A quick guide to what RespOrgs are, how they work, and how businesses can benefit from using a RespOrg service provider for their toll free numbers.
RespOrg: Definition
A Responsible Organization or RespOrg is a company (usually a telephone company) that is certified to have access to a centralized database of toll free numbers. This centralized database is known as the 800 Service Management System or SMS/800.
How do RespOrgs Work?
RespOrgs are in charge of managing toll free databases, assigning numbers, and keeping records. If you want a toll free number for your business, you will need to contact a RespOrg. For customers, RespOrgs come into play when porting a toll free number. To port a toll free number, a current user will have to change the RespOrg ownership from the old carrier to the new carrier. You will need a Letter of Authorization from your new carrier and your current RespOrg must authorize the release of the number to the new RespOrg or carrier.
A business that has high toll free traffic can take advantage of one of the below choices:
- Become their own RespOrg
- Use a single carrier for all of their call volume
- Use a RespOrg service provider
Port your toll free number to United World Telecom.
How to Become a RespOrg?
RespOrgs can be large or small companies or even run by a solo business owner. Some toll free number carriers or business phone service carriers may also be RespOrgs. Currently, the US has about 400 RespOrgs. To become a RespOrg, a business goes through a certification process.
Technically, any company or organization that uses a toll free number can become a RespOrg. To become a RespOrg, your business will need to do the following:
- Complete and submit a ten-page service establishment form
- Pay a deposit (avg. $4000)
- Pass a certification exam to be certified
Should My Company Become a RespOrg?
While becoming a RespOrg is an easy process, there are a few factors to consider. For example, you will need to factor in the salary of the employee managing the toll free traffic. The cost of being a RespOrg for your business — as opposed to using a RespOrg provider — may entail increased expenses. Plus, if your employee leaves, you will need to train and certify a new employee, which will require additional costs.
Many businesses, therefore, choose to work with a RespOrg service provider to reduce costs. RespOrgs will work with your business and your specific needs to offer you the best pricing. Some benefits of using a RespOrg include:
- Ability to route calls to different carriers
- Routing calls at different times of the day
- Taking advantage of low-cost carriers in different countries
- Access to Disaster Recovery — in case your toll free carrier is shut down, traffic can be routed to a secondary carrier
A company with high toll free traffic will find it beneficial to utilize a RespOrg service provider instead of becoming their own RespOrg.
Get a Toll Free Number for Your Business Today!
United World Telecom offers toll free business numbers for more than 160 countries around the world. You can get a toll free number to enter new markets and extend sales and customer support services to more customers. We also offer number porting services for businesses that currently have a toll free number but are not satisfied with their service. Sign up on our website today or call us to learn more!