Common Telephone Terms

Directory Assistance - This service is provided by a number of sources, including telephone  companies, Internet based companies and other advertised directory assistance companies. The service allows you to contact the company's operator to request the telephone number of a residence or business. Companies may charge different rates for local and national listings and for call completion, i.e. automatically dialing the requested number.

Call Return - This option allows you to call back the last number that called you, whether or not you answered the call.

Call Waiting - This service lets you know someone else is calling, when you are already on your telephone line, by making a "beep" sound.

Caller ID - This service lets you see the number, or the name and number, of an incoming call.

Calling Card - This service allows you to place a local, regional or long distance call, without the call being billed to the telephone line you are using. Charges for calling card calls appear on your regular bill. These cards can be obtained from phone companies. Prepaid calling cards, which are paid for in advance, prevent charges from showing up on your bill. These cards are usually available from your telephone company, and at many stores and other locations.

"10-10" (or "dial around") Service - Dialing 1010 plus a three digit access code connects you to a specific long distance telephone company. Charges for these calls appear on your local bill.

Lifeline - Discounted telephone services for qualified low-income customers.

Three-way Calling - This service lets you talk to two other people at different telephone numbers at the same time.

Toll-free Numbers - This service allows callers to reach your home or business and have the charges billed to the called number. The call can go through without using an operator. These numbers begin with area codes 800, 877, or 888.

Voice Mail - This service allows callers to leave messages while you are unavailable without the need for an answering machine.

Wire Maintenance Plans - These are optional repair plans for the telephones, inside wiring, and jacks in your home or business.

Wireless Telephone Services - These services include telephones known as cellular, PCS or mobile phones.  Services also include pagers ("beepers") that let you know someone is trying to reach you, even when you are not near a telephone.

Internet Access/Digital Subscriber Line - This service allows customers to access the Internet at speeds faster than standard dial service with the ability to use existing telephone connections to a customer's premises.