Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with distinct 3-digit codes that can be dialled from landlines with no charge to the person placing the call such numbers that allow users to reach businesses and/or individuals out of the area without being charged a long-distance fee for the call.
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Toll-free numbers are particularly common for customer-service calling. Toll-free service has traditionally provided potential callers and others with a convenient and free way to contact businesses. Wireless callers, however, will be charged for the airtime minutes used during a toll-free call unless they have an “unlimited calling” plan.
Customers can also send text messages to toll-free numbers, so long as those numbers are “text enabled,” and businesses can send texts in response.
Toll Free Codes: 800, 877, 855, 888, 866, and 844:
Toll-free numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 877, 855, 888, 866, or 844. Although 1-800 toll-free code is most popular especially among chat lines, they are not interchangeable. Dialing a number using a 1-800 prefix would reach a different recipient than dialing that number using a 1-888 prefix. Calls to each toll-free number are routed to a particular local telephone number.
How these numbers are assigned?
These numbers are assigned on a first-come, first served basis by entities called “ResOrgs or Responsible Organizations”. Many of these entities also provide toll-free service. RespOrgs have access to a toll-free database that contains information regarding its status of toll-free numbers. RespOrgs are certified by Somos, Inc., administrator of the toll-free number database.
You can contact a RespOrg if you want to obtain a toll-free number. If you need help locating a RespOrg, call or text the Somos Help Desk at 1-844-HEY SOMOS (1-844-439-7666), or visit www.somos.com/find-a-toll-free-number for assistance.
The FCC’s role:
The sets of FCC rule for getting and using toll-free numbers. The FCC will need all the toll-free number should be portable. That means that a subscriber can “port,” or move, their numbers to a new RespOrg when changing service providers.
However, the FCC is not involved in the actual assignment for a toll-free number and cannot access the number database. Nor can the FCC provide any information about the status of a number.
What is a vanity number?
A “vanity” number is a toll-free telephone number that spells a name, word or acronym chosen by the subscriber, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS.
If you are in the business of Chat Line and looking for the best toll-free numbers, 1-800 is one of the most popular numbers start with.