Toll Free Donations Continue 90 Days After Haiti Earthquake

Millions in donations for Haiti relief came through toll free phone numbers established by charitable organizations in the past 90 days. The American Red Cross has released a three-month progress report on its efforts in Haiti since the January earthquake and described its plans to support Haiti’s recovery over the next five years. Since the earthquake, the American Red Cross has raised more than $409 million for Haiti relief and recovery and has spent approximately $111 million. Donations can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Unique Features Of Toll Free Service

Among the many benefits of signing on for toll free phone service are the many unique features available. Calls can be routed to an any other phone line and faxes can be routed to email. These state-of-the-art features are not available from most typical phone service providers. When choosing toll free service, subscribers can select from a menu of services—phone 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 goes with them, safeguarding the connection to all their customers. Just be sure to deal with a reputable, credentialed service provider.

Securing 1-800 Toll Free Numbers Grows Increasingly Difficult

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.

866 Phone Numbers Extremely Popular

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.

Read more here.

Census Continues With Toll Free Connections

Residents who lost or did not receive a 2010 Census questionnaire should call a toll free phone number offered by the United States Census Bureau. Beginning Monday, April 12, residents can call 1-866-872-6868 to request a Census form. Callers can also provide their answers to a Census Bureau representative over the phone. The Census Bureau will send out forms until April 22, then will take information over the phone. The Census asks 10 questions, including a person’s name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ownership of the home and relationship to others in the household.

Stockholders Keep Informed With Toll Free

Corporations are using toll free phone service for more than just sales and customer service. Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. just announced that stockholders and other interested parties unable to attend ALC’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Monday, May 3 will have the option to listen to the meeting via a toll free phone call. The toll free number is 1-800-230-1085. A taped rebroadcast of the stockholders meeting will be available approximately three hours following the meeting by dialing toll free 1-800-475-6701.

FCC Set’s It’s Sights on Illegal Sales of Toll Free Numbers

The FCC does not play a role in the assignment of numbers to subscribers. However they do set and regulate the guidelines under which 800 numbers can be used and obtained. According to the FCC, hoarding and warehousing numbers is prohibited and punishable with severe fines.

Read more here.

Toll-free Phone Number Rationing Proposed

The stock of available toll free numbers is now so depleted that insiders say government agencies may implement another rationing of the 800, 888, 877, and 866 pre-fixes within months. Rumors of a rationing program have subscribers scrambling to obtain numbers, creating an even more limited supply.

Read more here.

Google Quick Link To Toll Free

Google is now directing anyone who inquires about suicide to a toll free phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The information, which will be highlighted by a red phone, will take precedence over all other search results. Dr. Roni Zeiger, chief health strategist for Google, told the New York Times that this is the second time Google has added the guidance link. Earlier this year, the search engine began providing a toll free phone number for the national poison control hotline.

Finding a Good 800 Number Can Be Taxing

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.