900 number

English

Etymology

In the original North American Numbering Plan, phone numbers beginning with an area code of "800" were reserved for so called toll-free numbers, where the party receiving the call pays the charges. The telephone companies later developed a corresponding set of numbers beginning with the area code "900" which would permit the owner of the number to receive additional fees from the caller.

Noun

900 number (plural 900 numbers)

1. (Canada, US) A telephone number for which an extra charge is assessed, part of which is returned to the owner of the number.

See also

• 1-900
• 800 number
• premium-rate telephone number