* Readers weigh in on toll-free numbers
A few weeks ago we put forth the conjecture that 800-number access – especially in the context of conference calls – was becoming a non-issue. In at least half of our phone briefings, we’re given a toll-based access number for the conference – and since we both have flat-rate long distance plans, this is fine. In fact, it always seems like a bit of a waste when we’re given a toll-free access number, because the sponsoring party is unnecessarily paying for access that would be free (included) for us anyhow.
One response came from a self-described longtime reader and first-time responder to one of our requests for input. This reader pointed out:
“We have more than 160 retail locations that use audio conferencing in conjunction with training, and it is important that we have toll-free access to our audio conferencing provider as many of the phones at the stores are restricted from making regular outside calls, but they can make toll-free calls.”
Interesting exception, indeed. We’ll hope that this use for 800-number access will diminish as the data network that surely links the retail locations can be upgraded to use VoIP conferencing. But for the time being, we’ll admit that this is still a surviving need for 800-number service.
Along a similar vein, another reader pointed out: “800 access to conferences should remain important to mobile workers because cell quality can still be a problem on the conference bridge.” Again, a needed clarification on our end. We were assuming flat-rate wired (as opposed to wireless) connections.
Next time we’ll wrap up this discussion for the time being with one more response, plus a favorite conferencing source.
