Posted on September 5, 2009 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. Available numbers on the database are assigned to subscribers on a first-come, first-served, basis. SS/800 keeps records on the status of all 800 numbers, service providers, and call routing options. When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available on the SMS/800 database.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, database, sms, sms-800, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 4, 2009 by smsgov
When starting a new company, there are many decisions to be made on communications, advertising, marketing, and customer service. Toll free phone service combined with virtual office systems streamlines management needs and reduces communications costs. With a toll free phone system that mimics corporate phone set-ups, any small business can have comprehensive telephone connections without having to install any new equipment or purchase new set-ups. We are finding that virtual office systems are becoming more and more popular, especially as companies attempt to keep their staff costs down.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: telecommunications, toll free, virtual office | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 4, 2009 by smsgov
In addition to the recently announced toll free numbers to help provide assistance and information about the swine flu, millions of other toll free hotlines are available to help people in distress, victims of natural disasters, or just for those seeking information or looking to report a problem.
When toll free service first became popular, a handful of 1-800 hotlines were established. Now, there are millions of 24-hour hotlines offering assistance for people in almost any circumstance.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, hotlines, swine flu, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 3, 2009 by smsgov
When getting a full service toll free/virtual office system, advise your clients to carefully consider the options. For instance, they should think carefully before getting the type of automated system that may turn off potential customers. These systems can be effective for some types of businesses: but they can be a detriment for many others. Consider whether an automated system matches a company’s image. If they do decide to go with an IVR system, buying one instead of renting one typically makes more financial sense.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, automated, IVR, toll free, virtual office | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 1, 2009 by smsgov
In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a regulation that made 1-800 numbers ‘portable’—this simply means the number can be moved from carrier to carrier. (This is referred to as “porting” the number.) The idea was that subscribers should never have to worry about losing control of their preferred phone number if they switch carriers and they should never be locked into inferior phone service.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, porting numbers, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free transfer | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 1, 2009 by smsgov
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 area code, 866, 877, 888, att, qwest, ration, rationing, toll free, verizon | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 31, 2009 by smsgov
Growing concern about the limited stock of 800 numbers is creating an even higher demand. The FCC cites toll free service as a “proven” marketing tool for increasing and sustaining business. In fact, studies show that telephone orders can increase up to 60 percent and word of mouth referrals can rise by 200 percent. American adults report that they make an average of 60 toll free calls per year.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, free, number, numbers, phone, ration, toll, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 31, 2009 by smsgov
Toll-free service turned 30 this year and its growth has absolutely exploded, because of its increased use by small-business owners, people with pagers, home offices and even parents who want their children to be able to reach them at work or in the field.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: broker, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 30, 2009 by smsgov
Free cell phones are now being provided to needy residents of the U.S. The program is called SafeLink and is intended for low-income families and anyone receiving Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and other government assistance programs. Safelink is being hailed as a safety program for those who cannot afford phones to stay in touch with children and family or who may need to contact police and medical personnel.
For more information on the free cell phone program go to SafeLink.com or call 1-800-977-3768.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: cell phones, phone service, toll free | Leave a comment »
Posted on August 30, 2009 by smsgov
To help users get the numbers they wanted and to help alleviate system congestion, the SMS/800 Management Team worked with the Resp Orgs and the Federal Communications Commission to make the change and set a regular sparing schedule.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, sms, status, toll free | Leave a comment »
