What is a Responsible Organization?
A Responsible Organization (Resp Org) is the entity designated to manage and administer a customer's toll-free service records in the SMS/800.
What is the SMS/800?
The SMS/800 is a centralized system that supports centralized toll-free service administration.
Who is my Responsible Organization?
The company identified by you, as a subscriber, which assumes the duty of managing and administering the appropriate records in the SMS/800.
Why is it called toll-free? Who pays for it?
The called party instead of the calling party pays for the charge for a call using a toll-free number. The called party is also called the toll-free subscriber. Toll-free service has proven very successful in today's world, particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing, because it provides potential customers and other persons with a "free" and convenient means of contacting a business.
How can I get a toll-free number?
Toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Responsible Organizations, which are usually toll-free service providers, have access to a database that contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. Toll-free service is offered using the 800, 888, 877 and 866 codes. Someone who wants to obtain a toll-free number should contact a service provider/Resp Org. The service provider/Resp Org will access the SMS/800 and reserve a number for subscribers. You may find a Resp Org by accessing the Toll-Free Service Providers list.
Is there any difference between 800, 888, 877 and 866 toll-free numbers?
No, calls using the 800, 888, 877 or 866 numbers are all toll-free calls. However, callers should be aware that 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers are not interchangeable. For example, "1-800-276-7898" is not the same number as "1-888-276-7898" or "1-877-276-7898." These toll-free numbers are likely to be used by different subscribers. When the 888 number pool draws near depletion, the industry has plans to introduce 855 and other codes.
What is a Vanity Number?
A vanity number is a toll-free number that also spells a person or company name. For example, 888-639-2277 spells 888-New Cars.
What does "number portability" mean?
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.
Why can't I get through when calling a specific toll-free number?
That number may not be in service or it may not be available from your calling area.
Where can I find more information about what I should do when I have a complaint?
If you have a problem with a company providing these services, you should first try to resolve your complaint with the company providing the service or the company billing for the service. If you are unsuccessful in resolving the problem, you may call the Federal Communications Commission at 888-Call-FCC or visit their internet Website, http://www.fcc.gov
Can people buy and sell particular toll-free numbers?
No. The practice of hoarding and brokering toll-free numbers is not in the public interest and parties that hoard and broker numbers will be subject to penalties.
How Toll-Free Number Calls Happen?
When you dial a toll-free number, you're telling the Service Switching Point (SSP) associated with the end office or tandem receiving the call that special processing is in order. Upon recognizing that a call is to a toll-free number, the Service Switching Point (SSP) contacts the appropriate Service Control Point (SCP) to obtain detailed instructions for processing the call. The SCP finds this information by checking the customer record identified by the toll-free number. This record shows the call handling instructions and options chosen by the customer. These options could include choosing multiple carriers for different time periods or routing calls to alternative destinations. Each SCP Owner/Operator has at least one pair of SCPs to assure reliability. Each SCP contains the information necessary for routing calls originating in its service area. Once the SCP has determined the appropriate routing information, instructions are then sent back to the Service Switching Point (SSP) to complete the call.