are at an all-time low, hurting business and creating a black market. Might be time for the 855 numbers, don’t you think?

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Consumers Rely on 800 Support Lines

Posted on October 6, 2010 by smsgov

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.

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Could Rationing Cause Illegal Trade to Grow?

Posted on October 5, 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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How Do Consumers Know What Companies They Can Trust?

Posted on October 4, 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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State Municipalities Provide Toll Free Hotlines

Posted on September 30, 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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