Why 866 Phone Numbers Have Finally Arrived
866 phone numbers are the toll free numbers which you often see around you.
But have you ever wondered what the difference is between 800 numbers and 866
phone numbers? Or whether you could reach a company which has a 800 number by
replacing the prefix by 866? Well, the answers are:
- There is no difference between the two prefixes, 800 and 866. Both are
toll free numbers and billed at the same rate with similar monthly charges.
- No. You cannot reach a company who has a 800 prefix, by replacing it with
866.These number prefixes denote virtual area codes. Different companies many
have the same number which can be preceded by different toll free area codes.
Toll free numbers with an 866 code was introduced in 2000. Despite widespread
anticipation that the 866 code would revolutionize the toll free market, the
result was quite on the contrary. 866 phone numbers took a long time to become
memorable and noticeable. Even till two years ago, most Americans thought the
only toll free number was 1-800. The fact that subsequently 888, 877 and 866
toll free numbers have also found their way to the market was unknown to most.
The situation changed in 2006, when an ORG market research study revealed that
85% of all Americans aged between 18 and 55 now know the existence of 866 as
a toll free number. In 2003 this awareness loomed somewhere between 55 and 65%.
The reason for this prolonged initial gestation is simple really. Let us not
forget that 1-800 area code has been around since 1967. This first mover advantage
enabled 800 numbers to be considered as the ‘generic’ toll free
number all across the nation. 866 phone numbers did not mean toll free –
only till recently. It took a lot of concentrated campaign efforts by major
television networks like CNN, NBC, ABC and AM and FM radio to propagate the
866 story. The internet also helped in increasing its acceptance, when various
telephone companies started advertising the benefits of having a 866 ‘toll
free’ number. Now of course, the trend has changed. 866 phone numbers
have superseded 877 in terms of customer retention and usage.
Right now 866 phone numbers are basking in the glory of ‘newness’.
Businesses are taking advantage of this newcomer as it is highly unlikely that
customers will use it wrongly to get in touch with them. The newness of 866
also makes it easier to be customized. Even to buy a memorable vanity 866 number
for now, is relatively easier. In other words, with the new 866 phone number,
we could surmise that a star is born.
One of the probable reasons for the new-found acceptance of 866 phone numbers
is the unavailability of the traditional 1-800 numbers. The grand old lady of
toll numbers is now appearing rare, especially to small businesses. Phone companies
who do not have enough 800 numbers in store and can only offer 866 phone numbers,
are re-directing small entrepreneurs to specialized service providers who exclusively
deal with 800 numbers and other “custom” requests.
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