Frequently Asked Questions
about
Toll-Free Numbers

  1. What is 877?
    2. Answer: 877 is the new toll-free area code. 877 numbers do not replace 800 and 888 numbers, but simply increase the universe of toll-free numbers.
  2. Are 800 and 888 numbers going away?
    3. Answer: No. Existing 800 and 888 numbers will remain as they are today.
  3. Why is there a need for another toll-free area code?
    4. Answer: The rapid growth in demand for toll-free services has led to a decrease in the supply of 800 and 888 numbers. As a result, the industry introduced 877 numbers for toll-free calling.
  4. Will we also run out of 877 numbers in the future?
    5. Answer: Just as the 888 number pool draws near depletion, the same is likely to happen to 877 numbers. The industry has plans to introduce 866, 855, and other codes for toll-free calling once 877 numbers are depleted. 
  5. Is there any difference between 800, 888, and 877 toll-free service?
    6. Answer: No. Calls using either 877, 888, or 800 numbers are toll-free calls.
  6. If a company has an 800 number, can I also reach them by calling the 888 or 877 equivalent?
    7. Answer: : No. 800, 888, and 877 numbers are separate and distinct numbers. 877 numbers were introduced to increase the universe of toll-free numbers and all carriers offering 800 number toll-free service offer 888 and 877 toll-free service. 
  7. How are toll-free numbers assigned to subscribers? How can I get a toll-free number?
    8. Answer: Toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Entities called Responsible Organizations ("RespOrgs"), which are usually toll-free service providers or carriers, have access to a database that contains information regarding the satus of all toll-free numbers. Someone wanting to obtain a toll-free number should contact their carrier or RespOrg. RespOrgs can access the database and reserve a number for subscribers. (Note: the Commission does not have access to the database and cannot provide any information regarding the status (e.g., if the number is reserved, working, or in "unavailable" status) of any particular toll-free number). 
  8. I've heard that toll-free numbers are portable; what does that mean?
    9. Answer: 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 (For a discussion of Responsible Organizations see question 7,above).
  9. What is the Commission's role in the market for toll-free services? 
    10. Answer: The Commission only regulates or sets the rules under which toll-free numbers can be used or obtained. The Commission is not involved in the day-to-day allocation of toll-free numbers and does not have access to the toll-free database. For example, in CC Docket No. 86-10 (Provision of Access for 800 Service), the Commission promulgated rules that made toll-free numbers portable so subscribers could change carriers without changing numbers. In October of 1995, the Commission initiated a rulemaking proceeding to address the imminent exhaust of 800 numbers, the implementation of 888 numbers, and the efficient, fair, and equitable allocation of toll-free numbers. The latter proceeding is still open. 
  10. Has the Commission issued any rulemakings regarding toll-free numbers?
    11. Answer: Yes. On October 5, 1995, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Toll-free Service Access Codes, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC Rcd 10 13962 (released October 5, 1995)) to address issues regarding the efficient, fair, and equitable allocation of toll-free numbers. Subsequent to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Common Carrier Bureau, acting on delegated authority, issued a Report and Order (Toll-free Service Access Codes, Report and Order, 11 FCC Rcd 2496 (released January 25, 1996)) that addressed those issues crucial to the opening of the 888 code for toll-free calling. On April 11, 1997, the Commission released a Second Report and Order addressing issues pertaining to the efficient, fair, and equitable allocation of toll-free numbers. On October 9, 1997, the Commission released a Third Report and Order addressing issues relating to toll free database administration. On March 31, 1998, the Commission released a Fourth Report and Order ( erratum ) addressing the issue of vanity-number assignment. Some issues raised in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking remain unaddressed, and the proceeding is still open. 
  11. How can I stay informed of any decisions by the FCC regarding toll-free numbers?
    12. Answer: If you have access to the internet, you can follow all FCC actions by accessing the FCC's homepage at http://www.fcc.gov. The Daily Digest is a listing of all announcements, decisions, or actions by the Commission for a particular day. Any decision regarding toll-free numbers will be listed on the Daily Digest. Within the FCC's internet site, the Common Carrier Bureau, which regulates interstate telephone services, has its own homepage. The Common Carrier Bureau's site contains up-to-date information on toll-free numbers on a home page just for toll free service. If you do not have access to the internet, you can obtain the Daily Digest through our fax-on-demand service by calling (202) 418-2830.
  12. Can I reserve a number from the Commission or find out if a particular number that I want is available?
    13. Answer: No. The Commission does not have access to the toll-free database and, therefore, cannot reserve or check the status of any number. If you want to know the status of any number you should contact a Responsible Organization (usually a carrier, see question 7, above). However, you cannot obtain a list of Responsible Organizations since the Industry decided the list of Responsible Organizations will not be distributed publicly. 
  13. I want a particular 888 number, and my carrier tells me it is "unavailable." What does that mean?
    14. Answer: An 888 number could be unavailable for basically two reasons:
     
     
    1. The number that you want to reserve may have already been reserved by someone else and is, therefore, not available. 
    2. The number may be in "unavailable" status because the Common Carrier Bureau allowed commercial 800 number subscribers, through their carriers, to place the 888 number with the same last seven digits as their 800 number in an "unavailable" pool. There were approximately 380,000 888 numbers placed in unavailable status. This was done to provide interim protection to 800 number subscribers that have invested heavily in their 800 numbers. On March 31, 1998, the Commission resolved the vanity-number issue by allowing subscribers with corresponding 800 numbers to exercise a right of first refusal to those 888 set-aside numbers. The number would be assigned to the 800 subscriber 90 days after the 877 toll free code is opened. If the 800 subscriber refuses the number, it will be placed in the available pool of toll free numbers for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. These numbers will be made available 90 days after the 877 toll free code is opened. 
  14. I am one of the 800 subscribers holding a number that corresponds to one of the 888 set-aside vanity numbers. How can I exercise my right of first refusal? 
    15. Answer: On April 2, 1998, the Common Carrier Bureau issued a letter to DSMI establishing procedures for implementing the right of first refusal. The 800 subscriber should receive from its RespOrg notification that the particular 888 number is subject to a right of first refusal. The 800 subscriber has 50 days from April 5, 1998 to write to its RespOrg requesting that 888 number. The RespOrg will notify DSMI and DSMI is instructed to transfer the number to that RespOrg for assignnment to the subscriber 90 days from April 5, 1998. 
  15. I reserved a particular 877 number through my carrier, but someone else got the number. How does toll-free number reservation work?
    16. Answer: Toll-free numbers are currently reserved on a first come, first served basis by your Responsible Organization. see question 7, above) 877 numbers were first offered for general reservation on April 5, 1998. Many toll-free customers may have placed orders for particular 877 numbers with their Responsible Organizations before 877 numbers were available for general reservation. The placing of an order for an 877 number prior to the general release of 877 numbers did not guarantee that a subscriber would actually receive that number. 
  16. I want a particular toll-free number, and someone has offered to sell it to me. Can people buy and sell numbers? 
    17. Answer: No. In the Second Report and Order released on April 11, 1997, the Commission took several actions to conserve toll free number and make them available to subscribers. The Commission concluded that the practices of hoarding and brokering toll free numbers are not in the public interest and that parties that hoard and broker numbers will be subject to penalties. 
  17. Are there any operational changes I need to make to prepare my business for toll-free 877 service?
    18. Answer: You may need to contact your PBX vendor to ensure that 877 calls can originate from your system.
  18. Can I still get toll-free directory assistance through "1-800-555-1212"?
    19. Answer: Yes. Toll-free directory assistance for 800, 888, and 877 numbers can be obtained by calling "1-800-555-1212."


Source: FCC Website, for more information visit the FCC Website www.fcc.gov