How to Assume a Business Phone Number

1. Check with a RespOrg, which, according to the FCC, is an entity that has access to the SMS/800 database if you want to assume a toll-free vanity number. (A RespOrg may or may not be a phone company.) Ask if the toll-free vanity number you want to assume is in use. (See Reference 1.) Visit the SMS/800 website or call the SMS/800 Help Desk at 1-888-SMS-3300. (See Resource 1.) Call your local phone service providers to see if the number you want is available if you do not want a toll-free number.
2. Keep checking with the RespOrg or with your local phone companies from time to time if the business phone number you want is still in use. Businesses may drop various phone numbers and take on new ones, go out of business, merge with other companies, or myriad other things may happen during the times between which you check if the number you want is available.
3. Read the news about the company whose phone number you want for your business. Check the company's website to see if the customer service number or other number it has that you want has changed recently.
4. Ask the customer service representative to reserve the number for your business if the number you want is available. Sign-up for the phone number, and assume it for your business' use.