New Toll Free Supply

How many good, memorable, toll free phone numbers remain available for new subscribers? This is an issue of constant concern for those of us in the telecommunications industry. With a limited number of numerical possibilities and increased interest in obtaining the remaining numbers, the finite supply could eventually be depleted. But the good news is that there is an expected turn-about within the next year or so. New numbers–the new 855 area code–are expected to be released to re-nourish the dwindling supply.

The Difficulties In Securing An 800 Phone Number Have Increased

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.

Imperiled Market Requires New Toll Free Numbers

A reminder of the need for new toll free area codes: more than two-thirds of the available supply of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are taken and millions of new subscribers are registering every year. Business owners who wait much longer to obtain a number might find themselves out of luck. In a competitive market, a toll free number is a valuable commodity for every business. To manage fair distribution of the numbers remaining, federal agencies have cracked down on the illegal sale of 800 numbers and the hoarding, or stockpiling, of numbers and this is helping somewhat. The real solution, many say, is the release of reserved toll free numbers.

New Numbers Could Stall Embargo

It is a relief to hear the buzz that new toll free phone numbers will likely be released within a year or two. Telecommunications industry sources say this new supply of numbers could thwart an embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers coupled with a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials felt they may have needed to impose an embargo. But with an expected turn-about, the embargo may not be necessary.

Toll Free Numbers Face Possible Embargo in the U.S.A.

Telecommunications industry sources now say an unthinkable embargo on new toll free phone service in the United States is a real possibility within the next year. Facing a severe shortage of available 800-numbers, a skyrocketing demand for toll free service and an emerging black market for 800 numbers, insiders say officials feel they are left with no choice but to impose an embargo.

Read more here.

Toll Free Shortage Causes Scare, Options Considered

Thirteen years after the federal government rationed the dwindling supply of toll free numbers, reports are circulating that rationing will once again be implemented. Severe shortages of 800 numbers are forcing these extreme measures as a means of protecting the limited remaining supply.

Read more here.

Finding a Good Toll Free Can Be Demanding

Toll free service has a long history. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. By the 1980s, nearly half of all long distance calls would be toll free. Today, 98 percent of adults say they regularly use toll free numbers. Meanwhile, the supply of 800 numbers are at an all-time low. More than two-thirds of the available numbers are taken and there are no immediate plans by the FCC to introduce a new pre-fix.

Read more here.

Expanding With Multiple Toll Free Numbers

The anticipated release of new toll free phone number area codes within the next 18 months can help all types of businesses expand by allowing them to utilize multiple toll free phone numbers to attract new customers and clients. New, creative numbers will reach an unlimited customer base and could help any type of business, large or small, expand and thrive.

What is Required to Transfer a Toll Free Number?

If you currently control your own 1-800 toll free phone number (or 888/877/866) and choose to transfer your toll free number to another company (also called ‘porting your number’) the company you are transferring it to will require a bill copy, but why?

Read more here.

855 Numbers?

The release of the new 855 numbers within the next year or so will relieve subscribers who are spending hours or even days trying to find a suitable number that matches their image and needs. Many good numbers are taken and are being used by successful companies. The 855 area codes will allow a host of new possibilities. Savvy business owners are already getting ideas of the perfect number for their companies. Many toll free providers can help you learn now how to secure those numbers later. Make sure to deal with a provider that has been in business for a substantial amount of time, has flexible programs and offers fiber optics.