Posted on September 22, 2010 by smsgov
In the telecommunications industry, we are once again hearing rumors of toll free rationing. The federal government rationed 800 numbers in 1995 until the new 888 pre-fix was introduced a year later. Now, the supply of available 1-800 numbers is again nearly depleted. This marketing tool has been so successful that the available numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates. If rationing is implemented, obtaining a new toll free number will be more difficult than ever before.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, ration, rationing, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 22, 2010 by smsgov
Toll free service is now a staple of any type of business. Small business owners, following the lead of the CEO’s of nearly half the Fortune 500 companies, are using toll free numbers as a marketing tool. Personal use of toll free numbers has also grown. Estimates indicate that more than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken. Millions of new subscribers are registering every year.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, phone service, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, tollfree | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 21, 2010 by smsgov
Rumors of a rationing program have subscribers scrambling to obtain numbers, creating an even more limited supply.
The federal government rationed coveted 800 numbers in 1995 until the new 888 pre-fix was introduced a year later. But the U.S. supply of available 1-800 numbers, dwindling for years, is again nearly depleted. 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 1-800 numbers are decreasing while demand is growing at unprecedented rates.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, 855, 855 number, 855 numbers, 866, 877, 888, att, qwest, ration, rationing, toll free, verizon | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 20, 2010 by smsgov
The popularity of 1-800 numbers is surpassing that of local phone numbers at rates exceeding industry expectations.
Toll free service has increased at such a fast pace that the supply of available 1-800 numbers is at an all-time low. According to the Federal Communications Commission 1-800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are increasingly popular for businesses and for personal use. And that is why we continue to lobby for the swift release of the new pool of toll free numbers–the 855 area code numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 855 numbers, standard phone service, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free phone number | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 20, 2010 by smsgov
The reported increase in attempts to profit from the illegal sales of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are partly in response to rapidly dwindling supplies of quality toll free numbers. Experts advise anyone interested in obtaining an 800 number should legally obtain a toll free number through a reliable toll free service provider to avoid hefty fines and/or losing their established phone numbers.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free brokering, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 20, 2010 by smsgov
Hearing more and more about fiber optics lately. Fiber optics used for telecommunications is still considered more reliable than VoIP, particularly for long distance calls, because it allows for longer intervals of signal transmission without interruptions. Fiber optics provides a quality connection that ensures clarity in every call. With this technology, optical fibers are used instead of metal, reducing lost connections from electromagnetic interference. Fiber optics is also considered more secure. It is difficult, if not impossible, to detect motion through the fibers. This reduces concerns over phone calls being improperly monitored.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: fiber optic, fiber optic phone service, fiber optics, phone service, telecommunications, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 19, 2010 by smsgov
In 1994, the United States Congress approved the Communications for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). The regulations were intended to preserve a wiretapping law put in place in 1968 and allow wiretapping over digital phone networks. CALEA requires telecommunications carriers to modify their equipment, facilities, and services to aid surveillance capabilities. Initially there was some question as to whether this would apply to VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol service—but in 2005 the courts ruled that indeed VoIP must comply with CALEA.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: calea, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 19, 2010 by smsgov
A recent article in the Times brought to light the new trend toward mobile offices replacing the traditional office space. Professionals and salespersons are ditching their expensive office space and running their business from their cars. With a laptop, cell phone and a toll free number, they can travel anywhere and stay in touch with clients. No rent, no utility bill. Everything they need is in their vehicle and with a toll free number, customers and clients can reach them anywhere at any time. When they go home, the whole office goes inside with them.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 18, 2010 by smsgov
866 numbers are the newest toll free numbers, released by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 to address the shortage of 800, 888, and 877 numbers. Once consumers began to recognize the 866 pre-fix as toll free, the value of 866 soared. Recent studies indicate that 9 out of 10 consumers recognize 866 as a toll free number. The 866 numbers are more popular then ever before, increasing in demand every day.
But insiders warn that just like 800, 888, and 877, the 866 numbers are in short supply. A nationwide demand for toll free service has caused supplies of the limited available phone numbers to plummet.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 866, 866 number, 866 numbers, phone numbers, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 17, 2010 by smsgov
Economic stress in late 2008 and 2009 has led to the closings of thousands of retail stores. Nonetheless, many of these companies have stayed profitable through phone and web sales. The majority of sales from catalog and websites are still made through toll free phone calls. And these days, large chain stores like WalMart and Target offer shoppers the convenience of buying over the phone (800-966-6546 WalMart; 800-440-0680, Target). Toll free has helped many retail companies, large and small, stay afloat during this recession.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, marketing, toll free, toll free practices | Leave a comment »