Posted on July 13, 2009 by smsgov
When the popular 800 numbers became scarce, the FCC introduced the 888 and 877 numbers in the mid-1990s and the 866 pre-fix in 2000. Available stock of toll free numbers is quickly depleting and industry insiders are awaiting the release of the 855 numbers currently reserved by the FCC. Insiders say these numbers may not be released for several years.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, fcc, federal communications commission, phone numbers, toll free, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 12, 2009 by smsgov
As telecommunications experts, we are actively spreading the word about the scarcity of good toll free numbers. Are we succeeding? Business owners should be educated and prepared for the shortfall at a time when they may need the advantages of toll free the most. With the economy still floundering, this dearth of available 1-800 numbers comes at a time when economists are advising business owners to shift their marketing tactics to direct response—including using toll free to attract consumers and sustain relationships with existing customers. We know that toll free helps businesses. But getting good numbers, with supplies dwindling, is becoming a challenge. The best advice, still, is to obtain a good toll free phone number today.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, telecommunications, toll free, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 11, 2009 by smsgov
In the past year, the telecommunications industry has seen a steady increase in toll free subscribers. It appears to be in response to recent reports about the rapid decline of available 800 numbers, coupled with growing public awareness about the effectiveness of having a 1-800 number. A steady stream of requests are pouring in for toll free 800, 888, 877, and 866 numbers and applications. In recent years, reports indicate that an average of 8,000 new toll free numbers have been assigned daily. If this number continues to increase, and the reserved 855 numbers are not released, the shortage of available numbers will eventually have a detrimental impact on new businesses.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 11, 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.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, free, number, numbers, phone, ration, toll, toll free, toll free numbers, toll free ration | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 10, 2009 by smsgov
To address spring and summer flooding and other natural emergencies, FEMS offers a toll free service to provide aide and information. Anyone who has suffered hardships due to a natural emergency can seek assistance. Call 1-800-621-FEMA for more details. Hearing and speech impaired applicants with TTY equipment can call 1-800-462-7585.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1-800-621-FEMA, FEMA, toll free, toll free service, toll free services | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 8, 2009 by smsgov
Through the Department’s Office for Victims of Crime and the FBI’s Office of Victims Assistance, the Department is providing federal assistance to the New York Crime Victims Board, and on-site assistance to the Binghamton Crime Victims Assistance Center.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800, 800 number, 800 numbers, department of justice, DOJ, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, usdoj | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 7, 2009 by smsgov
The Call-Capture feature, available from some toll free carriers, is an indispensable marketing tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Using Real-Time Automatic Number Identification (ANI) every single call to a 1-800 number can be identified. ANI provides a business owner with the caller’s ten-digit phone number, even if the call came from a blocked number. With this tracking feature these blocked calls can be unblocked and made available to the subscriber. With every call to a toll free number accounted for, the subscriber can develop very specific marketing plans.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, 1-800, call tracking, toll free, trace the call | 1 Comment »
Posted on July 7, 2009 by smsgov
According to Digicel, its revenue stream is being adversely affected because, along with other operators, it is unable to sell toll free services to corporate customers. Digicel complained that LIME has a monopoly in that segment of the market and corporate customers are “forced to use C&W/LIME’s toll free service and accept whatever prices and service standards C&W/LIME chooses”.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 800 number, 800 numbers, digicel, jamaica, lime, mobile, toll free, toll free number, toll free numbers, USVI, virgin islands | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 5, 2009 by smsgov
Signing a long-term contract with a toll free carrier could prevent you from switching providers if you end up dissatisfied with the service or fees. Toll free numbers have been portable since 1991—this means you have the ability to switch carriers and “port” your number, in other words take it with you. All toll free customers should be aware that signing a long-term contract could be detrimental. There are plenty of carriers that provide toll free service without contracts or with very flexible short-term contracts.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 1 800 numbers, toll free, toll free contracts, toll free service | Leave a comment »
Posted on July 5, 2009 by smsgov
The value of a 1-800 number has become a necessity for any business. Toll free numbers allow callers to reach businesses, organizations and even friends and relatives without being charged for the call. A toll free number lends credibility to any business, enhances customer service, and increases customer confidence. There are no additional installations needed for a 1-800 number and the calls can be routed to any cell phone, landline, or fax. Studies show that sales can double and word of mouth referrals can increase by as much as 200% making toll free service indispensable for business.
Read more here.
Filed under: Information | Tagged: 822, 833, 844, 855, 855 number, 855 numbers, fcc, sms800, toll free | Leave a comment »