"Unused" Numbers

When an 800 number is disconnected, it goes into what is referred to as the aging process. After several months, it becomes available for use on the 800 Service Management System (SMS/800) database. But the overall percentage of retired numbers is quite low because toll free service is so effective and profitable that businesses, organizations, and non-profits who secure a 1-800 number tend to hold onto it. Even those who take a break from their businesses often hang onto their numbers indefinitely. It costs so little to keep a toll free number that they decide to retain their favored phone number for future use.

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