New 800 Number Prefixes Are on the Horizon

Toll free 800 number prefixes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 855. These multiple prefixes exist due to increasing toll free 800 number demands, allowing callers and businesses to connect at no charge to the customer or client, a courtesy of the business.

The 800 number prefix was first introduced in 1967, and it functioned as the sole toll-free area code for businesses, services, and charities for nearly thirty years. That was until the FCC introduced the 888 number prefix in 1996 as the Internet added new Domain Name Systems. The other prefixes followed thereafter.

These toll-free numbers are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis by entities known as “Responsible Organizations” or “RespOrgs”—a trust carrier of the SMS/800 database containing the status of all toll-free numbers. Custom Toll Free is one of them. RespOrgs operate under the watchful eye of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC sets the standards and procedures through which toll free numbers can be obtained, maintained, and retained. (http://www.fcc.gov/guides/toll-free-numbers-and-how-they-work) However, as per their guidelines state, “[The FCC] 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.”

Now the FCC will be meeting the new demand with a fresh supply of (http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/NRUF/TFN_Exhaust_Letter_101212.pdf) 844 toll free numbers. The purpose of an 800 toll free number is to provide accessibility and avenues for direct connections seamlessly. Custom Toll Free encourages new 800 toll free number prefixes still proven to be practical for your business.