Understanding the Difference Between Toll and Toll-Free Numbers

What is the difference between a toll and a toll-free conference call dial-in number?

Have you heard the terms toll call, toll dial-in number or toll-free call tossed around? Are you not quiet sure of the meaning and potential costs associated with each? Below, we’ll define each type of call, the cost implications of each and which type of conference calling plan may be optimal for your business.

Toll Conference Call Dial-in Number

Let’s begin by covering a toll conference dial-in number. A toll number in the United States is a regular 10-digit telephone number with a 3-3-4 formation. The first three numbers signify the area code assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to a particular geographic region. Dialing these phone numbers may not be free to the caller. If the caller is dialing from outside of their same area code, standard long-distance charges may apply. Charges will depend on the caller’s long-distance provider and specific phone plan. If a caller has a free or unlimited long-distance plan with their telephone service provider, the call can be made at no additional cost. The toll dial-in numbers provided by Vast Conference are located in large cities where the cost for attendees to connect is likely minimal compared to dialing toll numbers in more rural areas offered by many other conferencing services. 

Toll-Free Conference Call Number

Now let’s move onto a toll-free conference call number. A toll-free call by definition is a call that does not cost the dialing party any fee. Instead, the host is responsible for the cost of the call. When the conference call host provides callers with a toll-free conference number, the call attendee does not have to worry about being billed long-distance charges. The organizer of the call covers the cost for all attendees using the toll-free dial-in number. A toll-free number in the United States can start with the prefix: 800, 888, 866, 877, and even 855. Our service offers a toll-free 800 conference calling number.

Which conference calling plan is right for you, toll or toll-free?

The right plan for your business depends entirely on how you prefer for your callers to connect to your conference, as well as the budget you have to put towards your audio conferencing. We think it’s best to give our users full control over their calls and the associated costs. Therefore, we’ve designed our conference calling service with both options available – toll and toll-free. Our users can choose either or both types of access numbers for their conference calls. Vast Conference supports toll-free international and local conference calling from over 60 countries worldwide.