Is there any difference between 800,
888, 877, and 866 toll-free service?
Answer: No. Calls using
either 866, 877, 888, or 800
numbers are all toll-free calls.
If a company has an 800 number, can
I also reach them by calling the
888, 877, or 866 equivalent?
Answer: No. Toll free
codes are separate and distinct.
Different companies may have the
same phone number, but with
different toll free codes.
How are toll-free numbers assigned
to subscribers? How can I get a
toll-free number?
Answer: Toll-free numbers
are assigned on a first-come,
first-served basis. Entities
called Responsible Organizations
("RespOrgs"), which are usually
toll-free service providers or
carriers, have access to a
database that contains
information regarding the satus
of all toll-free numbers.
Someone wanting to obtain a
toll-free number should contact
their carrier or RespOrg.
RespOrgs can access the database
and reserve a number for
subscribers. (Note: the
Commission does not have access
to the database and cannot
provide any information
regarding the status (e.g.,
if the number is reserved,
working, or in "unavailable"
status) of any particular
toll-free number).
I've heard that toll-free numbers
are portable; what does that mean?
Answer:
Portability means that toll-free
subscribers can change carriers
without having to obtain a new
toll-free number. Subscribers
may also change Responsible
Organizations if they choose to
do so (For a discussion of
Responsible Organizations
see question 3,above).
What is the Commission's role in the
market for toll-free services?
Answer: The Commission
only regulates or sets the rules
under which toll-free numbers
can be used or obtained. The
Commission is not involved in
the day-to-day allocation of
toll-free numbers and does not
have access to the toll-free
database. For example, in CC
Docket No. 86-10 (Provision
of Access for 800 Service),
the Commission promulgated rules
that made toll-free numbers
portable so subscribers could
change carriers without changing
numbers.
Has the Commission issued any
rulemakings regarding toll-free
numbers?
Answer:
Yes. On October 5, 1995, the
Commission released a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(Toll-free Service Access Codes,
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
FCC Rcd 10 13962 (released
October 5, 1995)) to address
issues regarding the efficient,
fair, and equitable allocation
of toll-free numbers. Subsequent
to the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Common Carrier
Bureau, acting on delegated
authority, issued a
Report and Order
(Toll-free Service Access Codes,
Report and Order, 11 FCC Rcd
2496 (released January 25,
1996)) that addressed those
issues crucial to the opening of
the 888 code for toll-free
calling. On April 11, 1997, the
Commission released a
Second Report and Order
addressing issues pertaining to
the efficient, fair, and
equitable allocation of
toll-free numbers. On October 9,
1997, the Commission released a
Third Report and Order
addressing issues relating to
toll free database
administration. On March 31,
1998, the Commission released a
Fourth Report and Order
(
erratum
) addressing the issue of
vanity-number assignment. Some
issues raised in the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking remain
unaddressed, and the proceeding
is still open. On July 5, 2000,
the Commission released a Fifth
Report and Order in the matter
of Toll Free Service Access
Codes, Database Services
Management, Inc.'s Petition for
Declaratory Ruling, and Beehive
Telephone Company's Petition for
Declaratory Ruling. CC Docket
No. 95-155, NSD File No.
L-99-87, NSD File No. L-99-88. [Word]
| [Text]
How can I stay informed of any
decisions by the FCC regarding
toll-free numbers?
Answer:
If
you have access to the internet,
you can follow all FCC actions
by accessing the FCC's homepage
at http://www.fcc.gov. The
Daily Digest
is a listing of all
announcements, decisions, or
actions by the Commission for a
particular day. Any decision
regarding toll-free numbers will
be listed on the Daily Digest.
Within the FCC's internet site,
the Common Carrier Bureau, which
regulates interstate telephone
services, has its own homepage.
The
Common Carrier Bureau's site
contains up-to-date information
on toll-free numbers on a
home page just for toll free
service.
If you do not have access to the
internet, you can obtain the
Daily Digest through our
fax-on-demand service by calling
(202) 418-2830.
Can I reserve a number from the
Commission or find out if a
particular number that I want is
available?
Answer:
No. The Commission does not have
access to the toll-free database
and, therefore, cannot reserve
or check the status of any
number. If you want to know the
status of any number you should
contact a Responsible
Organization (usually a carrier,
see question 3,
above). For a list of all
RespOrgs go to [SMS/800].
Are there any operational changes I
need to make to prepare my business
for toll-free 877 service?
Answer: You may need to
contact your PBX vendor to
ensure that all toll free code
calls can originate from your
system.
Can I still get toll-free directory
assistance through "1-800-555-1212"?
Answer: Yes. Toll-free
directory assistance for 800,
888, and 877 numbers can be
obtained by calling
"1-800-555-1212."
