At 03:01 PM 10/9/98 -0400, Joe Geiser wrote:
>Glenn Cole asks,
>
>> When did they add '877' to the list of toll-free "area codes"??
>
>After "888" started getting used up.  877 is being used now, then will come
>866, then 855, 844, 833, 822, and I guess 811.

Y'know, I've been wondering about this. The reason given is the
proliferation of  toll-free numbers. And yet every toll-free number ends up
at a telephone that has a perfectly valid 'real' number. Let's suppose that
an AWFUL LOT of these numbers are for those who set up Customer Support
environments, and pay for the call as a convenience. Wouldn't it be easier
to just add a pre-prefix to a regular number?

Say my local customer service number happens to be 651.555.2984, then by
using (say) 811.651.555.2984 I've indicated my willingness to pay for calls,
and not used any more of the 10 digit numberspace.

Hm.. post-omphaloskeptical insight, it does, mean of course, that I can't
change the location of my office.

Oh well, what do you expect in terms of original thought on a Friday
afternoon, at any rate...

TOny