Toll Free 800 phone number supply reaches an all-time low

Posted by Tollfreenumber.ORG  at November 17th, 2012

In past years the supply of 800 numbers has always remained above 100,000, with numbers often fluctuating between 100K and 200K at any given time.

However, that number has dropped dramatically in 2012, resulting in a supply of less than 60,000. This all-time low is not expected to go over the 100k mark again until 2014.

Given that 800 area code toll-free numbers are, historically, the most effective when utilized for business and marketing purposes, this news serves as yet another reason why time is of the essence when purchasing an ideal 800 area code toll free number.       

Charting Supplies of 800 Numbers Since their Inception.

The 800 area code number came out back in 1967, but it wasn’t until they were deregulated in 1994 that they truly became popular. By 1996 the supply of 800 numbers had already been greatly depleted, so the FCC decided to release 888 numbers.

Just four years later, in 2000, the supply of 800 numbers (despite the introduction of another toll free area code) had dropped to just 1 million numbers, which was an all-time low. This prompted the introduction of 877, 866, with 855 soon following.

Thanks to an overwhelming demand for 800 numbers, their supply is quickly dwindling, and getting your 800 area code number as soon as possible is highly recommended for those who are seeking a particular phone number that will be best suited for their businesses or marketing needs. 

            The Importance of Having an 800 area code number. Though the depletion of 800 numbers may not be earth shattering news for most, it can pose a significant problem for individuals or businesses who want to get the most out of their toll free number.

It’s a proven fact that having an 800 prefix is typically more beneficial than having an 877 or 866 number, in that 800 numbers can potentially get misdials that were meant for the less popular area code numbers, and will be easier for customers to remember.

Given that 800 numbers have been around for much longer (for decades, in fact) than the other toll free number area codes, many will find that customers are simply used to dialing an 800 area code, leading to businesses who have other area codes losing out on valuable business that was intended for them. Having an 800 number also lends credibility to your business, and can even enhance your business image.

These are some of the primary reasons why the fact that 800 numbers are now in short supply is such a significant report, and why getting a toll free number that you have been waiting for as soon as possible is so important.

TollfreeNumber.ORG can help you to customize an 800 number that is perfect for you. We are also currently asking anyone who currently owns an 800 that is inactive to recycle and return it back to the spare number pool, so that others who have been waiting for it can get the most benefit from it. On the other hand, if you would like an 800 number that has already been taken, feel free to check back often to see if it has become available recently.