Transforming a toll-free leader to empower a new generation of connections.

For more than 20 years, SMS/800, Inc. and its predecessor were the sole manager and administrator of the national Toll-Free number registry. Until recently, the Bell Operating Companies ran the company. In late 2013, with the FCC’s blessing, SMS/800, Inc. became independent from the Bell Companies. Meanwhile, the telecom industry had undergone rapid change—a digital landscape of interconnected devices had emerged.

With a new leadership team in place and expanded offerings in development, the company was poised to capitalize on these marketplace changes and position itself as a critical registry player at the forefront of a rapidly evolving communications landscape. However, because of legacy associations the SMS/800 brand was unable to break through old Toll-Free perceptions.

SMS/800 leadership engaged Avenue to rebrand and reposition the organization.

Avenue worked with SMS/800 to articulate a deeper purpose and promise that would serve the evolving landscape: to empower connections between brands, consumers and communities, and also to rename the organization. The new name—Somos, which means “we are” in Spanish—positions the organization as a team of dedicated professionals who tackle industry challenges together.

Avenue worked side-by-side with Somos leaders to roll out the new brand to employees and vendor partners through facilitated in-person and webinar training sessions to ensure consistent brand messaging with customers and industry stakeholders. A new corporate website—somos.com—and secure customer portal serves as the brand’s primary face to the marketplace. Finally, Somos hosted and introduced the world to its new brand at a pivotal external brand launch event, the industry’s first-ever Toll-Free User Summit.

Somos still operates the nation’s Toll-Free registry, but is also positioned to have a seat at the communications table for whatever the future of telecom holds.

“It’s an important moment for our company, and it couldn’t have been done at this level without excellent partners—especially, of course, our Avenue team.”

Gina Perini, President and CEO