The
Number You Have Reached. . .
As we all know, 800
numbers are toll-free numbers. And, recently toll-free numbers began
to include 888 numbers. Beginning in April of this year, 877 numbers
are also toll-free. And when we run out of 877 numbers, we will go on
to 866, and then 855, and so on.
Do you have a toll-free
number? Do you want a specific number? Can you stop others from
picking a certain number, for instance one that spells your company's
name? Read on to get the 411 on 887.
Toll-free numbers are
assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and are assigned by
entities called Responsible Organizations, commonly referred to as
"RespOrgs." RespOrgs are usually toll-free service providers or
carriers, and they are the ones who have access to a database that
contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers.
So, if you want a number, or if you wish to inquire about the status
of a number, you should call a RespOrg. You can obtain a list of
Responsible Organizations by calling Database Service Management,
Inc. at (732) 699-2100.
If you call the RespOrg
to ask for a number, for instance (888) MY-STORE, they may tell you
that number is unavailable. That may mean that some other
organization is currently using that number, but not necessarily. It
could simply be reserved by another organization, even if they're not
using the (888) MY-STORE number. This is because the Common Carrier
Bureau allowed commercial 800 number subscribers to place the 888
number with the same last seven digits as their 800 number in an
"unavailable pool," to provide interim protection during the issuing
of 888 numbers. Therefore, the company who has the number (800) MY
STORE can also have a reservation on the number (888) MY-STORE thus
obstructing anyone from obtaining (888) MY-STORE.
This is a pretty common
practice. Almost 400,000 888-numbers were placed in unavailable
status. Those who have the 800 number have right of first refusal on
the 888 numbers. If the organization who has the 800 number does not
want the 888 number it can then be re-assigned on a first-come,
first-served basis.
The good thing is, once
you have a number, it can travel with you. So, even if you change
carriers, you won't have to obtain a new toll-free number and your
customers will still be able to reach you at (800) MY-STORE. On a
related note, no one can sell their number to another
organization.
Finally, if you need to
call toll-free directory assistance (800) 555-1212 will work for 888,
877, and all other toll-free numbers.
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