900 numbers are a specific type of premium-rate telephone service where callers are charged a fee for the call itself, in addition to the information or service provided during the call. These are often referred to as "pay-per-call" services due to their billing model.
How 900 Numbers Work
Unlike standard long-distance calls where rates are typically set by the telephone company, the charges for 900 numbers are determined directly by the company offering the service. This unique structure means that the government or traditional telephone companies do not regulate the pricing, which often results in costlier rates than regular long-distance calls.
The Pay-Per-Call Model
When you dial a 900 number, you are entering into a service agreement where you pay for:
- The connection to the service.
- The duration of the call, typically charged per minute.
- The specific information or service being offered.
The company providing the 900 number service has the authority to set these rates, which can vary significantly from one service to another.
Common Services Offered
Historically, 900 numbers were popular for a wide range of services, including:
- Information lines: Weather forecasts, sports scores, news updates.
- Entertainment: Horoscopes, psychic readings, games, contests, and celebrity hotlines.
- Technical support: For software or hardware products.
- Premium content: Adult-oriented services or specialized databases.
Cost and Billing
Understanding the charges associated with 900 numbers is crucial, as they can significantly impact your phone bill.
Understanding Charges
Rates for 900 numbers can be structured in various ways:
- Per-minute rates: A set fee for every minute you are connected.
- Per-call rates: A single flat fee for the entire call, regardless of duration.
- Tiered rates: Charges that change after a certain amount of time or for different levels of service.
Federal regulations often require 900 service providers to clearly disclose their charges at the beginning of the call, typically before the billed portion begins. This allows callers to hang up if they do not agree to the cost.
Impact on Your Phone Bill
Charges for 900 numbers will appear on your regular telephone bill, often itemized separately from standard local or long-distance calls. This can sometimes lead to surprisingly high bills if callers are not aware of the rates or the cumulative time spent on such calls.
Consumer Protections and Considerations
While companies set the rates, certain consumer protections are in place to safeguard callers from deceptive practices.
Your Rights as a Caller
Consumers have rights when dealing with 900 numbers, including:
- Mandatory disclosures: Providers must clearly state the charges, usually at the outset of the call, giving you an opportunity to disconnect before being billed.
- Billing disputes: You generally have the right to dispute charges for unauthorized or misrepresented 900 number calls with your telephone company.
- Blocking services: Many telephone companies offer the option to block calls to 900 numbers from your line, which can be a useful tool for preventing accidental or unauthorized charges.
For more detailed information on consumer rights related to pay-per-call services, refer to resources from regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Key Characteristics of 900 Numbers
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prefix | All such numbers begin with "900". |
| Billing Model | Operate on a "pay-per-call" basis, charging for both the call duration and the service provided. |
| Rate Setting | Charges are determined by the individual company offering the 900 service, not by government or telephone companies. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than standard long-distance calls, with rates varying widely depending on the service. |
| Services | Diverse, ranging from information and entertainment to technical support and premium content. |
| Billing | Charges appear itemized on the caller's regular monthly telephone bill. |
Evolution and Decline
900 numbers reached their peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. However, their use has significantly declined with the rise of the internet, smartphones, and new communication technologies. Information and entertainment services once exclusively found on 900 numbers are now widely available for free or at a lower cost through websites, apps, and streaming services. Despite this, some specialized 900 numbers still exist, primarily for niche information or support services.
