What is a Toll-Free number? Toll-Free Number Overview

What is a Toll-Free Phone Number?

Toll Free phone numbers are numbers with special 3-digit prefixes that you can dial for free from landlines. They connect you to businesses and organizations nationwide, so you don't have to worry about long-distance charges.

While toll-free numbers are designed to be free for the caller, some mobile carriers might charge you by the minute if you're on a limited plan. To avoid any surprises, it's best to double-check your plan details with your carrier before making a call.

Toll-free numbers can be transferred between businesses, and unfortunately, caller ID information isn't always updated during the process. This means the name displayed when you receive a call from a toll-free number might not be accurate. Essentially, the caller ID could be misleading, making it important to exercise caution when answering calls from unknown toll-free numbers.

What Area Codes are Toll-Free?

There are 7 distinct toll free phone numbers.

• Area Code 800
• Area Code 888
• Area Code 877
• Area Code 866
• Area Code 855
• Area Code 844
• Area Code 833

Purchasing a Toll-Free Number

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates toll-free numbers in the US and assigns them through "RespOrgs". RespOrg stands for a "Responsible Organization". These organizations handle the registration and management of toll-free numbers. To register a toll-free phone number, you need to do so through a RespOrg.

The Somos website allows you to search for RespOrgs by location or other criteria: Somos RespOrg Directory

How much does a Toll-Free Number Cost?

The price tag for a toll-free number can vary greatly. Highly memorable numbers, like those with easy-to-remember word associations, can command a premium, sometimes selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is because a catchy number can be a powerful marketing tool, helping businesses leave a lasting impression on potential customers.