Toll free number : Business phone number availability

Your phone number can say a lot about your business before a first time caller even dials it (toll free number). It’s the original link that connects you with your leads, prospects, and customers in a tangible way.

Some people think they have no control over their business phone numbers. But the process of selecting a phone number is designed to give you choices about the location, pattern, and presentation of your organization’s primary line.

Phone Numbers Provisioned

Phone numbers are equally available to all providers; no carrier gets special access to the FCC’s pool of available numbers. If a phone service doesn’t offer certain available numbers, such as those with toll free area codes, it’s usually because of financial or logistical reasons. Some providers provide phone number availability lists to see if your desired phone number combination is available with that service.

VoIP providers allow you to purchase, register, and provision phone numbers for your organization. In some cases, you can complete the entire provisioning process online, without any help from customer support.

Toll Free and Vanity Numbers

You can also register toll free and vanity numbers with a business VoIP phone system. Toll free number allows a caller to contact a business without incurring charges. Toll free number is popular with businesses because they remove the cost impediment of calling. However, your business will be responsible for picking up the associated costs.

There are six toll free codes in the United States: 800, 888, 877, 866, 855 and 844. Toll free number can be linked to your business or personal phone lines. “Vanity” numbers are toll free number that spell words, acronyms, names, or other spellings (e.g. 1-800-NEW-BEDS). Some providers do not offer the ubiquitous 800 code. If you’re set on a 1-800 number, you should contact your provider to see if this range is available.

Registering a toll free number varies by provider. You can usually register toll free number without any interaction with the phone company. But vanity numbers typically require paperwork and additional authorization before you can use them. Consult with your VoIP provider for more detailed instructions on how to acquire toll free and vanity numbers.