Dialaround

Dialaround refers to a telecommunications service that allows users to make long-distance or international calls by dialing a specific access number before dialing the destination number. This method was popular before the widespread adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile phones. Typically, a user would dial a toll-free number provided by a dialaround service provider. After hearing a tone or a recorded prompt, they would then enter their PIN, if required, followed by the full destination phone number. The call would then be routed through the dialaround provider's network, usually offering lower per-minute rates than traditional phone carriers for these types of calls.

Dialaround services often operated on a prepaid or post-paid basis. Prepaid users would purchase call credits in advance, while post-paid users would be billed based on their usage. The primary advantage of dialaround was cost savings, particularly for individuals making frequent international calls who could not afford or access other cheaper alternatives. It offered a way to bypass the higher rates charged by local telephone companies for long-distance and international connections. However, the convenience of dialaround was often offset by the need to remember and dial an extra access number, and the quality of the calls could sometimes be variable depending on the provider and network congestion. With the advent of cheaper international calling plans from mobile carriers and the prevalence of VoIP services, the use of dialaround has significantly declined.