The abc’s of toll free numbers + best providers in 2024
Looking to learn all about toll free numbers? You’re at the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be diving deep into the world of toll-free numbers, exploring what they are, how they work, and why they’re essential for businesses of all sizes.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding the toll-free numbers is crucial for optimizing your communication strategy and providing top-notch customer service.
Moreover, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best toll-free number providers in 2024, so you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect provider for your business needs.
Grab a cup of coffee and let’s jump right in!
What is a toll free number?
Toll free phone numbers that start with the prefix – 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 or 888.
With a toll-free number, the person or business that owns the number will be billed for all the calls and not the customer – anyone can call a toll-free number from a landline without incurring any charges.
What is a vanity number?
A vanity number is a series of numbers that spells out a word or phrase (1-855-55-TACOS).
There are also vanity phone numbers consisting of a sequence of catchy and easy to remember (1-800-999-5000 or 1-800-123-4567).
The most significant benefit of having a vanity phone number is that they are easy-to-remember and don’t require prospects to scour the internet. They can call the service provider by simply spelling out the service or phrase. There’s a significant improvement in recall rates for a vanity number compared to a generic phone number.
Are there any differences between 800 and vanity numbers?
A vanity number is a series of numbers that spells out a word or a sequence of numbers, and 800 numbers are toll-free phone numbers that begin with the 800 prefixes.
There’s no difference between 800 and vanity numbers other than the way they look. The functionality of these numbers is the same.
What is toll-free number hoarding?
According to the FCC, toll free number hoarding refers to the activity of acquiring large sets of toll-free numbers by services or businesses to resell at a premium price in the future.
The FCC regularly checks for hoarding, and If found guilty, it can lead to hefty fines and suspension of the numbers.
Understanding the difference between 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 numbers
For starters, all of these numbers:
1. are toll-free
2. have a national presence
Numbers with the prefix 800 have been around since the 60’s, but almost every unique combination is off the shelf. Hence, the FCC released other prefixes – 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
Over the years, even 888, 877, and 866 numbers have become widespread. Finally, the FCC rolled out 855 in 2010, 844 in 2013 and 833 toll free numbers in 2017
Let’s take a look at the year each toll-free number were released,
| Toll-Free Numbers | Year |
|---|---|
| 800 | 1967 |
| 888 | 1996 |
| 877 | 1998 |
| 866 | 1999 |
| 855 | 2010 |
| 844 | 2013 |
| 833 | 2017 |
Are you looking to buy toll-free numbers? Use our toll free number search tool to find thousands of toll-free numbers. (Millions of toll-free numbers for sale)
Why do businesses opt for toll free numbers?
There are several reasons why businesses opt for 1-800 numbers. A few reasons why,
- Easy to remember
- Effective marketing Tool
- Brand recognition
- Flexible call routing for remote workers
- National business presence
- Portable
How to get a toll free number?
One can get a toll-free number by contacting the RespOrg (Responsible Organization).
Many of these entities also provide toll-free service. The easiest way to get a toll-free number is through a virtual phone system provider like iTeleCenter.
With iTeleCenter, all you have to do is:
- Pick local or toll-free numbers from our large inventory.
- Choose a plan that suits you. No long-term commitments. Cancel anytime.
- Download our mobile apps (iOS/Android) or access iTeleCenter through any browser and have everything at your fingertips. Make and receive calls, texts, and more.
- We’ll help you configure your settings and set up your toll-free phone number to work precisely the way you want.
It’s swift and simple.
Types of toll free numbers
1. Universal international freephone number (UIFN)
Universal international Freephone number, also known as UIFN, is used by organizations operating in multiple countries and want to use the same number for all their locations. Like international toll-free numbers, they are free for customers to call.
A couple of things to know before purchasing a UIFN,
- Operational only in about 50 countries
- The organization needs to be registered in at least two countries
- Additional cost for each country selected
2. International toll-free numbers
International toll free numbers, commonly known as ITFN, is restricted to specific countries – it requires the recipient and the caller to be in the same country to make calls at no charges.
For instance, if customers based in the United States were to call your local UK number, they would have to pay a high rate per minute – most US customers know that it costs a lot to call long-distance, they probably wouldn’t call your business in the first place.
In such a case, you can invest in international toll-free numbers. Now, with a US toll-free number, your customers in the United States can call you free of charge, and the calls can be routed back to your PBX system, mobile devices or landline in the UK.
3. Domestic toll-free numbers
Domestic toll free numbers, commonly known as DTF, are perfect for free calls but are limited to the country. If you target other countries, you’ll need to buy a different phone number for each country.
Note: While most countries have both domestic and international toll-free numbers, in some nations, the distinction is to know. Here’s the list:
Japan
Domestic toll-free 0120 numbers are recommended in Japan. They have no mobile restrictions, and ITFS numbers are handled by different regulators and carriers with different restrictions.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, mobile access for 0800 dial-code is blocked by default – make use of DTF numbers 0809 dial-code
Singapore
While in Singapore, all foreign companies must use ITFS numbers, recognized by the 800 dial-prefix. Domestic Singapore-based companies, however, use 1-800 numbers.
Philippines
In the Philippines, you have to use Globe Network to dial domestic toll-free numbers, whereas ITFS can only be reached from the Sun and Smart cellular networks.
Other regions
Brazil
Domestic toll-free numbers cannot be reached from outside of Brazil.
South Korea
South Korea DTF numbers 0809 dial-code is recommended for full coverage in the country. ITFS numbers 003 dial-code are not portable.
Best toll free number providers 2023
1. iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter is one of the earliest players in the market, started way back in 1992.
It’s designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs – providing top-of-the-line businesses communication features and experience to businesses.
With iTeleCenter, you can add a business phone number to your existing smartphone and run your business from anywhere.
Free trial: 14 days
Starting price: $19.95/month
2. Ooma
Ooma is a communications services provider – VoIP calling for business, home and mobile users.
For businesses – Advanced voice and collaboration features
For consumers – HD voice quality, advanced functionality, and integration with their mobile devices
Additionally, they also provide home security solution – a range of wireless security sensors and a smart video camera
Free trial: 30 days
Starting price: $19.95/user/month
3. RingCentral
RingCentral is a cloud-based communications system that offers a comprehensive set of capabilities that unify voice, business messaging, team collaboration, video conferencing, and online meetings.
RingCentral supports businesses of all sizes. The company provides a robust and reliable platform that has several features.
Free trial: 15 days
Starting price: $29.99/user/month
4. Nextiva
Nextiva empowers businesses of all sizes to manage their communications, productivity, and customer relationships on a truly unified platform. i.e., they provide cloud-based phone service, sales pipeline CRM, and team collaboration software.
Nextiva’s solutions are flexible and scalable, allowing them to provide solutions to businesses of all sizes.
Free trial: 7 days
Starting price: $29.95/user/month
Get a toll free business number with iTeleCenter
As a business owner, stacking up the data, if you’re looking for a toll-free number service provider that suits your budget, offers extensive features, excellent call quality, and outstanding customer support – iTeleCenter checks all the boxes.
Want to test the waters before you go ahead? Try iTeleCenter’s 14-day free trial here and get a toll free number for business in minutes.
