Toll-free numbers are important cloud-based communication solutions that offer free communication for customers. The cost of calling is borne by the business. In the present time, it is changing the communication scenario of local as well as global business networks. It is also known as the free-phone number as it offers free communication for customers. The toll-free number starts with pre-fix codes that are specific to geographical locations. Toll-free numbers start with 1800, 800, 888, 855 etc; in India, it starts with 1800 followed by a six or seven unique number.
Past of IVR numbers:
In the 1960s, toll-free numbers came into existence which is marked by a radical shift in the telecommunication industry. Earlier, long-distance calling was infrequent and also very expensive. In 1967, with the launch of AT&T and their “InWATS” (Inward Wide Area Telephone Service) businesses were allowed to offer calling services without any charges. At that time, only big companies and specialized applications were using the service. For example: hotel reservations and airline bookings.
It was in the 1980s, that toll-free number was used for customer service. It is supported in enhancing customer satisfaction and in fostering brand loyalty. It was well appreciated and accepted by the businesses as it made communication easier and inclined towards more customer engagement. In that period, advancement in terms of call routing features was also introduced to the customers.
Toll-free numbers were more popular in the 1990s as it was used for marketing through vanity number. A vanity number is a toll-free number that spells out a word or phrase that represents the business and its products/services. For example: 1-800-ROSE became an example of how efficiently it can be used for marketing purposes that add branding value.
With the ever growing demand, the prefix 800 soon became popular and additional prefixes for toll-free number was introduced. In 1996, 888 prefix was introduced and then it was followed by 877 in 1998 again in 2006, 866 was introduced. The series of prefixes followed the 800 numbers and allowed a business to expansion to further channels.
Present of IVR numbers:
In the present time, toll-free number providers are growing in demand as they offer a solution for small businesses to start-ups. It is used by different industries. Toll-free numbers are integrated with other cloud-based solutions to enhance business service delivery. Toll-free number providers offer three types of toll-free numbers:
- Domestic toll-free number: If a business has offices in different locations within a country, it can use this category of toll-free number. It caters to the needs of local as well as national level customers. It enables the customers to call them quickly and without expanding anything on the cost of calling. Indian toll-free numbers can help a business to expand regionally and locally.
- Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN): This is an eleven-digit number that can be used by a business universally in the entire geographical footprint. Businesses who want to establish offices across the world can use this number. A business can use the same number irrespective of the geographical area and enable customers to call them hassle-free.
- International Toll-free numbers: These free contact numbers are country-specific numbers and a business can easily use the number to connect with its customers. A business can set up offices in different global locations and each number would be different, yet represents the same business.
Future of IVR numbers:
Technological advancement is the fuel of communication and business services. The future of toll-free numbers holds much potential to ease communication, and seamless service delivery as well as bring out the best marketization strategies that are based on innovation. The 1800 toll-free number gives businesses options to offer flexibility in routing calls that depend on the time of the day, call volumes and origin. It confirms that not a single customer call is missed and each call is addressed with more accuracy and ensured quality. Toll-free number providers also can come up with innovative ways to guide and assist businesses to utilize the solution for maximum benefit. The future of the toll-free number depends upon how the solution can develop and offer support to strengthen businesses in this ever-growing market demand and technological advancement. The solution can open up prospects from more industries and businesses.
