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Toll-free numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, or 866. Toll-free numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals without being charged for the call. The charge for using a toll-free 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.
Toll-free 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.
Toll-free 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.
Toll-Free Codes - 800, 888, 877, 866, …
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.
Toll-Free Directory Assistance
Toll-free directory assistance for some toll-free numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-555-1212. The service is free. Not all toll-free numbers are listed – only those for subscribers that choose to list them. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to address how to promote competition among multiple providers of directory assistance, including directory assistance for toll-free numbers. In the meantime, 1-888-555-XXXX numbers are not being assigned to subscribers.
How Are Toll-Free Numbers Assigned?
Toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Toll-free service providers (sometimes referred to as “Responsible Organizations” or “RespOrgs”) have access to the SMS/800 database, which contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. RespOrgs are certified by the SMS/800 database administrator, which manages toll-free service.
Contact a toll-free service provider if you want to obtain a toll-free number. Toll-free service providers can access the database and reserve a number for subscribers. There are several hundred toll-free service providers in the United States. You may find a list of all toll-free service providers on the SMS/800 Web site, www.sms800.com/ or you may call the SMS/800 Help Desk at 1-888-SMS-3300.
What Is the FCC's Role?
The FCC regulates or sets the rules under which toll-free numbers can be used or obtained. The FCC requires 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. The FCC’s rules designate the criteria for determining the status of each toll-free number, and prohibit “warehousing” and “hoarding” of toll-free numbers.
The FCC, however, is not involved in the day-to-day assignment of toll-free numbers, does not have direct access to the toll-free number database, and cannot provide any information about the status of a toll-free number or a request for a toll-free number. A telephone industry standards-setting organization establishes guidelines for toll-free numbers, and the guidelines must comply with the FCC’s requirements.
What Is A "Vanity" Number and How Can I Get One?
A “vanity” number is a toll-free telephone number that also spells a person’s or company’s name or spells a word or acronym that is chosen by the subscriber, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS. To find out whether a specific toll-free number is available, contact any toll-free service provider.
"Warehousing/Hoarding" Toll-Free Numbers
“Warehousing” by toll-free service providers is prohibited by the FCC’s rules. A toll-free service provider may not legally reserve a toll-free number without having an actual toll-free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. Toll-free service providers who warehouse numbers are subject to penalties.
“Hoarding” by subscribers is similarly prohibited and illegal. A subscriber may not acquire more toll-free numbers than the subscriber intends to use. Hoarding also includes “number brokering” – it is illegal for a subscriber to sell a toll-free number for a fee.
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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