Posted on January 13, 2010 by smsgov
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 the full news story here!
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 number, 1-800, 1967, 800 numbers, att, numbers, telecommunications, toll, toll free, toll free brokering | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 12, 2010 by smsgov
If a toll free phone service carrier advises a customer that if will take weeks for a new toll free number, that customer should be told to find another service provider. Toll free numbers can, and should, be issued within just days. Even the transfer of an existing number should be speedy and easy to accomplish. If a carrier is taking weeks to get number for people, then their methods of obtaining these numbers could be in question. Toll free customers should be advised that properly-approved service providers can obtain new toll free numbers in just a few days, sometimes less.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, Toll Free Service Providers | 1 Comment »
Posted on January 12, 2010 by smsgov
In addition to the complete list of toll free telephone companies SMSGOV.com maintains; SMS-GOV.US also maintains a list of approved Toll Free Service Providers.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, approved toll free companies, authorized 800 numbers, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 12, 2010 by smsgov
The SMS/800 Data Center houses the main database of available toll free 800, 888, 877 and 866 phone numbers for the United States and Canada. The SMS/800 maintains and updates the database and keeps records of the owners of each number and the service providers. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis.
Who Is the SMS? Find out here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, government, sms, SMS Role, sms-800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 11, 2010 by smsgov
We were asked recently why the FCC hasn’t announced a date for the release of the new toll free phone number area code(s). There are many possible responses and we are not certain precisely why. But one thing is for certain, we hope they do make an announcement about the 855 area codes sometime this year. New stockpiles of toll free numbers will bring opportunities for businesses nationwide. Existing companies and new businesses will all get a boost form these new numbers to choose from. There are rumors that it will be in 2011. We will see.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 855 numbers, fcc, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free phone service | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 11, 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.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: how does, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 10, 2010 by smsgov
Among the most frequently asked question we get as experts in telecommunications field is: Can i still get a decent custom toll free phone number with the existing four area codes? Or should I wait to sign up until the new area codes are released. The answers are a resounding YES and NO in that order. Subscribers can still get a good custom number. They need to research providers and find one that has access to a good stock of custom options. And NO..there is no reason to wait. A toll free number is affordable and produces better recognition of a company and expands potential revenue. So the advice within the industry is to get one now, and another if needed when the new area codes are released.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 10, 2010 by smsgov
The objective of CALEA implementation is to preserve law enforcement’s ability to conduct lawfully-authorized electronic surveillance while preserving public safety, the public’s right to privacy, and the telecommunications industry’s competitiveness. Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800's, calea, Lawful, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 9, 2010 by smsgov
Last minute decision to try and get a table at the hottest restaurants in New York, L.A. or Vegas? It is easier than it used to be. Many chic eateries now offer a toll free phone number to make reservations, even at the last minute. Program these numbers into your phone and with the click of a button you can be connected to the host to secure your primo table. I know a frequent traveler who takes care of this from the plane before arrival. This is yet another growing trend in the toll free service arena.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free numbers, Toll Free Phone Numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 9, 2010 by smsgov
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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, calea, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, phone numbers, phone service, toll free | Leave a comment »
