Telephone Calls
Telephone calls are a form of distant communication in which voices are transmitted through telecommunications networks using the telephone. As such, telephone calls may be referred to as telephony service in telecommunications jargon. When the communication device used is a fax machine, it is called a facsimile transmission. In cases where communication takes places through the use of a modem, it is referred to as data transmission. Telephone calls which simultaneously transpire between two or more parties are specifically called conference calls or teleconference.
A user may place local telephone calls and long distance telephone calls. Local telephone calls are calls made between users within the same geographic area as determined by the area codes specified in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In contrast, long distance telephone calls transpire between subscribers belonging to different area codes or country codes. Hence, long distance telephone calls may be further categorized as national and international. Charges apply to long distance telephone calls. The rates usually depend on the duration or length of the call and the area covered between the calling and receiving parties. Unless long distance telephone calls are collect calls, it is the person placing the call who will pay the charges.
How do telephone calls work?
Telephone calls are made possible through an exchange system connected to the PSTN. To make telephone calls, a subscriber simply lifts the handset (or press the off-hook button on wireless telephones) to get a dial tone. The dial tone indicates that the network is all set for dialing and connecting telephone calls. The caller may get either a ringback tone or a busy tone after dialing the phone number of the party he or she intends to call. If the receiving line is available, and the call is picked up, voice communication is enabled using the network as its channel.
Why do you need telephone calls?
Telephone calls allow you to engage in real-time conversations with people located in other locations. As opposed to e-mail or text messaging, making and receiving telephone calls provide callers with immediate response. Compared with other communication systems, telephone calls are also more personal. Voice communication can make people across a distance feel closer. This particular function of telephone calls is of great significance, as it prompted telecommunications developers to design videophones which let users see each other during the call. Despite the abundance of communication devices available today, telephone calls will remain to be a major mode of contact for business and personal use.
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