How Are Toll Free Numbers Obtained - How Are They Disconected And Made Available for Re-use4117153

This brief primer describes how toll free numbers are obtained, and how toll free numbers are disconnected and returned to the spare pool.

Some Useful Definitions:

Before we begin in earnest, here are some useful definitions and background information about the toll free industry. If you already are an expert, skip ahead! Att Systems

What is a Toll-Free Vanity Number?

Many companies are interested in obtaining vanity numbers. A vanity number is a toll-free number that also spells a person or company name (e.g. 888-639-2277 spells 888-NEWCARS.)

Vanity numbers such as 1-800-FLOWERS and 1-800-597-JENNY (Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centers) are major corporate assets. Numbers such as these will probably never be released to the public for re-assignment or re-use.

What is a Responsible Organization?

A Responsible Organization (Resp Org) is the entity designated to manage and administer a customer's Toll-Free records. These are often large Toll-Free service providers (e.g. Qwest, Global Crossing, Verizon, etc.) more…

How are Toll Free Numbers Obtained?

Toll-Free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

To keep track of which toll-free numbers are available for new customers and which numbers are already taken, a national computer database (SMS/800(TM)) holds information on each toll-free number.

Responsible Organizations, which are usually toll-free service providers, have access to the national database that contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. At a high level, Toll-Free numbers may be considered available to be assigned to a customer/user or are unavailable (working) and have already been assigned (e.g. 1-800-FLOWERS).

Customers who are interested in a toll-free number usually will contact a RespOrg and work with them to acquire an available toll-free number that meets their needs.

Obtainable numbers are frequently referred to as Spare numbers. To reiterate, these Spare numbers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be reserved by any Resp Org.

Many in the numbers at present inside the Spare pool are flawlessly satisfactory Toll-Free numbers however they never spell anything at all specifically intriguing.

How are numbers freed up?

Picture a fictional canine obedience coaching company referred to as Acme Canine Coaching. Acme owns the number 1-800-BAD-DOGS. The proprietor has chose to retire and disband the enterprise. The proprietor instructs their RespOrg/Carrier (e.g. Verizon) to disconnect 1-800-BAD-DOGS.

Once the RespOrg completely disconnects a Toll-Free number, it really is usually held for four months through the existing carrier. In cases like this, 1-800-BAD-DOGS is obtainable for other use until finally the carrier releases it back again to the "available" pool. Calls positioned to 1-800-BAD-DOGS at this time are frequently taken care of using a tone called a "fast-busy" or "reorder" tone.

Carriers maintain the number for four months right after the disconnect to make certain that not too long ago disconnected numbers usually are not tossed right away back again into available spare status. The waiting around time period can safeguard new customers who may in any other case must offer with several calls for the earlier stop consumer.