How to Get a 900 Number?
In the past, 900 numbers were a popular choice for businesses offering premium-rate services such as psychic hotlines, phone sex lines, and technical support. These numbers allowed businesses to charge customers a higher rate for the services provided over the phone, with the revenue being shared between the service provider and the telephone company. However, it’s essential to note that 900 numbers are no longer widely available or in use due to various factors, including stricter regulations, high fees, a negative reputation, and the rise of alternative communication channels and billing methods. In this guide, we will delve into the history of 900 numbers and discuss why they are no longer a viable option for businesses seeking to offer premium-rate services.
900 Numbers were Terminated in 2012
You can no longer get a 900 number as they don’t exist. In December 2012, the billing for 900 number pay per call services in the U.S. was terminated. These numbers had been extremely popular throughout the 1990s, and everybody from TV stars like Hulk Hogan to companies like Microsoft used them. People were actually able to listen to astronauts on a space shuttle by calling a 900 number.
So, what happened? First, we experienced the rise of mobile. U.S. mobile carriers never allowed calls to these numbers (for some reason). The 900 number industry became over-regulated and abused by customers who found out that first-time callers could get reimbursed for their calls. There were also many scams and stigma towards people who pay for these services with their credit cards. Add the widespread use of the Internet that allowed people to search for free information, and you get the idea of why the industry got quieter.
900 numbers are no longer vailable or popular for several reasons:
- Stricter regulations: In the early 1990s, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States imposed stricter regulations on 900 numbers due to concerns about consumer fraud, scams, and unauthorized charges. These regulations made it more difficult for businesses to operate 900 numbers, leading to a decline in their popularity.
- High fees and bad reputation: 900 numbers often charged high fees per minute, and many customers complained about unclear billing practices and unexpected charges. This led to a negative reputation for 900 numbers and a reluctance among customers to use these services.
- Rise of the internet: With the widespread adoption of the internet, many businesses and service providers transitioned to online platforms, offering their services through websites and apps. This reduced the demand for phone-based services like 900 numbers.
- Alternative billing methods: As 900 numbers became less popular, businesses began exploring alternative billing methods, such as billing to credit cards or using other premium-rate numbers like 800 or 888 numbers. These alternatives often offered more transparent billing practices and a better customer experience.
- Competition from other communication channels: With the emergence of new communication channels, such as mobile messaging apps, social media, and VoIP services, businesses and customers had more options for communication, further reducing the need for 900 numbers.
As a result of these factors, 900 numbers have become largely obsolete and are no longer widely available or used by businesses and service providers.
Superiority of services like PayPerCall.com – 800 Pay Per Call Numbers
All systems are not created equal, we’ve spent millions perfecting ours for your benefit. When it comes to charging for calls via an 800 number, PayPerCall.com has pioneered the space and we have been making advances every year that makes our system even more profitable for our clients. We allow our clients to choose how they will charge (per minute or per call) as well as how much they will charge. When the caller dials your number, they reach your branded phone line that prompts them to enter their payment information securely. Once our automated system validates the information, they get transferred to you. Note that you can choose your calls to be redirected to any landline or mobile phone number, allowing you to work remotely.
Powerful Features Built in to Make you More Money
Our powerful billing system also comes with the industry leading Card Memory feature, which is a significant advantage to our 800 numbers. This makes it simple for your repeat callers to keep calling back. Your callers will have the option to extend the call before their time runs out. Once a caller’s debit or credit card is approved, their information is encrypted, stored, and linked with the caller’s phone number. Next time they call, the system will only prompt them to enter the last 4 digits of their stored card. This system speeds up the entire process, making it easy and quick for callers to call for your services.
Why Provide Free Information, When You Can Charge for It?
The reason why PayPerCall is still standing strong as a pay per call phone line provider is that many people out there still want to pay for professional advice or consultation. For example, if you need legal advice, looking around the Internet will not help if your legal problems are specific and need to be examined by someone with experience and expertise.
Feel free to contact PayPerCall to get more information about our services or sign up for your first pay per call phone line. With such a cost-effective business model, you can start generating income just by taking calls and helping your clients.
Technological advancements of the 21st century have enabled us to work in ways that people couldn’t have even imagined a few decades ago. If you are a professional in the field of tech support, advice, counseling, consulting, business, or life coaching – you could set up a phone line business and make a living starting tomorrow. Setting up an 800 Pay PerC all phone line has become a legitimate way to build a business from the ground up. It’s a low investment and high return business model – get your phone line from PayPerCall and start answering the phone.
