How Toll-Free Numbers Work
Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833) are not tied to a geographic location like local numbers. Instead, they are managed through a national database controlled by organizations called RespOrgs (Responsible Organizations).
When someone calls your toll-free number, the call is routed based on the RespOrg's routing instructions in the SMS/800 database. Unlike local number porting which goes through the NPAC, toll-free porting is a RespOrg-to-RespOrg transfer.
Local Number Porting
- LNP (Local Number Portability)
- Managed through NPAC database
- LOA required
- Carrier-to-carrier transfer
Toll-Free Porting
- RespOrg transfer
- Managed through SMS/800 database
- LOA + RespOrg change form
- RespOrg-to-RespOrg transfer
What is a RespOrg?
A RespOrg (Responsible Organization) is a company authorized to manage toll-free numbers in the SMS/800 database. Your toll-free provider is either a RespOrg themselves or works through one.
Key facts about RespOrgs:
- They control routing: The RespOrg determines where calls to your toll-free number are delivered
- They do not own the number: You (the subscriber) own the number. The RespOrg manages it on your behalf
- Transfer is mandatory: FCC rules require RespOrgs to release numbers when the subscriber requests a transfer
- There are ~500 RespOrgs: Many VoIP providers are RespOrgs; smaller providers partner with one
IPComms and RespOrg: IPComms works with a Tier-1 RespOrg to manage toll-free numbers. When you port a toll-free number to us, the RespOrg record changes to point to our network, and we route the call to your SIP trunk.
Before You Port Your Toll-Free Number
Identify Your Current RespOrg
Check your bill or ask your current provider who their RespOrg is. You can also look up the RespOrg for any toll-free number at somos.com (the SMS/800 administrator).
Keep Service Active
Do not disconnect your toll-free service before the port completes. If the number goes to "spare" status, it can be grabbed by anyone.
Check for Vanity Reservations
Some toll-free numbers have special routing (time-of-day, geographic, percentage-based). Note your current routing rules so we can replicate them.
Have Your SIP Trunk Ready
Test your trunk with a temporary number before porting. Toll-free calls work identically to local DIDs once they reach your trunk.
The Toll-Free Porting Process
Step 1: Submit Your LOA
Just like local porting, you need a Letter of Authorization. For toll-free numbers, the LOA should include:
- Business name (exact match to account)
- Toll-free number(s) to port
- Authorization to transfer RespOrg
- Current provider/RespOrg name
- Signature of authorized representative
Step 2: RespOrg Change Request
IPComms submits a RespOrg change request to the SMS/800 database. The current RespOrg receives a notification and has a window to confirm or reject the transfer.
No Freeze Period: Unlike local numbers which sometimes have carrier-imposed freezes, toll-free numbers cannot be frozen against porting. The FCC explicitly prohibits RespOrgs from blocking legitimate transfers.
Step 3: Confirm the Transfer
Once the current RespOrg releases the number, our RespOrg updates the routing in the SMS/800 database to point to IPComms. Calls start flowing to your SIP trunk.
Step 4: Verify and Test
Call your toll-free number from a landline or cell phone. Verify it reaches your Asterisk system. Test from multiple carriers if possible, as routing propagation can take a few hours across all carriers.
Toll-Free Porting Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LOA Review | 1-2 business days | IPComms verifies your documentation |
| RespOrg Submission | 1 business day | Change request entered in SMS/800 |
| Current RespOrg Review | 3-7 business days | Old RespOrg confirms or disputes |
| Routing Update | 1-2 business days | New routing programmed in SMS/800 |
| Propagation | 2-4 hours | All carriers pick up new routing |
Total typical time: 7-14 business days. Simple transfers from cooperative RespOrgs can be faster. Disputed transfers can take longer but are rare.
Asterisk Configuration for Toll-Free DIDs
Toll-free numbers work exactly like local DIDs on your SIP trunk. The configuration is identical:
[from-ipcomms]
; Toll-free main number - route to IVR
exten => 8005551234,1,NoOp(Toll-free inbound)
same => n,Set(CALLERID(name)=${CALLERID(name)})
same => n,Goto(ivr-main,s,1)
; Toll-free support line
exten => 8885559876,1,NoOp(TF Support line)
same => n,Queue(support,tT)
; Outbound with toll-free caller ID
[outbound-ipcomms]
exten => _1NXXNXXXXXX,1,NoOp(Outbound call)
same => n,Set(CALLERID(num)=8005551234)
same => n,Set(CALLERID(name)=Your Company)
same => n,Dial(PJSIP/${EXTEN}@ipcomms)Caller ID: You can use your toll-free number as outbound caller ID. This is a common practice for businesses that want a single recognizable number for all communications.
Toll-Free Billing Differences
Toll-free numbers have different billing than local numbers. The key difference: you pay for inbound calls (the caller does not).
| Cost Type | Local DID | Toll-Free DID |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $1.50/number | $2.00/number |
| Inbound calls | $0.009/min | $0.0185/min (you pay) |
| Outbound calls | $0.01/min | $0.01/min |
| Setup fee | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Port fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Why Inbound Costs Money: With toll-free numbers, you are paying for the caller's connection. The originating carrier charges an access fee (origination charge) that gets passed through to you. This is how toll-free has always worked, even with traditional carriers.
Troubleshooting Toll-Free Ports
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Port rejected | LOA info does not match RespOrg records | Verify business name and account details with current provider |
| Number goes to spare | Service was cancelled before port completed | Contact IPComms immediately to reserve the number before someone else takes it |
| Calls not routing after port | SMS/800 propagation delay | Wait 4-6 hours. Test from different carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) |
| Some callers cannot reach you | Carrier-specific routing cache | Usually resolves within 24 hours as carrier caches expire |
| RespOrg will not release | Contract dispute or unpaid balance | Resolve any outstanding issues. FCC complaint if RespOrg refuses without cause |
Toll-Free Porting FAQ
Can I port any toll-free prefix?
Yes. All toll-free prefixes (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833) can be ported. The process is the same for all prefixes.
Will there be downtime during the port?
Minimal. The RespOrg change is nearly instantaneous once activated. Most callers will not notice any interruption. Some carriers may take a few hours to update their routing.
Can I keep my existing routing rules?
Complex routing (time-of-day, percentage, geographic) is replaced by your Asterisk dialplan. You can replicate any routing logic in your Asterisk configuration with more flexibility than SMS/800 offers.
Do I need a separate trunk for toll-free?
No. Toll-free numbers work on the same SIP trunk as your local numbers. No additional configuration needed beyond adding the DID to your dialplan.
Can I use a toll-free number as my outbound caller ID?
Yes. Many businesses use their toll-free number as outbound caller ID for consistency. STIR/SHAKEN attestation works the same as with local numbers.
What happens if I want to port away from IPComms later?
You own the number. We will release it to any authorized RespOrg transfer. No lock-in, no early termination fees.
Port Your Toll-Free Number Today
IPComms handles the entire RespOrg transfer process. Submit your LOA through our portal and we take care of the rest. No port fees, no setup costs.