7 Questions You Can Ask While Searching for a Toll Free Number Provider

You know that toll free number is an ideal method to communicate with a wide array of customers. Since your toll free number provider service is such an integral part of your business communications, we are providing you with 7 questions you should ask yourself to improve the effectiveness and your understanding of toll free number.

Does Your Provider Have Failover Protection?

It’s always good to have a Plan B. As mentioned before, RespOrg certified VoIP carriers have the ability to integrate failover protection into their toll free number DIDs and services. When a call switch goes inactive, your calls will automatically be carried over with a failover plan. You can also make this switch manually. When a VoIP carrier has a failover plan, you can be assured that your calls will not be dropped or lost.

 How Does Your Current Toll-Free Carrier Provide Billing?

You typically have two options when it comes to toll free number billing: one simple, and one a little more complex. The simple way is to have calls billed at a flat per-minute rate. This method is easy to recognize on a bill, but it is possible you might be overcharged on certain routes. The complex method is to be billed by reverse rate deck. With billing by reverse rate deck, you have more control over configuration and management. It may be more difficult to bill this way, but it can result in you paying less than in the flat rate method.

 Is my Provider a Responsible Organization (RespOrg)?

Accreditation is a key factor when deciding to accept any type of service. Just as you would want someone like a heart surgeon to be fully accredited, you should also look for certification in your VoIP wholesale provider (Toll free number provider). When a wholesale carrier is known as a RespOrg (Responsible Organization) that means that they have been certified by the FCC to provide toll-free services. VoIP providers who have been certified have access to the Service Management System (SMS/800). By choosing a RespOrg wholesale carrier, you can take solace in the fact that they have been certified and internally trained to provide excellent VoIP services.

 What Types of Numbers Does Your Wholesale Carrier Provide?

You may have noticed that rather than the traditional 1-800 number, there are now 888, 877, 866, etc. numbers floating around. These are simply toll free number that has been introduced once the availability of 800 numbers has been depleted. There are very few 800 numbers left in existence and they have become a somewhat precious commodity.

Can You Easily Manage Your Toll-Free Services?

Your numbers and services should be easily manageable and accessible. Management tools are often found in the form of dashboards. Dashboards will give you access to reports, daily task automation, and alerts. Management dashboards are the best way to keep an eye on your toll free number and navigate through your services.

Can You Port Your Numbers?

Does your carrier allow you to move your number you will have more success when porting a number? Just be aware that the process isn’t the same as porting a local number. You’ll also have to fill out a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Can You Receive Toll-Free Reporting?

When running a business, you’re going to want to know how every aspect of your company is performing. Receiving real-time reports is incredibly useful in tracking how your numbers are doing, all while keeping your costs low and traffic up (Toll free number provider). This can be accomplished through management dashboards and email alerts.