COLLECT CALL Meaning and
Definition
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A collect call refers to a telephone communication in which the calling party does not pay for the call, but instead, the charges are billed to the receiving party. In this type of call, the recipient of the call is responsible for paying the costs associated with the call.
When making a collect call, the calling party typically dials a specific number provided by the telephone service provider, which allows them to connect to an operator who facilitates the call. The operator informs the receiving party that they have a collect call and verifies if they are willing to accept the charges. If the receiving party agrees, the call is connected, and they are billed for the call by their telephone service provider.
Collect calls are commonly used in situations where the calling party does not have access to funds or a telephone service to pay for the call, or in emergencies where immediate contact is required. It is especially common in correctional facilities, where inmates can place collect calls to individuals outside the facility.
Although collect calls were more prevalent in the past, their usage has declined significantly due to the development of alternative communication methods like prepaid calling cards or mobile phones with affordable plans. However, collect calls still hold importance in certain situations where direct payment for the call is not feasible.
Common Misspellings for COLLECT CALL
- xollect call
- vollect call
- follect call
- dollect call
- cillect call
- ckllect call
- clllect call
- cpllect call
- c0llect call
- c9llect call
- coklect call
- coplect call
- coolect call
- colkect call
- colpect call
- coloect call
- collwct call
- collsct call
- colldct call
Etymology of COLLECT CALL
The word "collect call" originates from the combination of two separate terms: "collect" and "call".
The term "collect" in this context refers to a type of telephone service where the person receiving the call is responsible for paying the charges. This usage of the word dates back to the mid-19th century.
The term "call" refers to the act of making a telephone call, which has its origins in the early days of telecommunication.
Together, "collect call" specifically describes a telephone call in which the cost is borne by the person receiving the call rather than the caller. This type of call was first introduced in the early 20th century and used by individuals who did not have access to their own phone or the financial means to pay for long-distance calls.
Similar spelling words for COLLECT CALL
- collectivistic,
- collector,
- collectively,
- collectible,
- collectivism,
- collecting,
- collectivise,
- collectable,
- collectivist,
- collected,
- collectedly,
- collectivize,
- collection,
- collective.
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