In a short answer – cost, and convenience. With a toll-free number, I can have one number for select territories of the NANP. This means fewer numbers in the long run. This means I have 1 number rather than half a dozen numbers. With that said, one toll-free number is cheaper to own then 2 or more other NANP numbers. As for convenience, again – it is just one number. This means multiple countries/territories can download one .vcf file. This means less work on me since it is just one number. Also, one number is simpler to remember than multiple numbers.
For those interested in knowing, my toll-free number is $3.95/month, and the most expensive incoming rate is 23¢ per minute for a call from Alaska. This is extraordinary high, and if I know someone in Alaska, and they were to call me, I will likely offer to call them back. These rates are accurate as of 2024-11-22.
- Alaska: 23¢
- American Samoa: 7¢
- Canada: 3¢
- Guam: 10¢
- Hawaii: 7¢
- Northern Mariana Islands: 7¢
- Puerto Rico: 7¢
- US 48: 2¢
- US Virgin Islanads: 7¢
If you are calling from Alaska, and calling the contiguous 48 states is a toll call for you, I will ask that you call my Alaskan telephone number. This will allow for the rates to be much more affordable. It will be a local call for you, but it would cost me 2¢ per minute to communicate with you. In that regards, I will likely ask to call you back. This will only apply if your telephone number begins with +1 907. Keep in mind, I am limited in my income, and would always prefer the cheapest option for me when accepting calls.