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FAQ: Toll-Free Numbers |
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What is a toll free number?
Why do I want a toll free number?
How am I charged for a toll free number?
Am I charged for making a call to another toll free number?
If I change long distance plans, can I keep my toll free number?
Can I select a toll free number? What are the toll free number prefixes?
Is there an additional charge or monthly fee for a toll free number?
Will I be charged for using my toll free number from a payphone?
Do I need another phone line for my toll free number?
What is a toll-free number?
Today, toll-free numbers are not just common for businesses, but now for residential use. Toll-free numbers charge the business or individual receiving the call, not the caller. The toll-free subscriber, not the caller, pays the charge for the call.
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Why do I want a toll-free number?
A toll-free number can be cheaper than a calling card. This is a great option for family members who spend a lot of time on the road and home often. Parents can give their toll-free number to children away at college so the child can call home at any time without the child making an expensive collect call or paying for the call themselves.
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How am I charged for a toll free number?
Toll-free rate plans vary with each carrier. Many of the companies recommended on this site offer the same low interstate and intrastate rates for their 1+ dialing plans and toll-free plans with the same billing and minimum call increments. Toll-free rates are usually less expensive than calling card rates.
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Am I charged for making a call to another toll free number?
No. If you call another toll free number, the person or business receiving the call pays for the call. If someone calls your toll free number, you pay for the call
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If I change long distance plans, can I keep my toll free number?
Yes, toll-free numbers are "portable." The toll-free subscriber may change his toll-free service to another carrier without changing his toll free number. Some long distance carriers have an online transfer form.
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Can I select a toll free number? What are the toll free number prefixes?
Yes, numbers that spell a company or person's name are available. To find out if a specific number is available ask your long distance carrier. Currently there are five toll-free prefixes: 800, 888, 877, 866 and 855.
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Is there an additional charge or monthly fee for a toll free number?
Fees vary by plan. Most do not have a monthly fee, they only charge the per-minute rate for incoming calls.
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Will I be charged for using my toll free number from a payphone?
Yes. You can make a toll-free call from a payphone without using a coin but there is a surcharge for calling a toll-free number from a payphone. You will be billed on your phone bill for any payphone surcharges. The fee varies between payphones but averages at 35 cents. This is a Communications Act requirement to ensure that the Payphone Service Providers are fairly compensated for each call from their payphone.
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Do I need another phone line for my toll-free number?
No, you do not need an additional phone line. The toll-free number can be used on any line that you choose, including your home's main phone line.
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