Telephone-system applications of recorded machine announcements

THE BUSINESS of the Bell System is primarily to provide communication services. However, as in any industry, a number of very useful side lines have developed, one of which is in the voice-reproduction field. With the vast growth of the telephone system and the increasing complexity of its networks of lines and switching systems, numerous instances have arisen wherein the general service could be improved or additional services given to telephone users by employing voice-reproduction devices. Some announcement systems, such as the Weather Forecast bureau, provide invaluable service to business men and holiday pleasure-seekers alike. Other systems, such as the use of a machine to quote the delay time for setting up long-distance calls in busy holiday seasons, relieve operators of a tiring task and increase efficiency within the telephone system. The process of providing these added services has, in turn, led to extensive development effort in the recording field by the Bell Telephone Laboratories and an appreciable investment has been made in announcement devices and the associated control equipment.