Somehow this snuck up on me. I didn't realize these were about to get launched.
- And I've also got to ask why there's still such a huge demand for "tollfree" numbers. More and more people, and pretty much all businesses by now, have calling plans that are no longer distance sensitive.
There's a bit of a cachet and "branding" issue, for example "800-USA-Rail", and a fair number of places don't want to be associated with Lower Cupcake, SD, but I'd have thought that's all been pretty much exhausted by now.
Anyway, here's a note that my "800 vendor" just sent me. (I considered redacting their name, but figured people here can deal with it...)
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 23:33:19 +0000 From: "kall8.com" Subject: Introducing 844 Toll Free Numbers
Dear Valued Customer,
Announcing a rare opportunity to get a premium toll-free number! On December 7th, the new 844 toll-free number prefix will launch providing a small window of opportunity to acquire the perfect vanity number. There will be a large amount of competition for these numbers and each service provider will have strict limits on the amount of numbers they are able to reserve. We want to provide you with the opportunity to reserve the perfect number for your business.
The 844 toll-free exchange is brand new so there are many possibilities! Find the perfect keyword for your business such as 844-GET-A-JOB,
844-MORTGAGE, and 844-BUY-CARS.
- Choose a number that is easy to remember such as 844-444-4444,
Thank you, Kall8 Customer Service
***** Moderator's Note *****Toll-free numbers are more popular than ever, not only because long distance rates have fallen, which makes calls cheaper no matter /who/ pays for them, but mostly because 800 calls provide ANI info to the called party, bypassing any caller id blocking. Those numbers are a
*VERY* valuable commodity, not only because cell calls are not subject to cold calling, but also because a cellular number is an invaluable cross-reference that stays with a buyer across multiple companies.Bill Horne Moderator