Definition§
Person-to-Person Calls refer to long-distance, operator-assisted telephone calls where the caller requests to speak with a specific individual. If the specified person is unavailable to take the call, the caller is not charged for the call. This service ensures that the caller only incurs costs for successful communication with the intended recipient.
Examples§
- Business Context: An executive calling to discuss confidential matters ensures they speak directly with the intended counterpart.
- Healthcare Settings: A family member contacting a patient in a hospital can request a person-to-person call to speak specifically with the patient or a designated caregiver without accruing charges if they are unavailable.
- Legal Consultations: Attorneys often use person-to-person calls to ensure they reach their clients directly, avoiding charges if the client cannot take the call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)§
Q1. How do person-to-person calls work? A1. A person-to-person call is initiated by dialing the operator and specifying the name of the person you wish to speak to. The operator places the call, and if the specified person is not available, no charges are incurred.
Q2. Are there additional costs for placing a person-to-person call? A2. The costs for person-to-person calls are typically higher than standard long-distance calls due to operator assistance. However, no charges apply if the specified person is unavailable.
Q3. Can person-to-person calls be made internationally? A3. Yes, person-to-person calls can be made internationally, although international rates and additional operator assistance charges will apply.
Q4. Is it possible to schedule a person-to-person call for a specific time? A4. While it’s generally not possible to schedule these calls for a specific time through traditional operators, one could informally coordinate timing with the intended recipient beforehand to minimize wait times and ensure availability.
Q5. What happens if the call is connected to the wrong person? A5. If the connection is made to the wrong person by mistake, the caller can inform the operator and should not be charged for the incorrect connection. The operator will attempt to redial and connect the call accurately.
Related Terms§
- Collect Calls: A call where the recipient, rather than the caller, agrees to pay the charges.
- Third-Party Billing: The charge for the call is billed to a third-party number that agrees to accept the charges.
- Direct Distance Dialing (DDD): A system enabling direct dialing of long-distance calls without operator assistance.
- Operator Assistance: Involves an operator helping place a call and potentially offering other services such as person-to-person and collect calls.
Online References§
- Wikipedia: Person-to-Person Call
- Investopedia: Long-Distance Call
- FCC: Understanding Your Phone Bill
Suggested Books for Further Studies§
- “Telecom For Dummies” by Stephen P. Olejniczak
- “Telecommunications Essentials: The Complete Global Source” by Lillian Goleniewski
- “The Essential Guide to Telecommunications” by Annabel Z. Dodd
Fundamentals of Person-to-Person Calls: Telecommunications Basics Quiz§
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