In Canada and the U.S., 611 is the telephone number one dials if there is a problem with their telephone service, or with a payphone. If the problem is with the customer portion of the line or there is no problem, there is a charge for the service. Many wireless phone providers also use 611 or *611 as a general customer service access number; most do not count calls to 611 against the minutes in subscribers' calling plans, or assess any extra charges for 611 calls.

The number is not assigned by the FCC or the CRTC, however both have chosen not to disturb the assignment either, as it is generally recognized across the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).