This is a grab-bag of test lines, intercept recordings, time/temperature services, and media easter eggs. Many are legacy bell system artifacts that still answer with recordings.
intercept: a recording that plays when a call can’t be completed (e.g., misdial, disconnected number).
anac: automated number announcement circuit — historically read back the caller’s number for technicians.
dms-100: a class-5 digital switch by northern telecom; some exchanges exposed test/ident lines.
Numbers are often repurposed, rate-limited, or local-chargeable. Don’t abuse automated systems. If a number is reassigned, be kind and take it off your list.
| number | description |
|---|---|
| `(202) 762-1401` | USNO master clock (voice time) |
| `(203) 777-4647` | time & temp (new haven, ct) |
| `(216) 931-1212` | wkyc time and weather (cleveland area) |
| `(303) 337-2500` | denver post weather |
| `(406) 442-1730` | helena, mt time & temp |
| `(415) 767-2676` | “popcorn” time & temp; preceded by a short message |
</section>
| number | description |
|---|---|
| `(202) 965-9970` | “you have just deactivated this feature.” |
| `(206) 343-0011` | this call requires a coin deposit (test recording) |
| `(213) 223-6101` | ring a bell (test ring) |
| `(213) 621-0001` | classic “we’re sorry…” intercept (not jane barbe) |
| `(213) 621-0002` | 1000 hz @ 0 db test tone |
| `(412) 885-0075` | “all test positions are unmanned…” |
| `(509) 457-0044` | coin deposit message |
| `(509) 457-0045` | your call cannot be completed as dialed |
| `(509) 457-0051` | all circuits are busy now |
| `(540) 829-9910` | pat fleet intercept (genuine) |
| `(570) 387-0000` | “due to an emergency condition…” |
| `(573) 996-0002` | party lines notice (yes, really) |
| `(573) 996-0003` | remote intercept: cannot be completed as dialed |
| `(573) 996-0005` | remote intercept: call did not go through |
| `(573) 996-0006` | remote intercept: number not in service |
| `(609) 729-9928` | long-distance carrier unable to complete your call |
| `(610) 797-0014` | please deposit five cents for the next three minutes… |
| `(718) 816-9901` | dms-100 ident message + area code list (north staten island) |
| `(800) 437-9606` | international call cannot be completed as dialed |
| `(845) 354-9912` | fast intercept: cannot be completed as dialed |
| `(914) 232-9901` | pleasant hills dms-100 |
| `(916) 440-0031` | due to facility trouble… |
</section>
| number | description |
|---|---|
| `(204) 867-5309` | the “jenny” song number (may be reassigned) |
| `(205) 867-5309` | jenny not in service in birmingham |
| `(505) 503-4455` | “better call saul” |
| `(719) 266-2837` | hall & oates emergency song line |
| `(800) 444-4444` | automated number announcement circuit (anac) |
| `(877) 763-2435` | odd squad hq |
| `(888) 447-5594` | “congratulations, you found your way here” |
| `(270) 301-5797` | “a maze of twisty little touch tones, all different.” |
</section>
jane barbe — often called the “time lady,” her voice was ubiquitous on intercepts and time services across north america from the 1960s–1990s.
pat fleet — another iconic bell system and at&t voice; many modern intercepts still feature her clear, measured delivery. </section>
Send additions or retirements and I’ll update the list
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