Each US phone number has the following structure: “+1” (country code) and next 3 digits “XXX” (area zone) followed by 7 more digits of the subscriber. Earlier we’ve already told you what area codes mean, but now is time to know more about one of their type called toll free area codes.
What is a toll free number?
Toll free number is telephone number with particular 3-digit codes that can be dialed from landlines with no outgoing call charges. These 3 digits are different from the usual area code and are called toll free area code. By them you will immediately understand that you can call the owner of such a phone number for free.
Such phone numbers are regulated by the FCC which establishes the rules under which the toll-free numbers can be obtained or/and used.
What are toll free calls?
As you might have already guessed, toll free calling is a telephone service of provider, which allows registering such phone numbers, so that calls were charged by the called party and not by the caller. The main benefit is that callers can reach businesses and individuals out of the area without being charged a long-distance fee for the call.
A toll free call has been very successful for business owners and consumers. On the one hand, the consumer can call for free and not spend money on long-distance calls. On the other hand, the company stimulates sales and increases the loyalty of its customers in such a way. As a result, both parties are satisfied, especially since toll free calls are cheaper than usual ones. At least, the cost per call for the business is typically less than the cost per call if the consumer pays long-distance charges.
What numbers are toll free?
Each country has its own toll free area codes. Mostly they use one of the toll-free prefixes that start with 8XX. Usually, that number is 800. The same situation is with US phone numbers. 800 was the original toll free number in USA but it became so popular that additional prefixes were needed.
What are toll free numbers in USA today? Let’s see the list of them below:
- +1–800–XXX–XXXX
- +1–833–XXX–XXXX
- +1–844–XXX–XXXX
- +1–855–XXX–XXXX
- +1–866–XXX–XXXX
- +1–877–XXX–XXXX
- +1–888–XXX–XXXX
All these 3-digit prefixes are not interchangeable! It means that calling a number starting with “1-877” you will reach a different recipient than dialing that number using a 1-844 prefix. Call to each toll free number is routed to exact local telephone number.
These toll free area codes are intended for use within the United States, Canada and other countries which are members of the North American Number Plan. It is unavailable to see where exactly the call is coming from, because these prefixes can be used from any location in the country. For the same reason, it is impossible to know time zones that the 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 area codes cover. Unlike other phone numbers with usual area codes, toll free ones are not operated from a particular area.
Reserved toll free numbers
In addition to previously announced numbers there are also some other toll free numbers, including area codes:
- 822,
- 880,
- 887,
- 889.
They are not yet in service and the date of implementation has not been established, but these area codes have been already reserved for toll free service.
How much do toll free numbers cost for owners?
The cost of a toll-free number depends on many factors including the locations, where you receive calls from, the total duration of such calls each month and others. The average cost of toll free calls for businesses is considered to be from 2 to 5 cents per minute approximately.
Is area code 844 toll free?
Yes, all calls starting with 844 must be toll-free in the USA.
Is area code 855 toll free?
Yes, you can make free calls to numbers with prefix 855 from any US area zone.
Is 877 area code toll free?
That’s right. US phone numbers started with +1–877 are classified as toll free.