A telecommunications configuration allows end-users to automatically route calls through a designated long-distance provider without dialing a specific access code. This service, often chosen during initial telephone service setup, simplifies the dialing process for frequently called long-distance numbers. For example, when subscribing to telephone service, a customer might select a particular company for all their long-distance calls, eliminating the need to enter a series of digits before each phone number.
This arrangement offered several advantages, particularly in the past, including simplified long-distance dialing and potential cost savings through bundled service packages. It allowed competition among telecommunication companies for long-distance business, giving consumers choices in pricing and service quality. Before the widespread adoption of mobile phones and internet-based communication, it played a significant role in how individuals and businesses managed their long-distance communication needs.
