How Toll Free Became So Popular

Toll free phone numbers are commonly used by small and medium companies and large corporations to generate business. 800 numbers are also used to provide stellar customer support and allow business owners to keep in close contact with customers and staff. They are more popular than ever.

Today, even one-person businesses have 800 number. 800 numbers were introduced in 1967 by AT&T as a means of scaling back on the amount of human operators necessary to process collect calls. At that time, collect calls served as the basis for toll free numbers. The original toll free phone service was called Inward Wide Area Telephone Service or INWATS. The first business to use the new service was the Sheraton Hotel Chain.

Until 1984, AT&T owned all 800 numbers. But after the FCC oversaw the diversification of toll free service in 1991, numerous telephone network carriers began offering 800 numbers. When the supply of 800 numbers began dwindling in the mid-1990s, the federal government introduced the 888, 877, and 866 area codes. When that supply dwindles, the FCC will eventually release the reserved 855, 844, 833, and 822 area codes to address future needs.

Today, toll free service is available at affordable rates through providers like Tollfreenumber.ORG. Features include caller ID unblock, caller ID with name, 3-way calling, call tracking, and many other options. There is no installation necessary and no additional set-ups. Toll free today is more affordable and easier to get than ever before and that is why it is steadily growing in popularity.