dial-around
Prefix before calling
Dial-around refers to telephone services that bypass a caller's default long-distance carrier by dialing a special access code, typically beginning with 10-10 followed by additional digits: 10-10-321 was one of the most advertised dial-around numbers.
These services proliferated in the 1990s when long-distance rates varied widely, offering cheaper per-minute charges.
The term and practice have largely faded as unlimited calling plans became standard.
Credential for entry
- long-distanceAcross great distances
- carrierOne that transports
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- prefixRoot-modifying front element
calling card · toll · landline · area code · switchboard · operator · connection · rates
Public coin-operated telephone
- rotaryInvolving circular motion
- telephone boothEnclosed public payphone station
- analogComparable equivalent
- coin-operatedActivated by inserted currency
deregulation · 1990s · AT&T · MCI · Sprint · competition · advertising · infomercial
access code
Credential for entry
- long-distanceAcross great distances
- carrierOne that transports
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
prefix · calling card · toll · landline · area code · switchboard · operator · connection · rates · minutes
payphone
Public coin-operated telephone
- rotaryInvolving circular motion
- telephone boothEnclosed public payphone station
- analogComparable equivalent
coin-operated · deregulation · 1990s · AT&T · MCI · Sprint · competition · advertising · infomercial · late-night TV