Features Of An 800 Phone Number Service Plan

By Author: Jen Silva
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Registering for an 800 number service is simple. Toll-free numbers offer unique features that don’t require separate installation to be operational. Only an existing phone line is required. Calls may come in to a cell phone, home phone, or office phone and they are not charged to the caller. The toll-free number owner pays a flat fee per minute for each call and it takes less than three days for activation. With distinct rings, toll-free numbers alert you to calls that are different from your landline. They are currently available in the following area codes: 800, 866, 877, and 888.

Basic Calling Services, Routing, and Call Blocking
Toll-free numbers can be called within the United States. Citizens from Puerto Rico and Canada can call a U.S. 800 number service. United States toll-free numbers cannot receive calls from other countries. In addition, toll-free numbers can receive multiple calls at one time and can provide a call waiting feature, which allows you to answer two calls at the same time. An existing telephone line can have multiple toll-free numbers. Most toll-free number plans offer a ...
... call-forwarding option at a monthly rate that must be installed by the landline provider. Toll-free numbers also offer a blocking option in which the owner can block specific areas, numbers, and people from calling the number.

Caller ID and Voice Mail Options
Similar to landline telephone providers, toll-free numbers offer a caller identification and voicemail system feature. Both caller identification and voicemail are classified as additional services and they are offered as two separate additional monthly rates. All toll-free numbers are equipped to receive and supply identifying information. Service providers offer blocking options upon request. They also offer a feature in which your toll-free number unblocks a blocked number so that you can see who is calling.

Calls to the toll-free number typically go to voicemail where customers or other types of callers can leave a brief message. Owners and registrants may check all messages by calling the voicemail. Some service providers send messages to the owner’s email address and they provide additional service options for receiving and storing voicemail.

Rates, Billing, and Payment
Rates for toll-free numbers vary by service provider, additional features, call length, minute rounding system, and usage. Rates are determined based upon the city, state, and service area. They may be classified as intrastate calling and interstate calling and they are based upon a specific type of plan. Different service providers offer different features and options for each toll-free number plan. Since most companies have adopted paperless billing, most service providers also send toll-free number bills right to your email address. Bills can be paid by check or credit card. Some providers also offer pre-payment options.

Additional Service Features
Service providers offer optional features for 800 numbers. Three-way calling on an existing phone line is available as a service feature with the toll-free number. There isn’t a charge for outbound dialing. Other blocking options are available such as setting up blocks from payphones. Toll-free numbers are compatible with software in which you call a number from a computer; you can also receive calls made from a computer onto the toll-free number.

Service providers offer faxing services in which the toll-free number can ring a fax number, can receive a call from a fax machine, and can send faxes in the same way as a landline; virtual faxing services are also typically available. Toll-free numbers have the option of adding and registering more than three lines. Service providers also offer directory assistance services for local, national, and international calling. The rate for this additional feature is similar to most telephone service providers.

Registering for an 800 number service is much easier today considering many people operate a business outside of their home and/or provide professional services. They need to make and receive calls that are distinct from their normal phone.
About Author:
The author is a writer and specialist of small business software and products on topics such as 800 number service. Please visit http://800-numbers.pbxcompare.com for more info on 800 numbers.