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800 numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, or 866. 800 numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals without being charged for the call. The charge for using a 800 number is paid by the called party (the toll-free subscriber) instead of the calling party. Toll-free numbers can be dialed directly to your business or personal telephone line.
800 numbers are very common and have proven successful for businesses, particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing. Toll-free service provides potential customers and others with a “free” and convenient way to contact businesses.
800 numbers are also increasingly popular for personal use. For example, parents can obtain toll-free numbers to give to a young adult who is away at college, allowing that young adult to call home anytime without having to make a collect call or pay for the call.
Today, there are four toll-free codes: 800, 888, 877, and 866. Although 800, 888, 877, and 866 are all toll-free codes, they are not interchangeable. 1-800-234-5678 is not the same as 1-888-234-5678. Calls to each toll-free number are routed to a particular local telephone number.
For Additional Information
For additional information about toll-free numbers or other telecommunications-related subjects, please visit the FCC's Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb, or call the FCC Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.
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