page_title: Telephone call
section_title: Placing a call
hierarchical_section_title: Telephone call / Placing a call
caption_attribution_description: Français&#160;: Jean-Marc Doussain téléphonant
context_page_description: A telephone call is a connection over a telephone network between the called party and the calling party.
context_section_description: A typical phone call using a traditional phone is placed by picking the phone handset up off the base and holding the handset so that the hearing end is next to the user's ear and the speaking end is within range of the mouth. The caller then rotary dials or presses buttons for the phone number needed to complete the call, and the call is routed to the phone which has that number. The second phone makes a ringing noise to alert its owner, while the user of the first phone hears a ringing noise in its earpiece. If the second phone is picked up, then the operators of the two units are able to talk to one another through them. If the phone is not picked up, the operator of the first phone continues to hear a ringing noise until they hang up their own phone.
  One of the main struggles for Alexander Graham Bell and his team was to prove to non-English speakers that this new phenomenon "worked in their language." It was a concept that was hard for people to understand at first.
  In addition to the traditional method of placing a telephone call, new technologies allow different methods for initiating a telephone call, such as voice dialing. Voice over IP technology allows calls to be made through a PC, using a service like Skype.  Other services, such as toll-free dial-around enable callers to initiate a telephone call through a third party without exchanging phone numbers. Originally, no phone calls could be made without first talking to the Switchboard operator. Using 21st century mobile phones does not require the use of an operator to complete a phone call.
  The use of headsets is becoming more common for placing or receiving a call. Headsets can either come with a cord or be wireless.
  A special number can be dialed for operator assistance, which may be different for local vs. long-distance or international calls.
caption: An early 21st century mobile phone being used for a phone call
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