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Home > Consumer Information Center > Toll Free Service Explained
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A toll free number, also known as an "800 number", is a service where the person receiving the call pays for the call, rather than the caller. Toll free numbers are commonly used by large, mid-sized, small and home based businesses. However, more and more residential customers are using toll free numbers as an alternative to calling cards and collect calls.
Because of increasing usage of toll free services, toll free numbers are no longer restricted to "800" numbers. Currently, any phone number that begins with 800, 888, 877 or 866 is a toll free number.
However, while all of these are toll free, they are not interchangeable. 1-800-234-5678 is not the same as 1-877-234-5678 - much like your home phone number cannot be reached if the wrong area code is used to dial it.
How Toll Free Numbers Work
Toll free numbers work very easily. First, you would select a toll free service provider. During the application process, you would need to select a "ring to" number. A "ring to" number is the phone number you would like your toll free service to ring in on.
Having a toll free number does not change your outgoing or direct dialed incoming calls. All callers who dial the "ring to" number directly, without using the toll free number, will pay for the call themselves (unless the call to you is local for them).
Any calls you make from the "ring to" number, will work as normal. The only charges you will have for a toll free number would be a monthly service fee, depending on the provider, and usage on any incoming calls that were made by dialing the toll free number.
Toll Free Service Options
There are several different toll free service options available in today's market:
• Your long distance provider - If your current long distance provider provides toll free service, you can choose to add a toll free number to your existing long distance service or choose to have a toll free number added to your account when signing up for service.
• A "Stand Alone" toll free provider - "Stand Alone" toll free service is the option of getting a toll free service without having to change your long distance companies. They bill you a monthly fee, if applicable, and charge you for usage from incoming calls on the toll free number only. The ring to number remains handled by your regular long distance company.
• A "Forward-able" toll free provider - "Forward-able" toll free service is usually a "Stand Alone" service, but with an extra option. You have the ability to forward your toll free number to any "ring to" number you choose and change the ring to number as often as necessary. This is accomplished by entering the provider's website and changing the "ring to" number. Within minutes your toll free incoming calls will be forwarded to the new "ring to" number you choose. "Forward-able" toll free service is a newer type of toll free service and is not offered by many providers at the current time.
• Your VoIP service provider - If your current VoIP company has an option that provides toll free service, you can choose to add a toll free number to your existing VoIP or choose to have a toll free number added to your account when signing up for service if it is offered.
Most toll free service providers will automatically assign your toll free number. Some services allow you to pick from a special list they have that changes all the time. You can opt to find a special "Vanity" number, but there may be extra set up fees and monthly fees associated with doing so.
If you want to know if a toll free number is available, contact a toll free service provider and ask. Providers can access the toll free database and if the number you want it open, assign it to you, the subscriber.
Transferring a Toll Free Number
Your toll free number is assigned to you and in almost all cases, you can take it with you when you leave one company for another, providing you've paid your bill in full. The transfer should be as simple as filling out a RESP ORG (letter of authorization for toll free number and responsible organization transfer) and sending it in to your new provider.
Be sure to ask any company you choose about their transfer policies before you sign up to make sure that a transfer will be a smooth process should the need ever arise.
Toll Free Directory Assistance
The number for toll free directory assistance - 1-800-555-1212 - acts just like regular directory assistance, but they only list toll free numbers of companies. Not all toll free numbers are listed unless subscribers choose to list them. However, most big companies do opt in to being listed. If your toll free company doesn't mention 800 directory assistance be sure to ask about it (most companies will require you to fill out a form) if you want to be listed.
The number for toll free directory assistance is free to use. Due to the 555 digits being saved for eventual competition in providers of directory assistance, 1-888-555-XXXX numbers are not being assigned to subscribers, even by request.
To find out if your small or home based business could benefit from a toll free number, see our "Toll Free Numbers" Article. To find a toll free service provider, click here.
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