The Basics of a Universal International Freephone Number

The universal international freephone number (UIFN) is a worldwide toll-free number service that enables an International Freephone Service (IFS) subscriber to allocate a fixed-global number which can be called freely (except for some certain cellphone network providers) anywhere in the world.

The UIFN number is issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is a United Nations (UN) agency for information, communication and a global focal point for developing networks and services among the governments and private sectors.

Components of a UIFN number
The UIFN number uses the global ITU 800 number prefix as the fixed country code. The next component is the 8 digit Global Subscriber Number (GSN), which is the number issued by the ITU to the IFS customer or subscriber. The following, which is almost similar to a business toll free number, is an example of a UIFN number: 800 1234 5678

Dialing a UIFN number

A caller can dial a UIFN number by simply keying in the International Access Code (IAC), the ITU Country Code and the GSN number: 00 800 1234 5678

Applying for a UIFN number

Just like with a toll free number application, only a Recognized Operating Agency (ROA) can submit the IFS subscriber's application. The subscriber should also agree to serve two or more countries or else the application will not be accepted. Upon the approval of the application the number is considered under reservation until the subscriber completes an in-service, between two or more countries, within 180 days.

Fees and method of payment
Currently, the registration application fee costs 200 Swiss Francs and is payable by bank transfers, prepaid accounts or credit cards.