How does a toll-free number work?
Commonly used in the United States and Canada, toll-free phone numbers use certain prefixes that are associated with a free calling line. Rather than regional or city-specific area codes, the toll-free numbers include toll-free codes, such as 800, 877, 888, 886, and others. The toll-free numbers are assigned by a service provider called the “Responsible Organization” (RespOrg).
The FCC has established rules and regulations about toll-free numbers. One FCC requirement is that toll-free phone numbers must be portable. This rule means that a toll-free number subscriber can move their number to a new service provider (RespOrg).
Toll-free numbers are free of charge for customers when they are making the call within a country like the United States. Callers can use landlines, cell phones, or a VoiP phone system when making toll-free calls. There are charges for the caller if they call a toll-free number from outside of the country.
The advantages of toll-free numbers
National Presence
A toll-free number enables businesses to convey their legitimacy and removes the perception of being only a small or local business. Additionally, having a toll-free number for your small business is an invitation for your audience to easily connect with your company to make purchases via phone calls or get customer or tech support for free.
Distinct Communications Channels
As a small business, you might use your cell phone number as your business number. By getting a free business number, you can separate your personal phone number from your company phone number, and help you keep personal and business calls separate. Having these distinct communication channels can help create a more professional image for your brand.
Access to Sophisticated Analytics
Free numbers can help your business acquire marketing research since it’s simple to add extensions to a toll-free number. By designating a specific extension for a Facebook ad, a print ad, etc., companies can easily assess the profitability and performance of specific marketing strategies, mediums, or campaigns.
Value-Added Feature
Providing another communication option for your customers is a way to respond to their desire for choices. With a toll-free number, your customers can decide if they call you, or if they use one of your other options like email or chat.
Why choose GoToConnect?
In-Demand Features
Reliability and Scalability
Flexible Work Environment
Number Porting
Cloud PBX
Mobile and Desktop Apps
Other features
Call Forwarding
Forward your extension to any cell phone, landline, or co-worker.
Virtual Fax
Send and receive unlimited faxes from your email inbox.
Mobile Apps
Virtual Voicemail
Listen to voicemail messages from anywhere – internet, mobile device or outside line.
VoIP Calling
All employees can answer a call, place it on hold and have someone else pick it up.
Hosted PBX
Get a single cloud-based communication platform for voice, chat, text, and meetings.
Frequently asked questions
- Is porting possible for my toll-free phone number?
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Yes, porting is possible, so you don't have to get a new number if you switch service providers. We have a number transfer form and can port your existing toll-free phone number once we complete the number transfer process.
- Can I have a local number and a toll-free number as part of my GoToConnect account?
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Yes, you can log in to your GoToConnect account and add more telephone numbers. It's common for businesses to have a toll-free number and a local number to provide access for customers on a local and national basis.
- Can I send text messages with a toll-free number?
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Yes, you can send and receive unlimited texts from a toll-free number. There may be some limitations on the type of texts that can be sent, including those that contain images. Please visit our text message page for more information.
- Is it possible to use the toll-free number as the CallerID on outgoing calls?
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Yes, your toll-free business number will show as the caller ID when you make outgoing calls through your GoToConnect desktop or mobile app.
- Is it free to call a toll-free number from a cell phone?
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Toll-free numbers operate differently when a cell phone or mobile device is used instead of a landline. Calling a toll-free number from a cell phone is only free if you have an unlimited cellular plan. If you have a per-minute cellular plan, then calling toll-free numbers will use the minutes available in your plan. Should you go over those minutes while calling a toll-free number, you will be charged for those additional minutes.
- What does it cost me to have a toll-free number?
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The per minute rate is $0.019/minute for all incoming calls using a toll-free number.
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