The telephone system in the United States, as in many other countries, has a
special number for each region of the country. It is called as "area code". If
you know the area code and the phone number, it's usually cheaper to dial the
number yourself. Of course, you must go through an operator to make
person-to-person or collect calls. You can dial direct to many countries
overseas or you can ask for the overseas operator.
1.A:Operator.
B:I'd like to make a collect call to Los Angeles. That's area code
213-486-2435.
A:And what's the name of the person you want to speak to?
B:Susan Greene.
2.A:Operator.
B:Yes, Operator. I'd like to place a person-to-person call to Chicago. The
number is
932-8647, but I don't know the area code.
A:Who do you want to speak to?
B:I'll speak to anyone at extension 214.
3.A:Operator.
B:I want to make a person-to-person call to 212-836-1725.
A:And the name of the person you're calling, please?
B:Ed Cooper. That's C double O-P-E-R.
4.A:Operator.
B:Operator, I'd like to place a call to Winnipeg, Cananda. The number is
932-0806.
A:What's the name of the party you're calling?
B:I'm not sure of the name, but the extension is 211.