Voice signalling in the telephone network

Signalling between a telephone user and the automatic network by means of dialled digits and coded tones offers little more than basic service. A wider range of services is possible by adopting the more natural medium of speech. A historical perspective illustrates developments from the speaking clock to voice guidance and improved information services. The way ahead lies in exploiting the new technologies of automatic speech generation and recognition. While these are still in their infancy there is an opportunity to ensure that they are incorporated into networks in the most satisfactory way for both administrations and customers. This will entail research into speech algorithms, hardware technologies, systems and human factors, with increasing future emphasis upon the last two.