The Talkroute Blog

  Why do North American phone numbers have nine digits? Who came up with the numbering system for phones? The use of seven-digit phone numbers across the United States & Canada started in 1947 through the cooperation of local telephone operators, AT&T, and the Bell System. While the telephone was invented in 1876, it wasn’t actually until 70 years later that the North American Numbering Plan was created. The numbering system was part of a large-scale effort to improve long-distance calling. It would eventually be referred to as the (NANP) and remains the standard for assigning phone numbers to this day. Here’s a closer look at the history of the North American Numbering Plan, including why it was necessary and what areas it covers.   Calling a Neighbor Required a Telephone Exchange     To understand the importance of the NANP, you need to understand how early telephone systems worked. …

  Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a business owner with a growing organization, an 888 number can be an invaluable asset. It gives customers a convenient way to contact your business, along with many additional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at 888 numbers to find out why you should get one for your business.   What Is an 888 Number?     888 numbers are a type of toll-free number. Toll-free numbers start with a three-digit code. Along with 888, phone service providers may offer toll-free numbers that start with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, or 877. Most people are familiar with 1-800 numbers. 800 numbers were originally released in the 1960s. The availability of toll-free numbers gradually decreased, leading the FCC to release additional toll-free area codes. 888 numbers were added to keep up with the demand for toll-free numbers. Other than the digits used, there is no …

  As you start expanding your phone system to accommodate the needs of your business, you should consider implementing a phone tree. A phone tree is another name for the automated menus that many businesses use to field customer inquiries. It gives you a way to help callers reach their desired department or extension. However, the benefits of it depend on how it’s set up. In the following article, we’ll examine the main benefits of a phone tree and how to choose the right system for your business.   What Is a Phone Tree?   A phone tree is a type of automated telephone system that provides callers with voice menus. The menus direct callers to the necessary extension or prerecorded message. Most people have interacted with a phone tree system before. When you call a business & an automated message asks for a voice prompt or numerical prompt, you …