How does the FCC control toll free numbers?

06/26/2008

When AT&T was broken up in the 80s, toll free numbers came under the control of the FCC. Initially toll free numbers were allocated by exchanges assigned to each carrier. But in 1991, the FCC established the current SMS/800 database making numbers portable from carrier to carrier.

The FCC established the rules, and created the DSMI. The DMSI oversees the 800 Services Management System, aka the SMS or SMS800, which runs the national SMS/800 database. Phone companies that have access into the SMS/800 database are called Responsible Organizations, aka Resporgs.

Although the FCC established rules regarding 800 number warehousing and hoarding of toll free numbers, the FCC does not oversee the assignment toll free numbers and doesn’t have direct access into the toll free number database, which is managed by SMS.

The FCC cannot provide any information about the status of a toll free number or a request for a toll free number on behalf of a customer. The FCC doesn’t reserve or hold numbers or have customer numbers. They are the ultimate arbiter over and can mediate conflicts that arise over the rights of ownership of specific numbers, such as 1-800 RED CROSS or 1-800 SUICIDE.

    1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
    Loading ... Loading ...

    No Comments »

    No comments yet.

    2 pings

    Contacting one of our Customers at TollFreeNumbers.com says:
    October 28, 2008 at 8:16 am

    […] can’t act as brokers or middlemen because of regulations by the FCC against brokering toll free numbers. But if the customer does want to change or release the number […]

      5 reasons why it’s Harder to get a good Toll Free Number than a good Domain Name. at TollFreeNumbers.com says:
      November 12, 2008 at 8:47 am

      […] There are more shadows and less scrutiny by FCC of the more closed nature of toll free numbers and relatively little oversight or monitoring. There […]

        RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

        Leave a comment


        _TEXTLINK

        Random Testimonials

        Testimonial 475 out of 1928

        I've always gotten prompt, honest, concientious service from Bill Quimby. Who could ask for anything more?I have been dealing with Bill's company for several years, and he and his staff have always been helpful, even when they knew I wasn't buying any product at the time.

        Art LaPenotiere
        Jiffy Messengers



        Testimonial 932 out of 1928

        In a world where everything seems to be overstated and over promised, YOUR service was incredibly fast and easy. Your service delivered everything that was promised, including the phone ringing to my location within MINUTES !

        Absolutely AMAZING!


        Daniel L DHondt
        PanamaLandRush.com



        Testimonial 92 out of 1928

        This service was so easy I was able to find the right number and then purchase it all within an hour.

        josh
        California Waterports



        Testimonial 1054 out of 1928

        Great Job, Quick and effective...

        Irwin Ellis
        Saviour Home LLC.



        Testimonial 1576 out of 1928

        Thanks, Bill!

        I hope my business can be as effective and efficient as yours has proven....Thanks Again!

        Tom Phillips
        DSG Companies
        Columbus, Ohio



        Testimonial 242 out of 1928

        Your website made it very easy to find a toll free number. It couldn't have been easier. It was a great consumer experience!

        Brian Borchard



        Testimonial 1359 out of 1928

        Thanks for such an informative and helpful website!

        Derek Piercey, Vice President
        Lone Star Candle Supply, Inc.



        Testimonial 1120 out of 1928

        I was amazed to call the toll-free number that I obtained, after reading your email a minute after submitting my desired number. My cell phone to which the toll-free number was forwarded actually rang! How could it be any faster? I am now working on the design of my new business cards with the new toll-free number. Thanks for the super speedy service.

        Interdance
        www.inter-dance.com



        Testimonial 261 out of 1928

        I was amazed at how I received help right away and from the President! You made the process go so smoothly. I appreciate very much your suggestions and expertise!

        Judy Thompson
        Erlie On Enterprises



        Testimonial 701 out of 1928

        Thank you for you assistance in obtaining my 800 number for my Web Hosting Company. You site is very useful and easy to understand. Your site help me get my 800 carrier also through Opex Communications which the rates are FANTASTIC! Thank you so much!

        Richard Futrell
        World Hosting Central