ANI and Toll Free Phone Numbers

Using a toll free number to call a telephone equipped with a caller ID feature will result in displaying the local number assigned to the calling number. This is due to the fact that free phone numbers are inbound phone service and their physical line does not exist. It means that this service rides over a working phone number line that the subscriber have. A call made to a 1 800 number will be rerouted to the service provider’s switched based circuit going to the appropriate subscriber.

But, not all toll-free numbers are concealed. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and the law require that telemarketers should provide a valid caller ID whenever they call a telephone number. Telemarketers can legally accomplish this using a simulated number to appear on the display of the caller ID device of the phone number called. This number can either be the 800 service number itself or a local business number. Such ruling is important to provide a way for the called party to make a return call for inquiry, order or prevent the telemarketer in making further calls.

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) is the term used for the number that is simulated using Inward WATS (Inward Wide Area Telephone Service) or simply 800 phone numbers. ANI is composed of two components namely the information digit and the phone number. It is dissimilar and unrelated to a caller ID service since it can still capture the number on the caller ID device even if call blocking is enabled.

The Role of FCC on Toll Free Service

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is an independent government agency in the US that was established to control and standardize both the international and interstate communications. The agency covers the following: cable, radio, satellite, television, telephone, wire, etc. FCC was created under the Communication Act of 1934 and all the 50 US states including the territories under its jurisdiction.

FCC plays a notable role in the toll free service industry as well. The commission is also responsible for regulating the rules in obtaining and using the toll free phone numbers and that they cannot be put up for sale. Even if these special telephone numbers are in the public domain, brokering/hoarding is still prohibited although there are some who practice the idea. This prompted the agency in filing court motion to clarify the system. The regulations include:

• Allocation of toll free numbers is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Subscribers are not allowed to allocate more numbers.

• RespOrg (Responsible Organizations) are not allowed to reserve a number without a properly identified subscriber. This illegal practice is also known as hoarding.

• A reserved number must be allocated within eight months. This mandate prevents RespOrg in hoarding numbers.

Vanity numbers are now targeted for the illegal selling despite of the regulation and mandates made by FCC.

The agency also ruled out the implementation of 1800 numbers portability. This regulation states that subscribers are allowed to switch to different providers or carriers without changing their number. With this rule, subscribers are not locked with their carriers thus increasing the competition among the providers.

Unfortunately, FCC has limitations as well since it has no access to the SMS/800 database and it cannot provide the status of 0800 numbers.

The Advantages of Owning Toll Free Phone Numbers

To provide better customer satisfaction and to apply an effective marketing strategy toll free numbers are the right telecommunication tools to supplement the needs of a growing business. Owning such a special number provides the business with an easy connectivity with its customers.

Maximizing the business with a proper communication device will enable a business to gain toll free advantages over the competition. Because of its free nature, a customer can call the business for an inquiry, support, order or other services without getting charge for the call. Therefore, providing the business with better customer care.

A satisfied customer will seek the business by placing orders or making inquiries about a product or service. This gives the business more chances of selling its products and to gain potential customers. Coupling it with efficient and productive sales team will boost and create more sales.

Customers may come and go due to a flawed service, product or support. One solution to bring back the trust of lost customers is by offering a toll free service to let them know that the business is fairing well and has improved. Old customers will definitely reconsider going back especially if they have been patronizing a certain product or service for quite some time.

Having won back the trusts of consumers and provided better customer support the next benefit a business can gain, when utilizing a toll free number, is a professional corporate image. Customers will be convinced that the company is serious in doing business and providing excellent services for them. This in return will put the business in par with other larger corporations.

Service Provider Winners by 800 Number Pricing

The following toll free number providers are the winners when it comes to toll free pricing. These selected winners offers the most comprehensive and affordable toll free plans which includes some or all the full features of a virtual PBX package. The following lists offers a summary of what these providers can offer.

• RingCentral Business Plus – one of the best toll free numbers provider in the market because it offers four plans that includes all the features of a virtual PBX package. With rates of $24.99 per month or $29.99 annually, included are: free 500 minutes, 10 extensions, a free trial, and free setup.

• Halloo Solo M-500 – a plan suitable for individuals who wants to get 800 number service. At $29.95 per month, it comes with a free setup, a free trial and 500 minutes. Unfortunately, the solo plan does not offer multiple extensions which is only offered with their office plans.

• TollFree Forwarding Standard – the cheapest in terms of the monthly fee at only $19.77 a month. However, it only comes with 250 minutes. Also, they don’t have extensions. Fortunately they offer a free trial and free setup as well.

• FreedomVoice Freedom Lite – at $24.95 a month it comes with 500 minutes with an additional 5.5¢ per minute in excess. At this rate however, they do not include extensions. Check out their other plans that include multiple extensions at http://www.freedomvoice.com/plans-and-pricing/