How Toll-Free Numbers Work
Sat, Aug 21, 2010
A toll-free number is assigned from a special dialing prefix range (also known as area code) such as 0800 where all calls to those prefixes are free to the caller.The cost of the call to the called party is usually based on factors such as the amount of usage the number experiences, the cost of the trunk lines to the facility, and possibly a monthly flat rate service charge.In Pakistan Toll free numbers (For callers within Pakistan) are 0800 xxx xx.
A toll free number just forwards to or points to a regular local number.A memorable toll-free number can serve as a primary source of advertising and marketing.Toll-free numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals without being charged for the call. The charge for using a toll-free number is paid by the called party (the toll-free subscriber) instead of the calling party. Toll-free numbers can be dialed directly to your business or personal telephone line.
Toll-free numbers are very common and have proven successful for businesses, particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing. Toll-free service provides potential customers and others with a “free” and convenient way to contact businesses.Toll-free numbers differ from collect calls (where the called party also pays for the call) in that the call is always free to toll-free numbers, whereas the called party has to give special permission on a call by call basis to pick up the charge in the case of collect calls.
Freephone’ services appeared in the 1960s, with the Post Office introducing such a facility in 1960. A Toll-free service was also originated on May 2, 1967 by AT&T as an alternative to collect calling and to reduce the need for operators. AT&T referred to the service as IN-WATS, or Inward Wide-Area Telephone Service.The first company to use toll-free lines hosted numbers for major companies. Americana Hotels, Budget Rent a Car, Hyatt Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Roadway Inns, Sheraton Hotels, and Quality Inn were a few of the major companies hosted.
Since toll-free numbers were introduced, the demand for the service, basically a call-forwarding plan that reverses charges to the called party, has soared. As of February 2008, there were more than 24 million working toll-free phone numbers in North America. In 1996, as the supply of 1-800 numbers became exhausted, 888 toll-free numbers were introduced. Today, toll-free numbers can have 800, 888, 877 and 866 prefixes. All these numbers work in exactly the same way. When the 866 prefix is depleted, the 855 prefix will be rolled out.
You Might Also Be Interested in Reading
Tags: Free numbers, pakistan Toll free, Toll free, Toll Free Numbers
March 26th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Does dialing a “toll-free” phone number on your cellphone use your minutes?