Toll free numbers—there remains little doubt—encourage customer participation. If not being charged a dime for some talk time, it stands to reason that consumers will feel a little more free about dialing up companies for technical support, participation in surveys, and, ultimately, buying products. So, how does an interested business secure a toll free number alphabetically conducive to business (meaning that companies want to own the rights to a number that spells out something pertinent to either a product or company name)?
According the Federal Communications Commission, a toll free number can come in a variety of guises: the traditional 1-800; but also: 866, 877, and 888. Despite the fact that all numbers beginning with these codes are categorized as toll free, the codes are not interchangeable—meaning that 800-GET-LOST is a completely different number from 866-GET-LOST.
A toll free telephone number, however, is portable—which means that companies can shift subscribers but maintain the selfsame calling address. Number owners, however, are prohibited by the FCC from selling or leasing a subscribed number. So, if you’re interested in the numerical equivalent of 1-800-GET-LOST, it’s too bad for you if it’s already owned by another company. How then do companies go about securing toll free telephone numbers?
A database of available digits rests in the hands of entities called Responsible Organizations (RespOrg for short) and out of the hands of the FCC. If interest is parlayed to a RespOrg, members of said group access the database on your behalf to locate whether or not someone has already obtained the number you wish. Most communications between RespOrgs and consumers take place through your local telephone carrier—meaning that, if applicable, AT&T will handle the situation for you. This is because, in reality, most Responsible Organizations are nothing more than telephone providers and carriers (albeit different divisions, but from the same company). Since an impressive amount of power is placed in the paws of RespOrgs, the FCC attempts to watchdog the practices and behaviors during the exchange of toll free numbers. But, the FCC does not have access to the database of available digits, making this enterprise rather tough. Ultimately, businesses interested in obtaining a toll free number need to trust that the RespOrgs will do their job in a law-abiding fashion. Here’s an example of proper procedure:
If, by some stroke of luck, the number you requested is available the next step is to simply subscribe (usually through a local phone company or telephone line carrier) for a stipulated period of time. To combat the hoarding of numbers, the FCC imposes time limits on ownership of certain numbers, so be sure to inquire about such specifics from the RespOrg responsible for your number.
Putting your unwavering trust in a telephone company might seem a bit risky, but in reality, RespOrgs handle the assigning and doling out of toll free digits with an attitude of fairness—although, don’t expect to get your hands on the number 1-800-CALL-ATT anytime soon. But, if you find this process onerous and tedious, don’t be shy about looking into 900 numbers to help pay for it all—remember: It’s your call.
By Jean-Pierre Lacrampe