The name 800 numbers came around because this is the prefix that was chosen for use with all toll-free lines. These phone numbers happen to be used by businesses of all sizes and even individuals so that the person making the phone call is not charged a penny no matter where they are calling from. Instead, the owner of the phone line handles the charges. This makes it simple for people to get in contact with the person or business without having to be concerned with the phone bill.
The history of the first 800 numbers in the US dates back to the late 1960s. They were first introduced as a way to cut down on the amount of collect calls that were being made thus cutting down on the need for as many operators. Collect calls are an alternative way that a person can make a call and have the person who is receiving the call pay the fees. Collect calling is a service that is still provided since not everyone has a toll-free line to use.
Large businesses were the only companies that possessed these 800 numbers in the first several decades of their existence. In the 1980s, prices for these phone lines averaged about 13-15 cents per minute which was not affordable for smaller businesses or even individuals. The rates have drastically lessened in the past several years making it easier for businesses of all sizes to obtain toll-free lines of their own. The rates are at a low cost of 2 cents per minute now, and some companies may even offer a monthly flat-rate fee instead of a per minute charge.
Since a growing number of companies have started acquiring these designated lines, the prefixes for these numbers have expanded to accommodate them. Rather of just a single prefix, toll-free numbers can currently start with 855, 866, 877, and 888 as well. Because the quantity of lines grew so fast, there were no more phone numbers to assign in the original prefix. With the inclusion of other numbers, more companies could individualize their phone numbers and use them as a marketing tool.
The phrase 800 numbers is interchangeable with toll-free numbers and actually encompasses all of the other prefixes. For more than half a century, companies have been using these numbers as a way for clients and customers to easily contact them. With much lower rates than in previous years, it has become easier than ever for small businesses and individuals to obtain these services that were once only available to large corporations.
The history of the first 800 numbers in the US dates back to the late 1960s. They were first introduced as a way to cut down on the amount of collect calls that were being made thus cutting down on the need for as many operators. Collect calls are an alternative way that a person can make a call and have the person who is receiving the call pay the fees. Collect calling is a service that is still provided since not everyone has a toll-free line to use.
Large businesses were the only companies that possessed these 800 numbers in the first several decades of their existence. In the 1980s, prices for these phone lines averaged about 13-15 cents per minute which was not affordable for smaller businesses or even individuals. The rates have drastically lessened in the past several years making it easier for businesses of all sizes to obtain toll-free lines of their own. The rates are at a low cost of 2 cents per minute now, and some companies may even offer a monthly flat-rate fee instead of a per minute charge.
Since a growing number of companies have started acquiring these designated lines, the prefixes for these numbers have expanded to accommodate them. Rather of just a single prefix, toll-free numbers can currently start with 855, 866, 877, and 888 as well. Because the quantity of lines grew so fast, there were no more phone numbers to assign in the original prefix. With the inclusion of other numbers, more companies could individualize their phone numbers and use them as a marketing tool.
The phrase 800 numbers is interchangeable with toll-free numbers and actually encompasses all of the other prefixes. For more than half a century, companies have been using these numbers as a way for clients and customers to easily contact them. With much lower rates than in previous years, it has become easier than ever for small businesses and individuals to obtain these services that were once only available to large corporations.
About the Author:
Proper telecommunications services are one of most important aspects of business company. To get in touch in a variety of options, please visit 800 numbers and business voice.