Posted on November 14, 2009 by smsgov
Toll free 800 numbers were introduced in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix debuted. It took just two years for that supply to run out. With the popularity of toll free service soaring and supplies dropping, the FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866. While insiders initially worried that consumers would not recognize 877 and 866 as toll free, these numbers have steadily grown in popularity.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 866, 866 number, 866 numbers, phone numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 13, 2009 by smsgov
Along with hoarding, the outright sale of specific toll free numbers is likewise illegal. Some crafty entrepreneurs have attempted to skirt the regulations by “leasing” or “renting” numbers. But industry insiders say the crackdown on illegal use of toll free numbers is aimed at this practice too.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, fcc, free, local numbers, number, toll, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 12, 2009 by smsgov
Users who are waiting to reserve a number that will soon be returned to spare now know what time a given number will automatically spare. With the implementation of SMS/800 Release 16.0, numbers scheduled for automatic spare are released at 11 pm Central.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, sms800, status, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 11, 2009 by smsgov
1-866 numbers are increasing in popularity. For many subscribers, it is easier to find a suitable 1-866 number these days than a 1-800 number. They are widely recognized as toll free numbers. AT&T introduced 800 numbers in 1967. Two decades later, when most of the 7 million possible numbers were taken, the 888 pre-fix was introduced. It took just two years for that supply to run dry. The FCC then launched 877 in 1998 followed soon after by 866.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, 1-866 numbers, 866, 866 area code, 866 pre-fix numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 11, 2009 by smsgov
In the past few years, proposals to ration toll free numbers have been narrowly defeated. Yet, rumors are still swirling that a rationing program for the few remaining 800 numbers is imminent. Supplies of 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers are so depleted that availability is at an all-time low. But some say rationing the numbers, as the federal government did in 1995, is not the answer and could have a negative impact on the business community.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 9, 2009 by smsgov
A recent plea for the deactivation of unused 800 numbers resulted in a surge of numbers returned to the main database. But despite these mass replacements, the supply of available toll free numbers continues to dwindle as thousands of subscribers register for a 1- 800 number each day.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, 800 numbers, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 8, 2009 by smsgov
Sprint and Southwest Airlines now offer toll-free TTY (teletypewriter) and video relay access, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing customers direct access to Southwest Airlines customer service. With this toll free service, deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech disabled customers needing to call Southwest Airlines can dial a dedicated toll-free TTY telephone number: 800-533-1305. That number is answered by a Sprint relay agent. The Sprint relay agent relays information between the Customer Service representative and the relay user in English or Spanish.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, toll, toll free, toll free service, TTY | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 7, 2009 by smsgov
The demand for retired numbers is so great that some companies are charging subscribers thousands of dollars to reserve one. Industry experts say that turnover of claimed numbers is minimal because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure an 800 number tend to keep it.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 numbers, long distance, toll free, toll free numbers | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 6, 2009 by smsgov
Toll Free clients should be advised that they could be unpleasantly surprised down the road if they rent or lease a toll free phone number. Ownership is generally better, far less risks. No surprise loss of a valued number.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, phone service, toll, toll free, toll free number | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 5, 2009 by smsgov
With several million new toll free numbers registered each year, the supply of toll free numbers is quickly depleting. The scarcity is causing a rush to obtain new toll free numbers or to register for disconnected numbers returned back to the system. Experts say this type of intense demand can lead to price-gouging and unethical hidden fees. The safest and most cost effective way to secure a toll free number is to contact a reputable service provider such as the one we list on our COMPANIES page at SMSGOV.COM.
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Filed under: Information | Tagged: 822, 833, 844, 855, 855 number, 855 numbers, fcc, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
