Posted on October 28, 2009 by smsgov
FCC’s rules designate the criteria for determining the status of each toll-free number, and prohibit “warehousing” and “hoarding” of toll-free numbers. However, the FCC does not oversee the assignment of toll-free numbers and does not have direct access to the toll-free number database maintained by the 800 Services Management System (SMS/800).
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, fcc, phone numbers, toll free, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on October 8, 2009 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 September 26, 2009 by smsgov
Pfizer has launched a new toll free number as part of a program to provide people with free prescription drugs for up to a year to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance. To be eligible, people must have lost their job since January 1st and have been on Pfizer drugs for three months or more before that. Patients can call a toll-free number, 866-706-2400, to sign up.
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Posted on July 19, 2009 by smsgov
While we wait for more supply, telecommunications experts advise anyone looking for a toll free number to obtain one now, before the supply runs even lower. Contact a reliable toll free service provider that has access to a large pool of available numbers.
Read more here.
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Posted on July 18, 2009 by smsgov
When choosing toll free service, subscribers typically can select from a menu of services—calls routed to land lines, faxes, emails etc. and a variety of other features that suit their needs and their budget. Once a number is assigned, it stays with the owner permanently. If a company grows or moves locations, the numbers remains, safeguarding the connection to all their customers.
Read more here.
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Posted on July 16, 2009 by smsgov
Although we have discussed this on this site previously, it seems there are still some misunderstandings about the FCC’s role in toll free practice. The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers, however they do regulate the guidelines under which 1-800 numbers can be used and obtained. For instance, the hoarding and warehousing of numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines—recently illustrated by a citation for an $11,000 fine each day a California company continued to implement improper toll free practices. Numbers are assigned by toll free carriers and phone companies.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free number, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 13, 2009 by smsgov
When the popular 800 numbers became scarce, the FCC introduced the 888 and 877 numbers in the mid-1990s and the 866 pre-fix in 2000. Available stock of toll free numbers is quickly depleting and industry insiders are awaiting the release of the 855 numbers currently reserved by the FCC. Insiders say these numbers may not be released for several years.
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 11, 2009 by smsgov
In the past year, the telecommunications industry has seen a steady increase in toll free subscribers. It appears to be in response to recent reports about the rapid decline of available 800 numbers, coupled with growing public awareness about the effectiveness of having a 1-800 number. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications. In recent years, reports indicate that an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers have been assigned daily. If this number continues to increase, and the reserved 855 numbers are not released, the shortage of available numbers will eventually have a detrimental impact on new businesses.
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Posted on July 10, 2009 by smsgov
To address spring and summer flooding and other natural emergencies, FEMS offers a toll free service to provide aide and information. Anyone who has suffered hardships due to a natural emergency can seek assistance. Call 1-800-621-FEMA for more details. Hearing and speech impaired applicants with TTY equipment can call 1-800-462-7585.
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Posted on July 9, 2009 by smsgov
Crime victims now have more access to information about the custody status of their offenders thanks to a new toll free service provided by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Citizens can call the LAVNS’ toll-free hot line at 866-LAVNS-4-U to find out if their offender is in jail. They also can register to be notified when that offender is released or if that offender escapes. The victim will receive notification calls regarding the status every half-hour for 48 hours.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free number, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Toll Free Service Management System News 