Before Number Portability, toll free numbers were “owned” by the carriers. The subscriber could not change their toll free service provider without also changing their 800 numbers; a prohibitive disincentive for the customer to switch and for the carrier to provide the most competitive services. But now every individual toll free telephone number is managed (not owned) by a RespOrg (short for Responsible Organization). RespOrgs were established in 1993, pursuant to FCC order, as an essential part of the implementation of toll free number portability. All licensed RespOrgs have access to the Service Management System (“SMS”), a database system that controls the routing of all toll free telephone numbers in North America and the Caribbean. Routing schemes may be incredibly sophisticated using a variety of criteria.

WE PROTECT YOUR 800 NUMBERS

If your 800 numbers are critical to your business, you should consider the services provided by an independent Resporg. The vast majority of RespOrgs are primarily long distance carriers. In most instances, by default, the carrier providing the toll free service also serves as the RespOrg for those toll free numbers. When your carrier is also your RespOrg, that carrier has no interest whatsoever in providing you with access to other carriers to implement Least Cost Routing or Disaster Recovery services via alternate delivery routes using other carriers. Simply put, your carrier / RespOrg does not want to send your traffic to their competition.

Compare this to an Independent RespOrg; a RespOrg that is non-carrier affiliated and therefore does not profit from the underlying carrier transport services. Independent RespOrgs provide toll free number management services only, based solely on their client’s directions, serving ONLY their client’s best interests. This is why an Independent RespOrg is critical to your ability to take full advantage of the complete spectrum of cost efficiencies, network stability and number protection services which can now be implemented by Independent RespOrgs via “SMS”, the National 800 Service network. We treat all carriers with neutrality to your benefit.