msb@sq.com (Mark Brader) (03/20/90)
In ont.general, in a discussion on harrassing phone calls (and Caller ID), L.J.Dickey (ljdickey@water.waterloo.edu) writes: > The phone company can install a device that will, on command, > "lock in" the caller, so that, even after the caller hangs up, > the phones are still connected. I recall reading about such a device myself, but it was in Reader's Digest and more than 10 years ago. I don't believe I've ever seen it mentioned here on comp.dcom.telecom. Given what I have learned here about the wide variations between switches, I'd conjecture that the device exists, but only for some types of switch. Would I be right? Mark Brader "When you're up to your ass in alligators, SoftQuad Inc., Toronto maybe you're in the wrong swamp." utzoo!sq!msb, msb@sq.com -- Bill Stewart
rupeb@uunet.uu.net (Bernard Rupe) (03/22/90)
In article <5388@accuvax.nwu.edu> msb@sq.com (Mark Brader) writes: >L.J.Dickey (ljdickey@water.waterloo.edu) writes: >> The phone company can install a device that will, on command, >> "lock in" the caller, so that, even after the caller hangs up, >> the phones are still connected. > ... I'd conjecture that the >device exists, but only for some types of switch. Would I be right? A feature that performs this exact function is called Malicious Call Hold. It is available to 911 systems, but can also be assigned to someone who is getting repeated "malicious" calls. The feature, when activated, will hold up the connection to the calling telephone line (if it's off of the same switch) or, if not, it will hold up the incoming trunk. This is really the limitation of the feature -- it cannot hold up a line from outside the Central Office. A feature such as Customer Originated Trace (CLASS), seems overall more useful. Also, I don't believe any equiptment is needed on the customer premesis. The feature is available with the DMS-100 (NTI) and, I think, also with the 5ESS (AT&T). Bernie Rupe 1501 W. Shure Drive Motorola, Inc. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 Cellular Infrastructure Division 708 632-2814 ...!uunet!motcid!rupeb