The First Toll Free

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!

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Recognizing High Demand FCC Reintroduces Toll-Free Ration Bill

Posted on December 27, 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.

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Special Advisory – Decline of Available Toll Free Numbers Continues To Cause Alarm

Posted on December 22, 2009 by smsgov

Reports Cite Several Contributing Risk Factors

On the heels of numerous warnings about the alarming decline in the number of available toll free numbers, SMSGOV.com has now reported that toll service providers’ collective revenue decreased by six billion dollars according to a monitoring report released by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.

The report, filed with the FCC, is elevating concerns within an industry already worried about a potential meltdown. The popularity of the finite amount of toll free numbers, coupled with the failure of the FCC to release new numbers, has created a deficit of availability that is raising red flags throughout the telecommunications world.

Last week, a member of the Tollfree Advisory Committee at SMSGOV.com acknowledged that the scarcity is causing a surge of subscribers scurrying to obtain the available toll free numbers. If supplies deplete much further, small businesses nationwide could see disastrous economic fallout. Toll free numbers are known as an effective marking strategy that increases customer base and boosts revenue.

The Toll-Free Ration Bill

Read more about the potential phone embargo

Also causing alarm are the recent reports of increased incidents of illegal hoarding of toll free numbers. The FCC has been clamping down on violations of Section 251 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, which prohibits the warehousing and hoarding of numbers. To ensure that toll free numbers are distributed in a fair and equitable way, the FCC is taking a close look at suspect activity. Last spring, they cited a potential $11,000 daily fine to the owners of a California company for improper toll free practices. This followed a string of unrelated instances, including at least one owner’s attempt to sell his numbers on eBay.

More on Toll Free Laws

More information on Hoarding

Read about the eBay seller caught auctioning his number

For additional information, go to SMSGOV.com.

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Get Creative

Posted on December 7, 2009 by smsgov

Creative marketing begins with a perfectly-matched toll free number and domain name. With the expected release of new toll free numbers within the next couple of years, all subscribers can get even more creative with their company’s phone number and domain name. To get the most from every marketing dollar, select a toll free vanity number that is a good fit for your image, match a domain name, and work with well-respected service providers who will protect your interests and help you make decisions that will enhance and expand your business.

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What Causes Difficulty in Getting an 800 Number?

Posted on December 2, 2009 by smsgov

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.

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In Just Minutes You Can Have Toll Free

Posted on December 1, 2009 by smsgov

It takes just minutes to sign up for toll free service. The service providers do most of the work for you. Service providers assign and reserve numbers off the database on a first-come, first-served basis. To get started, subscribers simply contact a service provider, find a suitable vanity number or numerical sequence, and then sign on for service. Better yet, toll free service is affordable and often less expensive than standard phone services.

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Federal Government Intervenes in Sale of Toll Free Numbers

Posted on November 29, 2009 by smsgov

Following the emergence of a black market for valuable toll free numbers, including catchy vanity numbers, sources say federal authorities are cracking down on the illegal sales of 800 numbers.

Insiders say to avoid being caught in an undercover investigation and facing hefty fines from the Federal Communications Commission, anyone interested in obtaining an 800 number should deal with reputable service providers such as Qwest, or AT&T.

Read more here.

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Toll Free Shortage Causes Scare, Options Considered

Posted on November 25, 2009 by smsgov

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.

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Finding a Good Toll Free Can Be Demanding

Posted on November 25, 2009 by smsgov

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.

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What is Required to Transfer a Toll Free Number?

Posted on November 24, 2009 by smsgov

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.

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