Like Domains, Toll Free Numbers Going Through Expansion
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Another toll free prefix will be released this fall.
Top level domain names aren’t the only identifier resource being expanded in coming years. Later this year the first toll free number prefix since 2000 will be released: 855. The numbers will be released in October.
Previous releases after 800 include 888 in 1996, 877 numbers in 1998 and 866 numbers in 2000.
Similar to top level domain names, there are people both for and against the release of the numbers. The arguments are similar to when .info and .biz were released, and perhaps somewhat like the current argument over the mass release of new TLDs.
On the one hand, most good vanity toll free numbers are taken. Choosing the same vanity number with a different prefix, such as 855, is cheaper than “buying” the 800 number. However, consumers get confused. 800 is still like .com, and using a different prefix means you might lose some of your calls to the corresponding 800 number.
Hopefully that 800 number doesn’t play an ad for an adult entertainment line.
Further Reading:
Where do you buy these numbers? What company is the “GoDaddy.com” of 1800 numbers?
Troy
The new DNS integrates nano-payments which are more like 900 numbers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premium-rate_telephone_number
“AT&T has confirmed that the Hulk Hogan Hotline was the most lucrative 900 line in the United States from 1991 through 1993.”
What the heck does that mean Jim?
DNS integrates nano-payments? Huh?
The only “800″ prefixes that stick in the memory are 1-800 and 1-888.Anything else is a FAIL from a marketing standpoint.I have a handful of domains with those prefixes.Got a coupla’ inquiries recently.
With the increased usage of the internet, I figured the toll free numbers would be decreasing in popularity, not increasing……
Funny now that I think about 866 is also on my list of default toll free’s. Actually I usually guess 866 first as I feel it is more often used those day, or am I just nuts? Maybe it is possible for an alt extension to get some traction. But then again the reason I think of 866 is we actually see it used intv commercials. How oftendo u see an alt extension used?