What is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work?

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with distinct three-digit codes that can be dialed from landlines with no charge to the person placing the call. Such numbers allow callers to reach businesses and individuals out of the area without being charged a long-distance fee for the call.

Toll-free numbers are particularly common for customer-service calling. Toll-free service has traditionally provided potential customers and others with a free and convenient 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.

sort byToll free codes – 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.

Toll free numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833. Although 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 are all toll free codes, 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.

sort byHow are toll free numbers assigned?

The FCC assigns most toll free numbers on a first-come, first-served basis. Toll free subscribers choose entities called "Responsible Organizations" or "RespOrgs" to reserve numbers on their behalf and to manage and administer the appropriate records for the toll free subscribers. Many RespOrgs also provide toll free service. RespOrgs have access to a toll-free database that contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. Somos, Inc., administrator of the toll free number database, certifies RespOrgs.

The FCC made certain numbers in the 833 toll-free code available via an auction. The 833 Auction is an experiment to determine how to use competitive bidding to most effectively assign toll free numbers. For more information about the 833 Auction, visit http://auction.somos.com.

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.

sort byThe FCC's role

The FCC sets the rules for getting and using toll free numbers. The FCC requires that toll-free numbers are portable, meaning that a subscriber can "port," or move, their number to a new RespOrg when changing service providers.

However, the FCC is not involved in the actual assignment of toll free numbers and cannot access the number database. Nor can the FCC provide any information about the status of a number.

sort byWhat 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.

sort by'Warehousing,' 'hoarding' and 'brokering' toll free numbers

FCC rules prohibit RespOrgs from "warehousing" toll free numbers. A RespOrg may not legally reserve a toll free number without having an actual toll free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. RespOrgs who warehouse numbers are subject to penalties.

"Hoarding" by subscribers is similarly prohibited by FCC rules. A subscriber may not acquire more toll free numbers than the subscriber intends to use. Hoarding also includes the illegal practice of "number brokering" – the selling or offering to sell a toll free number.

The FCC has provided an exception to the rules prohibiting warehousing, hoarding, and number brokering for numbers assigned via competitive bidding, such as the numbers assigned in the 833 Auction.

How to Get a Toll Free Number In the USA

Toll free? You’ve probably heard the words in every advertisement you’ve ever watched. What’s it mean exactly though? Well, “toll free” calls are free for the caller but paid for by the receiver. It removes the cost decision for a potential customer for anything other than a local call.

In this article we’ll cover:

• what a toll free or an 800 number is;
• how a toll free number works;
• how to choose between toll free number providers;
• special offer on Traversetelecom’s toll free number VoIP service.

Having a toll number means that your market expands beyond your local/city limits- potentially to the whole country! You can also customize the number to spell a brand name. You should contact your provider to discuss the terms and benefits, but make sure to shop around for the best deal.

What are toll free or 800 numbers?

These are phone numbers that begin with three digit codes, namely 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844.

People often call them 800 numbers as this is the most commonly occurring code.

Regardless of the prefix, all toll free numbers work in the same way and have common benefits. A toll free number allows customers to reach businesses and companies without paying for the call. Calls to each toll free number are routed to a particular local phone number.

How does a toll free number work?

Wondering how it works? Simply said, whenever a person dials a toll free number, it’s routed via the selected long-distance company to any programmed or chosen number. It can be a personal or a corporate number, VoIP number or even a multichannel business number with follow-up processing in the cloud. The owner pays for the incoming call as if they had called themselves.

Some service providers – including Traversetelecom – offer a “vanity” number option that allows spelling of a company’s name, a word or acronym that is chosen by the subscriber. It is easy to remember, as it often contains a pattern or specific words, such as 1-800-CARS or 1-888-PIZZA. A “Vanity” number is a valued part of branding and a direct response tool in advertising. Though many recognizable patterns are already occupied, you can still invent your slogan.

A toll free number can be an essential asset for your business. Now let’s discuss the benefits.

Does your business need a toll free number?

Today, there are more than 40 million toll free numbers in use. A new code (833) was implemented in 2017, with multiple other codes planned for the future.

Here are some reasons why so many businesses and even individuals opt for it:

• It gives your enterprise a national presence. Your brand has more reliability assurance when you demonstrate countrywide coverage. Besides that, “vanity” numbers add a perception of brand equity.
• A trusted connection between customers and business. Consumers regard calls from toll free numbers as reputable. Companies from every industry, including healthcare, communications, travel, high-tech, education, and more provide toll free numbers to help customers with questions about services and products.
• It has a text option to reach the millions who prefer to text rather than talk while keeping that same asset as the original link with clients.
• A toll-free number is convenient for teamwork since that staff stays in touch while having business trips without bothering about communication charges.
• Many families have loved ones across the country. Personal toll free number helps to connect one another. If they don’t need to pay for a call, they call more likely.

You should have a toll free number if you do online business, your business is nation-wide, you have active product support service, or your phone number is a vital part of your marketing campaign.

How to choose between toll-free number providers?

We’ve looked through the major benefits toll free numbers have for consumers and companies. But there’s more: another major reason for their popularity is they are cheap and simple to set up. In the USA, there are numerous providers. Most of them offer packages including numbers, voicemail, and conference calls services as well as Internet service.

Here are some hints that can help you sift through the huge amount of providers:

• An extremely cheap provider is more likely to give poor service. Paying an astronomical amount of money doesn’t seem reasonable either, with the large number of providers. Focus on those whose price is about 5-7 cents per minute.
• For small businesses, a virtual provider is preferable to a basic one. Along with a toll free number they offer additional options and tools to manage business communications.
• What the client probably hates most is a busy signal. If calls are your major tool of communication with a client, opt for some channels for simultaneous conversations.
• Even if you like your provider, you’d better have an option of toll free number portability. Porting your existing number means keeping it while obtaining the features and support of your new provider.
• A “Vanity” number option. Its allure is evident. For a small business, it can be a vast share of a marketing campaign. “Vanity” number is an excellent step to a business scaling.

Make your toll free number jet up

A toll free number is a pricey asset that should be used all out. So when choosing a provider, review all their services and additional features.

For your business efficiency, aside from toll free numbers we also offer:

• A click-to-call widget – is the easiest way to turn your website visitors into customers. It includes basic and contact information about the company and “Contact Us” button. The effortless way to reach your company is a client-oriented approach.
• If your business performance is mostly dependent on calls, you’ll like our call statistics option. The dashboard section shows metrics to track productivity and analyze the most important indicators: connected vs. missed calls, speed of answer, talk time, incoming and outgoing calls, internal calls, and voicemails.
• All calls (as well as e-mails, social media mentions, and messages) are automatically listed in the activity queue. Every issue has a responsible person and due time reminders.
• If a call routes to a cloud of multiple operators, our solution allocates it efficiently to minimize hold time.
• Call recording is a tried-and-true quality assurance tool for both customer service and internal performance review.
• Besides a toll free number, you can set a local number for your business. The more channels you offer to a client – the more likely they are to contact you.

US Phone Numbers with Simple, Transparent Pricing

 

Launch toll free and local US numbers starting from only $4/mo when you pay as you go, or save money with pre-paid minute bundles at fixed monthly prices.

Our transparent pricing always includes all taxes, with no hidden charges and no contracts. If you’re not completely satisfied with your USA phone number, cancel any time with no cancellation fees.

American Phone Numbers with Exceptional Call Quality

Our cloud-based virtual phone system includes PBX free with every USA virtual phone number. So, with a US toll-free or local number from Traversetelecom.com, you can enjoy clear, crisp call quality every time.

For each inbound call our system cycles through multiple carriers to establish the best possible connection. No matter where your customers are calling from, with a USA virtual number it will sound as though they’re in the same room.

What is a virtual US phone number?

A virtual number is a phone number that is not tied to one specific telephone line or location. Instead, a virtual number uses the cloud as a gateway to direct calls. This allows you to forward, redirect, and route calls from all across the world to any number or device of your choosing, without the need to purchase additional costly hardware. A virtual phone number is ideal for businesses that may have employees working remotely or for businesses that have an international customer base and would like a locally recognized number.

How can I get a US phone number?

Getting a US phone number is simple with Traversetelecom.com. You can click here to choose your rate and number format, and the virtual number could be set up in as little as 60 seconds.

If you’re considering setting up a phone number in the US but would first like to see how a virtual number could help your business grow, you can also opt for a no-obligation free trial.

What USA number formats do you offer?

At Traversetelecom.com, we primarily offer two kinds of phone number formats in the USA. Our toll-free USA phone numbers include a 1-800, 1-866, 1-877, or 1-888 dialing code – these are nationwide phone numbers that allow your customers to call you at no charge to them.

If you’re looking to target a specific location in the US, our local USA phone numbers are assigned to a designated geographic area with a city or area code. We offer virtual USA numbers across all 50 US states, allowing customers to see a local code that they recognize, no matter where you’re based.

Can I choose my US phone number?

Yes. We offer a vast inventory of numbers to choose from so you can find the right option to suit your business. The dropdown at the top of this page allows you to select your country and area, then you can scroll through the available numbers and choose the one you prefer.

Can I dial out with my USA phone number?

No. Currently, our service offers call forwarding for inbound calls only.

How do I use a US virtual phone number?

The great thing about a virtual phone number is it requires very minimal effort to use – once you’ve set up your number, everything is handled for you in the cloud and incoming calls can be rerouted to wherever you choose. Your customers can call you using your virtual number and reach you wherever you are – with no complicated rerouting or international dialing codes. Our virtual numbers are completely authentic, so your callers won’t know you’re in a different location unless you tell them.

Your Traversetelecom.com virtual USA phone number also comes with several additional features that you can manage via your intuitive online dashboard. This gives you advanced call management options such as call routing based on business hours, personalized greetings, and touch-tone menus specific to your business. You can also view real-time call data, record calls, and receive voicemails through email. It’s all completely adaptable, meaning you can use your virtual USA number in whichever way works best for you and your business.

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