Posted on June 11, 2010 by smsgov
After a recent blog post on regulation, a reader requested an example of how regulators have controlled the improper use of toll free numbers. Here’s one: In 2005, the FCC yanked control of 1-800-RED-CROSS from a private California business owner who was leasing the use of the number to local chapters of the Red Cross. When the charity filed a formal complaint, the FCC determined that the brokering was illegal and handed over control of the number to the non-profit.
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Posted on May 11, 2010 by smsgov
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.
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Posted on May 8, 2010 by smsgov
A toll free number forward to, or rings, at any local number and on any phone. It does not require a special set-up of installation of any kind. There are four toll free pre-fixes, 800, 888, 877, and 866, and they all work the same way. Calls to these numbers are charged to the subscriber, not to the caller. Vanity numbers spell a word or phrase that relates to the business.
Read more here.
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Posted on May 1, 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 April 14, 2010 by smsgov
With the fixed amount of available 800 numbers shrinking fast, subscribers who waited to secure toll free service are now learning why it is so difficult to obtain a number.
Industry insiders say the soaring popularity of toll free service combined with the failure of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release additional numbers have created a tight supply of 800 numbers in heavy demand.
Read more here.
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Posted on March 30, 2010 by smsgov
You’ve heard of human organs on the black market; but, toll frees? The FCC has the 855 pre-fix reserved to alleviate the shortage but has not yet announced plans to release those numbers.Read this full story here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, phone service, telecommunications, toll free, toll free hoarding, toll free number, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on March 29, 2010 by smsgov
We have frequently discussed the use of toll free phone numbers by governments for everything from information about weather, campaigns, employment, health resources and disaster relief. Mow Louisiana has turned it up a notch by using toll free to help education. The Louisiana Department of Education is offering educational assistance to parents and students through its Tutoring Hotline. (The toll-free phone hotline is 1-877-453-2721.) The Tutoring Hotline operates several weeks each year before and during student testing. Tutors will be available to assist students and parents each evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, now through April 9.
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Posted on March 18, 2010 by smsgov
Graco Children’s Products Inc. has announced the recall of more than one million high chairs because screws can loosen in the legs, causing the chairs to fall over, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The company acted after receiving 464 reports of screws loosening or falling out, resulting in at least 24 injuries. The recall applies to chairs sold at retailers including Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us Inc., Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores. Consumers can call toll-free at (877) 842- 3206 to order a free repair kit.
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Posted on March 9, 2010 by smsgov
We know from countless surveys and studies that customers tend to order more merchandise over the phone than by internet or mail order. And customer returns decrease by as much as half if personal customer support is provided over the phone. Response rates soar when advertisements include a toll free number. Studies also show that customers equate toll free phone numbers with high quality services and products. Toll free phone numbers–especially a vanity number that matches a brand name or image–-sends a message that a product and service are of superior quality to those of a competitor.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: customer service, customers, toll free numbers, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on March 6, 2010 by smsgov
Telecommunications is an ever-changing industry. One staple in the past four decades has been toll fee phone service. Demand in 2010 far exceeds anyones prediction when the service was first introduced. In fact, the value of a 1-800 number is now a necessity for any business. A toll free phone number lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. Studies show that sales can double and word of mouth referrals increase, making toll free service indispensable. In a constantly revolving industry, toll free remains very stable and consistent.
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Toll Free Service Management System News 