Zip tone
In telephony, a zip tone (also known as a whisper tone or call waiting tone) is a call-progress tone which indicates a new incoming call is either connecting or waiting depending on the application. Unlike a ringtone, which alerts those near a telephone to answer it, a zip tone alerts someone already on the line—for example a telephone operator, call center agent, or telephone subscriber with call waiting service—that action is needed for an incoming call such as pressing a button or reciting a phrase (e.g. "May I help you?").[1][2]
Tone composition and customization[]
The tone is typically a single, short burst (e.g. 440 Mhz for 5 ms) but can also be customized with multiple bursts or tones to hint at the nature of the call, so the agent can answer the call with the appropriate greeting; or a subscriber may know that a specific caller is calling or number was dialed (see distinctive ring).
In some automatic call distribution applications the standard tone can be completely replaced with a digital recording of the agent speaking the answer phrase, thereby relieving them of the need to constantly repeat it, alerting the agent of an incoming call, and answering the call more quickly from the perspective of the caller.
See also[]
- Automatic Call Distribution
- Call waiting
- TSPS
- Telephone
Telephones portal
References[]
- ^ Jaeger, R.J. Jr. (December 10, 1970). "TSPS No.1: System Organization and Objectives". Bell System Technical Journal. 49 (49): 2417–2443. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
- ^ Lonnquist, Chester W.; Manganello, Joseph C.; Skinner, Robert S.; Skubiak, Michael T.; Wadsworth, Donald J. (October 8, 1969). "Apparatus and Equipment". Bell System Technical Journal. 48 (48): 2848. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
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