what 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.
glossary
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.
light-handed etiquette
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.
time & temperature / clocks
| 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 |
intercepts, test lines & switch oddities
| 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… |
media, easter eggs & novelty
| 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.” |
voices behind the recordings
- 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.
many local companies also used in-house voices or regional contractors; that variation is part of the charm.