FTC Local > Calling Features / Prices

FTC Local offers a variety of features to help make your life easier. Additional explanations or programming instructions (where applicable) can be found by clicking on the specific features. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call our business office at 256-638-2144.

Special Note:

Customer is responsible for all applicable toll charges associated with forwarded, pre-designated, and call returned numbers.

Calling Features Explanations

Call Block

To use: Dial *60 (or 1160 on a rotary phone). A recording will provide you with detailed instructions for programming or de-programming. When a person calls whose number is ‘blocked,’ they will receive a recorded announcement. This feature also enables you to block the last number that called, even if you don’t know the number.

Note: If you subscribe to Call Selector and/or Preferred Call Forwarding, and a number is on either list, Call Block will override those features.

back

Call Waiting

To use: When you’re on the phone, a beep tells you a second call is waiting. Only you can hear the beep. If you don’t answer the call immediately, another beep reminds you the call is still waiting. To answer the second call, put the first call on hold by depressing the hook. You are now connected to the second caller. Simply depress the hook to alternate between calls. Each of the conversations will remain private, and cannot be heard by the other caller.

back

Cancel Call Waiting

To use: Dial *70 (or 1170 on a rotary phone). Listen for a special dial tone. Next, dial the number you want to call. When you disconnect your call, Call Waiting is automatically reactivated.

back

Call Forward

To use: Dial *72 (or 1172 on a rotary phone). You will hear two beeps, and then a dial tone. Now, dial the number where you want your calls to be forwarded. (Note: You can use Speed Calling codes if you have this feature.) The Call Forward feature is in effect when you hear two beeps. You can still make calls from this phone.

To cancel: Dial *73 (or 1173 on a rotary phone). Listen for two beeps, then hang up. The feature is no longer in effect, and all calls will come through to your phone as usual.

back

Preferred Call Forwarding

To use: Dial *63 (or 1163 on a rotary phone). A recording provides detailed instructions for programming this feature. You can still initiate calls from this phone.

back

Remote Call Forwarding

Utilizes a local number and central office facilities to forward all incoming calls to a preprogrammed number. Local number is not present at a physical location nor associated with a telephone set. It requires a local service number that is subject to local service rates and access fees.

back

Call Return

To use: Dial *69 (or 1169 on a rotary phone). A recording will provide detailed information and instructions. If the number is busy, the line will automatically attempt to call for the next 30 minutes. A special ring alerts you when the line is no longer busy. Once you pick up the phone, the call is automatically placed. Please note: you will still be able to place and receive regular calls while the busy line is monitored.

To cancel: Dial *89 (or 1189 on a rotary phone). You will hear a recording advising you that you have cancelled call return.

back

Call Selector

To program: Dial *61 (or 1161 on rotary phones). You will receive detailed instructions for programming Call Selector. This feature enables you to designate up to eight numbers that will have a distinctive ring** on incoming calls or a distinctive call waiting tone (if the customer has call waiting). Other numbers will ring as normal. **The distinctive ring or call-waiting tone will be two short rings.

back

Call Trace

To use/initiate a trace: After receiving a call you wish to trace, replace the handset. Lift the handset and listen for a dial tone. Dial *57 (or 1157 on a rotary phone). You will hear a recorded message stating that you either have or have not successfully traced the number. If you complete a trace, a message will instruct you to contact the FTC business office. For safety and protection, the number is printed out at FTC’s office and is NOT REVEALED to you.

back

Repeat Dialing

To use: Dial *66 (or 1166 on a rotary phone) and listen for the call to ring through. If the line is busy, you will hear a recording. The system will continue to check the busy number for up to 30 minutes. When the line is no longer busy, your phone will signal you with a special ring. When you lift the handset, your call will be completed.

back

Secondary Number

Enables the customer to have an additional phone number associated with a single access line. The primary number will ring normally, while the other number will have its two distinctive short rings that identify those special incoming calls. This service works great with teens or kids.

back

Speed Calling 8

To program: Dial *74 (or 1174 on a rotary phone). You will hear two beeps, and then a dial tone. Dial one of the eight pre-selected codes (the codes are simply 2 through 9). Next, dial the number you wish to program for speed call (for long distance numbers, remember to include 1 and the area code). Press the # button (on rotary phones, omit this step and wait four seconds). Listen for the two beeps that indicate the number has been entered, then hang up. You can continue to enter other numbers on your list by repeating the process.

To use: Dial * and the appropriate one-digit speed code (2-9). Next press the # button (this is not necessary on a rotary phone), and your call will be dialed automatically.

Tip: Keep your Speed Calling codes near the phone for easy access.

back

Three Way Calling

To use/add a third person: Depress the hook for about one second to place the person whom you’re talking with on hold. Listen for the dial tone. Next, dial the person you want to join the conversation. (You may use Speed Calling codes). When the third person answers, you will be able to talk privately. To make the call three-way, depress the hook for one second to add the person you have on hold. Your three-way call is now underway. Great for holidays or birthdays, when you want to exchange greetings with friends and relatives at separate locations, or when you need to discuss plans and make arrangements. If you have a business or work from home, you can set up conference calls with associates.

Note: You may depress the hook twice to resume your conversation with the person on hold. If either person hangs up, you can continue talking with the remaining party.

back

Wake Up Service

Wake up Service is offered as part of a package with Voice Mail Service, but also may be used as a standalone service. The service operates seven days a week. To use, you turn on Wake Up Service and set the time. You are responsible for turning off the service when a call is not desired (on weekends, holidays, etc.). This service is easy to use and is activated using the voice prompts in the system.

back

Warm Line

Now there is a way to ensure the safety of your loved ones in an emergency. When injury or panic makes it difficult to remember or dial an emergency number, Warm Line makes sure assistance can be reached easily. Just 20 seconds after the phone is taken off the hook, a pre-designated number is automatically dialed. In the event someone can get to the phone, but can’t remember or dial a number, the phone automatically dials a number you have designated.

back

Special Note:

Customers are responsible for all applicable toll charges associated with forwarded, pre-designated and call returned numbers.