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BIOC AGENT 003'S COURSE IN [BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS] Part I
Revised 18-July-84 Word Processed by Tharrys Ridenow
[PREFACE]:
In this course, I plan to cover as much material as possible relating to
telecommunications. First in the syllabus are the Long-Distance (LD) Ser-
vices, which are the topic of Part I. In future issues, such subjects as the
network, colored boxes, telephone electronics, central office equipment, opera-
tors, special #'s, and much, much more will be covered.
[LONG-DISTANCE SERVICES]:
In an attempt to offer lower prices, alternatives to Bell have been set up.
Services such as SPRINT, Metrofone, ITT, MCI, Travelnet, and many others are
all familiar to us. These services are known as Specialized Common Carriers
(SCC's) or Other Common Carriers (OCC's). <Don't confuse this with Switching
Control Center, also known as SCC.>
The basis of all these services are that they on their own switching equip-
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ment. First, we will look at those services which use a local dial-up. The
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principle of these are:
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1) You dial the local #,
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2) When it picks up, you get a second dial tone, then enter a code.
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3) You then enter the destination #, and voila!, you're connected! A free
call!
Next we will look at several of the services...
(Note: A/C and NPA are abbreviations for Area Code, pfx=prefix, sfx=suffix)
SPRINT:
Sprint, also known as SPC, was one of the first LD services. Many boards
contain SPC #'s, and I plan to include a list of them as an appendix to this
course so you can find your local #. (Another, more dangerous, way is by cal-
ling 1-800-521-4949, asking the nice lady at the other end of the line for your
local SPRINT access number, complaining that your autodialer had it but just
crashed.)
The codes for SPC are 8 digits long. SPC is not considered safe, since many
people have been busted on it! It is common knowledge that SPRINT has declared
war on phreaks. So, fight back (with care)!
Some dialups: 914-997-1616 415-777-1211 415-832-5016
Format: At tone---> 8 digit code+A/C+pfx+sufx
METROFONE:
Metrofone, run by Western Union, is very popular among phone phreaks due to
the large abundance of codes and it (at the time of this writing) is considered
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fairly safe.
Recently (7/84), Metrofone has allegedly been placing "trap codes" on BBS's
which are being traced. I suggest that you hack your own for safety purposes.
The code is 6 digits long. To find out the local dial-up for your area, use
the procedure under SPRINT with 800-325-1403.
Format: At tone---> 6 digit code+A/C+pfx+sufx
ITT:
ITT is a little different in that upon hearing the dial tone after calling
the local access #, you enter the A/C and then the #. You will then hear a
short tone, then immediately enter your 7 digit access code.
Format: At tone---> A/C+pfx+sufx, beep, 7 digit access code
MCI:
MCI has dial-ups in most areas but the codes are not interchangable (i.e., a
code that works for the New York dial-up will not work for the Boston dial-up.)
Format: At tone---> 5 digit code+A/C+pfx+sufx
MCI CREDIT CARD (MCI CC):
This MCI service, also known as MCI Execunet, is for people who travel a
lot (i.e. business pigs) and need a code that works in several places. There-
fore, the codes on THIS system are interchangable throughout the dial-ups un-
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like the regular MCI service.
Format: At tone---> 7 digit code+A/C+pfx+sufx
SKYLINE:
SBS Skyline is a new service owned by IBM, Comsat, and Aetna. It has the
same local access # across the country: 950-1088. It is supposed to have 6
(possibly 8) digit codes and is alleged to be very dangerous.
Most of the services in 950 have crystal clear connections.
CALLING CARDS:
Calling Cards are Bell's version of SPRINT, MCI, etc. Calling Cards are used
primarily from pay phones. The format is: NPA+pfx+sufx+CCCC. NPA is usually
the A/C of the billed # that the call is to be billed to. This may be replaced
by a three digit RAO (Revenue Accounting Office) code in some NPA's or a spe-
cial billing number. Pfx-sufx is the number that the call is billed to. CCCC
is a checkcode (or PIN, Personal Identification Number) that adds the security
to calling cards. The codes used to be predictable until 1983. Now CCCC ap-
pears to be sequentially generated so the codes cannot be calculated from a
formula!
The easiest way to find these codes is in a busy airport or college where
they are used a lot. Just get close and copy down someone's code (if you are
that unscrupulous!). Don't rip off poor people-- go for the rich business
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pigs!
You usually call the operator to make a CC call but on many fortress fones,
you can dial 0+<the number you want to call> and you will get a recording and
tone where you enter your calling card #. By pressing the # sign (octothorpe)
after each call instead of hanging up, you can make many calls at once without
having to retype the CC # each time. This is good for busy numbers. Also, if
you want to call the # of the card, i.e. the billed #, you just have to enter
the last four digits of the CC # at the tone.
Now, suppose you do get a real operator. Since mostly business people use
calling cards, it is suggested that you act a little like a business person-
i.e. rushed, older, businesslike, and slightly pissed at the operator (keyword:
slightly). All you have to tell her is the CC #. If she asks for the # you
are calling from, tell her, but change the last digit or two. If she asks you
more questions, she is probably suspicious, so hang up. Although you SHOULD
make up some answers to certain questions to satisfy the operator that you are
legit. The most important thing you should know when making a CC call is the
area code and city of the card.
Finally, in case the operator is listening, always talk businesslike for the
first few seconds until the operator clicks off (they have been known to listen
in on calls [understatement!]). Also, always use CC's from pay phones or
charge-a-call fones only!
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CAUTION: All the CC codes are now rapidly checked due to CCIS (Common
Channel Inter-office Signaling) and ESS (Electronic Switching
System). If you try to hack CC codes you can be fairly sure that
Bell security (affectionately known in the phreaking world as the
Gestapo) will get a message from the CO (Central Office, i.e.
exchange)!
[800 SERVICES]:
You are probably all familiar with WATS. WATS #'s (Wide Area Telephone Ser-
vice, otherwise known as 800 #'s) are very popular due to the fact that they
are toll-free. They often contain WATS extenders. Extenders were originally
used by salesmen in the field who called up their company's 800 # (INWATS #)
and then used the company's low-priced OUTWATS line to make the call. This is
cheaper to the company than using the Bell calling card which makes a sur-
charge.
On the original extenders there were no codes! Companies soon realized that
their #'s were being used and added the present-day security codes. The sales-
man would then dial the 800 number and enter the code (usually 4 digits), he
would then receive a second dial tone from the company's PBX (Private Branch
Exchange - their own switching equipment, i.e. switchboard). He would then ac-
cess the OUTWATS line by dialing 8 or 9 and then the #. These codes were ori-
ginally hand-hacked, but some pioneer phreak (Captain Crunch) added an inter-
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face to Charlie, his Apple ][ computer, which was capable of generating DTMF
tones (Dual Tone Multi Frequency, i.e. generic term for touchtone (TM)) and
trying all the codes. The only problem was that Ma Bell got suspicious when
they saw that someone had called the Joe Blow Rubber Company 800 # in Califor-
nia 4,568 times at 2 am and each call lasted for only 1 second!
TRAVELNET:
Travelnet is a service, owned by GM, that uses WATS as well as local access
#'s. The 800 # is 800-521-8400.
Format: At tone---> 8 digit code, tone, A/C+pfx+sufx.
Travelnet is also unique in that it accepts voice recognition for those times
when touch-tone is not available (how convenient!). If you don't do anything
after the tone, you will hear a voice that says "Authorization #, please." You
then say each digit slowly. It will beep after you say each digit. After each
group of digits, it will repeat what you have said. Say YES if it is right,
otherwise say NO. If the authorization code is correct, it will say thank you
and then ask for the destination #. Follow the same procedure as above. The
voice system is very user friendly and you should have no problems with it.
TEL-TEC:
Tel-Tec is at 800-323-3026. In my experiences, you usually get a very shitty
connection. This I use for last resorts. Format: AT tone---> 6 digit code+
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A/C+pfx+sufx. Tel-Tex (for TX only): 800-432-2071.
Caution: Like the 950 exchange, 800 numbers can be easily traced. This
doesn't mean that they trace everything, though.
OTHERS:
There are many other 800 services and PBX's (such as Dimension 2000 at 800-
848-9000). There is just not enough room to discuss them all. As you have
probably noticed I have posted no codes. Check the phreak section of various
BBS's to find the latest codes or hack them yourself. I suggest that you don't
use codes found on BBS's though, since they may be traps! Hand-hack good pos-
sibilities or use a "smart" modem with a hacking program (contact your local
pirate).
[HOW MA BELL CATCHES PHONE HACKERS]:
Besides suspicion and random checks, Ma Bell sets up "trap numbers." Trap
numbers were set up on certain dial-ups such as Sprint, MCI, etc. Whenever the
dialup is called a "trouble card" is dropped at the central office. This means
that a record of the called #, the CALLER'S #, and time are printed out. These
cards (or printouts in an ESS CO) are usually ignored unless SPC or somebody
detects fraud, i.e., unauthorised use of a customer's account. Then they call
Bell and find out the name and number and instantly nail the phreak who made
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the call. They will then either demand that you pay some enormous fee and
they'll forget the whole matter; give them info on other phreaks, boards, etc.;
or prosecute you on the federal rap of Theft of Communications Service, which
carries fines of up to 10 years in jail and/or $10,000. They don't usually go
for legal action first, though. If you don't actually use any codes, they can
still nail you for harassing fone calls.
"Trap and Trace" is another favorite of the Gestapo. With this method you
cannot hang up until the trace is completed!
Why does Bell help their competition? Actually, it is rather simple. People
were using SPRINT to break into Bell's ESS computers. Bell could only trace
the calls back to SPRINT. So, SPRINT helps Bell catch the people it wants and
vice-versa. ("You rub my back and I'll rub yours" type of deal.)
By the way, trap numbers are also how Bell catches people who make harassing
phone calls to private residences.
Also, certain TelCo exchanges running ESS (see Part IV) generate reports
called the "800 Exceptional Calling Report" which lists people who have made
extensive or long calls to 800 #'s. Since many people use legit 800's a lot,
they also wind up on the list. If Bell does have a certain problem with an 800
#, though, they just have to check their records.
If Bell has sufficient reason to suspect you of illegal activities, they may
put a pen recorder on your line to record every single digit you dial along
with other pertinent information.
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Finally, do not forget that these services have a copy of the number that you
called. So, if a customer says that he didn't call a certain #, they will usu-
ally call up that # and try to find out who did call at that time.
So, to be safer on SPC, MCI, and others, follow the following suggestions:
1) Use a fortress fone (pay phone) whenever possible. Although they have
been known to stake out pay fones... Just don't use the same fone over and
over again. In other words, move around.
2) Only call institutional switchboards, businesses that have no record of
your call, and friends who are instant amnesiacs.
3) Try to keep all calls under 15 minutes when possible.
Note: No system is totally safe! When I classify something as safe or
dangerous, that is my opinion as well as that of several other phreaks. These
opinions are based on how many people have been busted on them, what type of
equipment they are using, and inside information. I cannot possibly guarantee
that you will not be caught. Actually, with CCIS and ESS nothing is really
safe anymore. Besides, what phun whould there be in life without a few risks?
Also, I have known people who used 800 #'s and SCC's for several years daily
with no problems.. I also know people who used a system for a week and were
busted!
At this point, I would like to mention the "official" phreak newsletter, TAP.
TAP contains much information about phone phreaking and other illegal activi-
--More--(98%)
ties. Send an SASE for their info sheet, "What the hell is TAP?" Their ad-
dress is:
TAP
Room 603
147 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036
Please enter either [file-name], [l], [h], [q], or [?]
BIOC AGENT 003'S COURSE IN [BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS] Part II
Revised 18-July-84 Word Processed by Tharrys Ridenow
PREFACE:
In Part II, we will explore the various special Bell #'s, such as: CN/A,
AT&T Newslines, loops, 99XX #'s, ANI, ringback, and a few others.
CN/A : Customer Name and Address
CN/A, which stands for Customer Name and Address, are bureaus that exist so
that authorized Bell employees can find out the name and address of any custo-
mer in the Bell System. All #'s are maintained on file including unlisted #'s.
Here's how it works:
1) You have a # and you want to find out who owns it, e.g. (914) 555-1234.
2) You look up the CN/A # for that NPA in the list below. In the example,
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the NPA is 914 and the CN/A # is 518-471-8111.
3) You then call up the CN/A # (during business hours) and say something like
"Hi, this is John Jones from the residential service center in Miami. Can I
have the customers name at 914-555-1234. That # is 914-555-1234." Make up
your own REAL sounding name, though. Or, if you sound mature enough, just say
"Look up 914-555-1234 please."
4) If you sound natural and cheery, the operator will ask no questions.
NOTE: Due to the break-up, several operating companies are now asking for ID
#'s when you make a request. This has recenty happened to me in 617 and I just
told the operator that I was calling from the so-and-so business office in New
York, and she said that she'll put it through this time!
Here's the list:
NPA CN/A # NPA CN/A # NPA CN/A # NPA CN/A #
--- ------------ --- ------------ --- ------------ --- ------------
201 201-676-7070 202 202-384-9620 203 203-789-6815 204 204-949-0900
205 205-988-7000 206 206-382-8000 207 617-787-5300 208 303-293-2333
209 415-546-0118 212 518-471-8111 213 213-501-3255 214 214-698-9711
215 412-633-5600 216 614-464-2345 217 217-525-7000 218 402-345-0600
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219 317-265-4834 301 301-534-1168 302 412-633-5600 303 303-293-2333
304 304-344-8041 305 912-784-0440 306 306-347-2878 307 303-292-2333
308 402-345-0600 309 217-525-7000 312 312-769-9600 313 313-223-8690
314 314-726-7142 315 518-471-8111 316 816-275-2782 317 317-265-4834
318 504-245-5330 319 402-345-0600 401 617-787-5300 402 402-345-0600
403 403-425-2652 404 912-784-0440 405 405-236-6121 406 303-293-2333
408 415-543-6374 412 412-633-5600 413 617-787-5300 414 608-252-6932
415 415-546-0107 416 416-922-6686 417 314-726-7142 418 514-287-5151
419 614-464-2345 501 405-236-6121 502 502-583-2861 503 503-241-3440
504 504-245-5330 505 303-293-2333 506 506-648-3041 507 402-345-0600
509 206-382-8000 512 512-828-2501 513 614-464-2345 514 514-287-5151
515 402-345-0600 516 518-471-8111 517 313-232-8690 518 518-471-8111
519 416-922-6686 601 601-961-0877 602 303-293-2333 603 617-787-5300
604 CLOSED 9/82! 605 402-345-0600 606 502-583-2861 607 518-471-8111
608 414-252-6932 609 201-676-7070 612 402-345-0600 613 416-922-6686
614 614-464-2345 615 615-373-5791 616 313-223-8690 617 617-787-5300
618 217-525-7000 701 402-345-0600 702 415-546-0118 703 804-747-1411
704 912-784-9111 705 416-922-6686 707 415-546-0107 709 ****N/A*****
712 402-345-0600 713 713-820-4112 714 213-501-3255 715 608-252-6932
716 518-471-8111 717 412-633-5600 801 303-293-2333 802 617-787-5300
803 912-784-0440 804 304-344-8040 805 415-546-0118 806 512-828-2501
807 416-922-6686 808 212-334-4336 809 212-334-4336 812 317-265-4834
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813 813-228-7871 814 412-633-5600 815 217-525-7000 816 816-275-2782
817 214-698-9711 819 514-287-5151 901 615-373-5791 902 902-421-4110
903 ****N/A***** 904 912-784-0440 906 313-223-8690 907 ****N/A*****
912 912-784-0440 913 816-275-2782 914 518-471-8111 915 512-828-2501
916 415-546-0118 918 405-236-6121 919 912-784-0440
Bell uses these #'s find out who owns a # that a customer claims he never
called.
Some CN/A #'s remain the same for long periods of time; others, such as
those in NPA's 213 (and other California Area Codes) change quite frequently.
The 213 CN/A (also used for the new NPA's 818 and 619) usually remains some-
where in the 213-501-XXXX exchange.
For the CN/A # for the 900 SAC and the 976 exchange call the local CN/A #
or 212-334-3611.
NOTE: This is the most complete list of CN/A #'s in my possession which was
procured from by business office.
Another "cheap way" of doing a CN/A without knowing the CN/A # is to call
the local business office of the area where the fone # you want to check is lo-
cated. Then make an inquiry into something. When the representative asks for
your #, give him the # you want checked. Chances are that he will say, "Is
this Mr. X" and you now know who the line belongs to.
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Incidentally, if you tell the Telco to make your directory listing appear
as Jack Meoff, Yog Sothoth, or a similar pseudonym with no address you will
avoid an unlisted # charge. Also, if some asshole tried to pull a CN/A on your
# (or your BBS #), the CN/A operator will tell them that the line belongs to
Yog Sothoth. You can still have the bill sent to your real name, though,
without affecting the CN/A.
There is also a type of reverse CN/A bureau. This is usually called NON
PUB DA or TOLL LIB. These #'s would most certainly change immediately if they
were published here. With these #'s you tell them the name and locality. Then
they shake you down for your name, supervisor's name, etc. if you haven't al-
ready told them. They will ask you a few other questions which, if you answer
them with the right incantation or practice the art of "social engineering"
(AKA bullshitting) you have the unlisted #! You can also get detailed billing
information from these bureaus.
AT&T NEWSLINES:
Newslines are recordings that Bell employees call up to find out the latest
info on stock, technology, et cetera concerning the Bell System.
Here are the #'s that are currently known to phreaks (at least me, anyway):
201-483-3800 New Jersey 203-771-4921 Connecticut 212-393-2151 New York
213-621-4141 California 213-829-0111 CA--GTE 213-449-8830 California
--More--(29%)
312-368-8000 Illinois 313-223-7223 Michigan 314-247-5511 Montana
408-493-5000 California 412-633-3333 Pennsylvania 414-678-3511 Wisconsin
416-929-4323 Ontario 503-228-6271 Oregon 513-421-9060 Ohio
516-234-9914 New York 518-471-2272 New York 617-955-1111 Massachusetts
702-789-6711 Nevada 713-224-6116 Texas 714-238-1111 California
717-255-5555 Pennsylvania 717-787-1031 Pennsylvania 802-955-1111 Vermont
808-533-4426 Hawaii 813-223-5666 Florida 914-948-8100 New York
916-480-8000 California
Rev-- With the break-up, some of the above #'s are going to change, but AT&T
still plans on keeping this service.
Also, many of the smaller companies, such as NY Telephone, have their own
newswires. Here is a list of NYTelco newswires:
212-395-2200 314-476-4492 516-234-9914
518-471-2272 716-847-1950 914-390-2055
LOOPS
First of all, you must understand the concept of loops. I think that the
best way that this is understood is the way that Phred Phreek explained it...
"No self-respecting Phone Phreak can go through life without knowing what a
--More--(34%)
loop is, how to use one, and the types that are available.
"The loop is a great alternative communication medium that has many poten-
tial uses that haven't even been tapped yet. In order to explain what a loop
is, it would be helpful to visualise two fone numbers (lines) just floating
around in the Telco Central Office (CO). Now, if you (and a friend perhaps)
were to call these two numbers at the same time, POOOOFFF!!!, you are now con-
nected together. I hear what you're saying out there- 'Big deal' or 'Why
should Ma Bell collect here two MSU's (MeSsage Units) for one lousy phone
call?'
"Well... think again. Haven't you ever wanted someone to call you back
but were reluctant to give out your home phone number (like the last time you
tried to get your friend's unlisted number from the business office)? Or how
about a collect call to your friend waiting on a loop, who will gladly accept
the charges? Or better yet, stumbling upon a loop that has multi-user capacity
(for those late-night conferences). Best of all is finding a non-supervised
loop that doesn't charge any MSU's or tolls to one or both parties. Example:
many moons ago, a loop affectionately known as 'The 332 Loop' was non-sup (i.e.
non supervised) on the tone side. I had my friend in California dial the free
(non-sup) side, (212) 332-9906 and I diled the side that charged, 332-9900. As
you can see, I was charged one MSU, and my friend was charged zilch, for as
long as we wished to talk!"
--More--(41%)
Ahhh... have I perked your interest yet? If so, here is how to find a
loop of your very own. First, do all of your loop searching at NIGHT! This is
because the loops serve a genuine test function which the Telco uses during the
day. (We don't want to run into an irate lineman, do we?) To find a loop,
having two #'s is a definite plus. If not, have a friend dial #'s from his
phone. Last resort, try calling from two adjacent pay phones.
Now, get your trusty white pages (*), and turn to the page where it lists
the # of MSU's from your exchange (or exchanges in your primary calling area).
The idea is to find a loop that is within your primary calling area or is only
1 MSU in your area (call area A). This is so you don't go bankrupt trying to
find a loop. Write down all of these exchanges and do a 99XX scan of those ex-
changes. (99XX scanning will be discussed shortly.)
Before we get up to 99XX scanning, we will look at some other loop info:
Loops are found in pairs which are usually close to each other. For exam-
ple, in NPA 212, where the infamous loops are found, there is a standard loop
format:
Manhattan and Bronx: NNX-9977/9979
Brooklyn and Queens: NNX-9900/9906
NNX is the exchange to be scanned. Here are some loops that have been
found in NYC. These are used mostly by phreaks and call-in lines for pirate
--More--(47%)
radio stations:
212-220-9900/9906 212-283-9977/9979 212-352-9900/9906
212-365-9977/9979 212-529-9900/9906 212-562-9977/9979
212-982-9977/9979 212-986-9977/9979
[Editor's note: On the West Coast, the plan can change slightly: in the
San Francisco Bay Area loops are found in the 00XX prefix, such as the one in
415-540-0044/0045. Loops are rather scarce in the 415 area, but the pair in
0044/0045 is a good bet when scanning, like the standard format above.]
The lower # is the tone side (singing switch). The higher # is always
silent. The tone disappears on the lower # when somebody calls the other side
of the loop. If you are on the higher number, you'll have to listen to the
clicks to see if somebody dialed-in. The NYC 982 & 986 loops are different
from others. Usually when you park on a loop, you will hear who ever calls in
on the other half. When they're done, the next caller (if any) will be queued
in, one after another. On the NYC 982 & 986, you sometimes can't get any more
callers in after the first. Furthermore, if you park one of these loops and
there is nobody on the other end for more than 4 minutes, you may be automati-
cally disconnected. These loops are good for backup purposes when all other
loops are busy.
--More--(53%)
99XX Scanning:
Many exchanges in the Bell System have a wide variety of test #'s and other
"goodies," such as loops.
These "goodies" are usually found between 9900 and 9999 in your local ex-
change. If you have the time and initiative, scan your exchange and you may
become lucky!
Here are my findings in 914-268:
9901: Verification (recording of a/c and exchange)
9936: Voice # to the Telco CO
9937: Voice # to the Telco CO
9941: Carrier
9960: Osc. Tone (tone side loop)
9963: Tone (stops: muted)
9966: Carrier
9968: Tone that disappears--responds to certain touchtone keys
Most of the #'s between 9900 and 9999 will ring, be busy, go to a special
intercept operator ("what #, please") or will go to a "the # you have
reached..." recording. What you find depends upon the switching equipment in
the exchange and the Telco operating company.
When searching for loops, you may find one of the following possibilities
when you find one:
--More--(58%)
1. You can hear through the loop (not muted) but there is a 1/2 second
click every 10 seconds that interrupts the audio. This type is good for
backup use but the @#{body}amp;% click is super annoying.
2. One side of the loop is busy; try it again later.
3. The tone disappears, but you cannot hear through it (the loop is muted,
try again in a month or so).
4. You get the "The # you have reached..." recording. No loop there!
Most loops are muted (#3), but their status does change from time to time.
It all depends if the Telco maintenance personnel remember to "throw the
switch" i.e. turn off the loop.
Since I have done the above 914-268-99XX scan, Congers (268) has installed
new switching equipment (DMS100). Some of the numbers are the same, but I have
noted that on the DMS100, the recordings are also stored in this area. 268-
9903, 9906, 9909, and 9912 are all different recordings. Also, there are 2
fortress fone recordings at 268-9911 (deposit 5 cents or else) and 268-9913
(deposit 10 cents). None of these recordings supe and alot of other 99XX #'s
don't supe either.
In Washington, there is a sweep tone test at (202) 560-9944. [Sweep tone
tests are used to detect infinity transmitters (aka harmonic bugs) on the
line. In the 415 area, NNX-0046 is almost always a sweep tone test.]
--More--(64%)
In NYC (212), you'll find the infamous loop lines (as mentioned above).
It will be easier to scan your exchange if you make up a chart like this:
.------------------NPA-NNX-(99/00) XX SCAN CHART----------------.
| Number .=0==.=1==.=2==.=3==.=4==.=5==.=6==.=7==.=8==.=9== |
| 990 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 000 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 991 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 001 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 992 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 002 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 993 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 003 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 994 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 004 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 995 : : : : : : : : : : |
--More--(70%)
| 005 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 996 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 006 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 997 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 007 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 998 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 009 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 999 : : : : : : : : : : |
| 009 : : : : : : : : : : |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| B- Busy (try again at another time) C- Carrier (computer)|
| I- ignore (at a higher #= loop) O- intercept Operator ("What |
| # you callin'?" R- rings (try again at another time) |
| Rn- Recording (make a note of what types) S- sweep tone test |
| T- tone (tone at a lower # + ignore) V- voice # to the Telco |
| Central Office, usually answer with the city name and area. |
\---------------------------------------------------------------/
--More--(76%)
This leaves you with 100 boxes (1 for each number between (99/00)00 and
(99/00)99. You should make your boxes big enough so you can write some sort of
shorthand like that given above in them.
There will be others and you should find interesting tones, noises, and oth-
er test functions. Also, the more important the exchange is, the more you will
find. For example, in 914-623, I found well over 10 voice #'s!
Also, loops are USUALLY, but not EXCLUSIVELY found in the 99/00XX series.
For example, 713-324-1799/1499 is a loop.
What is the perfect loop? Here is what I would look for:
1. Non-sup on one or both sides. To check for a non-sup loop, go to a tone-
first fortress fone and dial the #. If it asks for a dime, it is supervised.
If the call goes through, then it is non-suped!
2. 800 loops would be a plus. They are not necessarily found between 9900
and 9999, though. I would check the 1XXX series first.
3. Multi-user loops are also a plus for those late night conferences.
NOTE: If there is nothing in the 99XX area in your exchange or if 99XX is
used for actual numbers, then try 0XXX and 1XXX scanning in that ord-
er.
Finally, remember that it is only a local call to find out what your CO has
--More--(82%)
in store for you. If you find anything interesting, be sure to drop me a line.
NOTE: Your local white pages can be a valuable asset. You can also order
other fone books from your business office (usually free for books
within your operating company's district). A large fone book, such as
Manhattan, contains much more info in the first few pages than other
books.
ANI : Automatic Number Identification
Automatic Number Identification is a number that you call up that will tell
you what # you are calling from.
This has a few uses. First, were you ever somewhere and the fone didn't
have a # printed on it? Or perhaps you were fooling around in some cans (those
big boxes on fone poles that contain terminals for lineman use--to be discussed
in a future chapter) and you want to know what the line # is?
In NPA 914, the ANI is 990. In NPA's 212 and 516, ANI is 958. This varies
from area to area. Here is a list of some ANI's I've seen:
211/311 401-222-2222 890-751-5191 202-222-2222 222-222-222
1-XXX-1111 (in some 914 area, esp. under step-by-step switching, you
have to dial 1-990-1111) (760-1111 in 415 area code)
--More--(88%)
To find ANI for other areas, check 3 digit #'s first, usually in the 9XX
series (excluding 911, please!). In areas under step-by-step, try 1-9XX-1111.
ANI may also be in 99XX. Last resort, try to get friendly with your neigh-
bor who works for the fone company.
RINGBACK
Ringback, as its name implies, calls back the # you are at when you dial
the ringback #.
Ringback, in NPA 914, is 660. You dial 660+ the last 4 digits of the fone
# you're calling from. You will then get a tone. Hangup quickly and pickup
again in about 2 seconds. You will then get a second tone, hangup AGAIN and
the fone will ring.
In NYC, it is also 660, but you may have to press 6 or 7 before you hang up
for the first time (ie, at the first tone).
Other ringback numbers include:
331 [619/714] 536+nnnn [305] 958+nnnn [202] (nnnn=last 4 digits of
fone #) 26011- this 5 digit format is used primarily on step-by-step.
The last 2 digits (11) are dummy digits. 890-897-nnnn
119911/11010/0009910 GTE
350, 850, 580, 890 -nnnn (415 area, payphones)
--More--(93%)
The reason you get the tone when you pick-up after it rings is because in
some areas, people were using ringback as an in-house intercom. They would
dial ringback, and when it stopped ringing, they would pickup and talk with the
person on the other extension. Bell didn't like this since there is usually
only 1 piece of common control equipment in each exchange that does the ring-
back. When people used this as an intercom, repairmen and linemen couldn't get
through! In some areas, especially under step-by-step, ringback can still be
used as an intercom. Also, under step-by-step, the ringback procedure is usu-
ally simple. For example, in one area you would dial 26011 and hangup; it
would then ringback.
TOUCH-TONE TEST
In areas that have a touch-tone test, you dial the ringback #. At the
first tone, you touchtone digits 1-0. If they are correct it will beep twice.
I have also seen a DTMF test in some areas at 890-751-5191.
Coming Soon:
In the next part, we will look at the numbering plan and dialing procedures
(ie international, etc.).
Breakup of Bell:
--More--(98%)
The operating companies are not going to change all the switching equipment
around. While there will be some changes, most of the information here will
remain pertinent after January 1, 1984. Just substitute the word "fone net-
work" or "telco" for "Bell System."
December 8, 1983
Acknowledgements: TAP, Phred Phreek, Judas Gerard, The Magician, and Dark
Priest.
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