Toll-Free numbers and how they work

 What is a Toll-Free number?

A toll-free number is a telephone number that has a distinct three-digit code that you can dial on a landline with no charges to the person making the call. Those numbers can allow callers to reach individuals and businesses anywhere without being charged the long-distance calling fees.

Toll-free numbers are when it comes to calling customer service. The numbers have enabled potential customers to freely contact businesses. If you are using a mobile phone, you will be charged for the minutes you use by calling a toll-free number. It can be different if they have an unlimited calling plan. You can also send SMS messages to a toll-free number if they are text-enabled.

Toll-Free Codes.

Toll-free numbers are numbers that start with the following codes. 800, 833, 888,844,877,855 and 866. Even though all this code can be used as toll-free codes, they cannot be interchanged. All calls to any toll-free number are routed to a specific local number.

How to assign a toll-free number

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) usually assigns toll-free numbers to customers who make applications early. If you are a toll-free subscriber, you can reserve your number at an entity called Responsible Organization usually abbreviated as RespOrgs. The organization will be able to manage and administer records of all toll-free users. RespOrgs can provide toll-free numbers and they can access the database information on all toll-free numbers. Somos is the administrator of toll-free numbers and RespOrgs does the certification. Anyone who wants to get a toll-free number can contact RespOrgs and they will ensure you get it once you have completed the paperwork.

Roles of the FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for setting rules on how you will get and use your toll-free number. The Federal Communications Commission will make sure toll-free numbers are portable. This means that if you are changing your service provider, you should move it to a new RespOrg. FCC is however not responsible for the actual assigning of toll-free numbers and they cannot access the database of the numbers. They also cannot provide the status of a number. 

Brokering of toll-free numbers

The FCC rules prohibit RespOrgs from warehousing or hoarding toll-free numbers. RespOrg cannot make reservations for toll-free numbers if they do not have actual subscribers to whom they will issue the number. They will be subjected to penalties if they do that. If you are a subscriber, you are also prohibited from hoarding toll-free lines. You should never acquire more toll-free numbers that you do not intend to use. It is also illegal to sell or offer to sell a toll-free number. There are a few exceptions when it comes to brokering and hoarding of toll-free numbers. You can only do so if the numbers assigned were acquired through competitive bidding or auction. For example, the 833 Auction.