Number unobtainable tone (steady note) replace the receiver, recheck the code and number, and then redial.
5. At the end of the call, replace the receiver securely.
II. When you answer the telephone:
1. Always give your name or the name of the office or your telephone number.
2. If you hear a series of rapid pips, the call is coming from a coin-box telephone. Wait until the pips stop and then give your name or telephone number.
III. When you make a call from a coin-box telephone:
1. First drop a coin piece (or pieces) into the slot.
2. Lift the receiver and listen for dialling tone.
3. Dial your number.
4. On hearing ringing tone, which means that the line is free, wait until your call is answered.
IV. When you make a call from an extension phone:
1. Wait for the switchboard operator to say: “Number, please”, or “Switchboard operator”.
2. Give the number of the person you are calling.
The operator will either repeat your number to make sure she got it right, or just say: “Thank you” and try to put you through.
3. Wait until your call is answered.
2. Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD)
You may use a telephone operated by a system known as STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling).
1. STD is quicker and cheaper, so dial as many of your calls as you can.
2. Maintain in your Personal Telephone Directory an up-to-date list of dialling codes and/or number of people you are likely to call. This will save you time in the future.
3. When you dial, don’t pause too long between digits.
4. If the number you want is engaged, wait a few minutes before dialling again.
5. Ask for the extension number on calls to a private exchange, this will save you time. If the extension you want is engaged it will usually pay, on an STD call, to clear and try again later.
6. If you hear a recorded announcement telling you that the trunk lines are engaged, replace the receiver and try again later.
7. Answer your telephone promptly, giving your name or the name of the office or telephone number. This saves the time and helps the caller.
3. International Subscriber Dialling (ISD)
You can dial for yourself calls to most places in Europe and North America.
1. First dial the code of the country or the code for the place concerned and then the subscriber’s number.
2. If you wish to know the code for a place which is not shown in the Telephone Directory, ask the exchange operator.
3. When dialling to Europe or North America don’t pause more than two or three seconds between digits, especially the last few digits. The call may fail if you do. It helps to write down the whole code and number before you dial. You will often hear nothing for a half a minute or a little longer after dialling.
