Another toll free prefix will be released this fall.

Top level domain names aren’t the only identifier resource being expanded in coming years. Later this year the first toll free number prefix since 2000 will be released: 855. The numbers will be released in October.

Previous releases after 800 include 888 in 1996, 877 numbers in 1998 and 866 numbers in 2000.

Similar to top level domain names, there are people both for and against the release of the numbers. The arguments are similar to when .info and .biz were released, and perhaps somewhat like the current argument over the mass release of new TLDs.

On the one hand, most good vanity toll free numbers are taken. Choosing the same vanity number with a different prefix, such as 855, is cheaper than “buying” the 800 number. However, consumers get confused. 800 is still like .com, and using a different prefix means you might lose some of your calls to the corresponding 800 number.

Hopefully that 800 number doesn’t play an ad for an adult entertainment line.