Infopeople - Archive June 1994 to June 1995: Phone Restrictor

Phone Restrictor

San Benito County Library (libsben2@nic.cerf.net)
Tue, 6 Jun 1995 17:25:44 -0700 (PDT)

A long time ago there was discussion on this net concerning a phone
restrictor sold by Radio Shack. It didn't work very well, partly because
it attempted to make one restrictor serve for all phones connected to the
line. Soon thereafter, Radio Shack took it off the market.

We have now found another one, the Smart Jack Call Restrictor. One is
required per telephone to be
restricted. It comes in two forms, both powered by the phone line (no
other power required). The Wallplate version replaces the regular wallplate
and
sits behind it, so all that is seen is a plain wallplate. The Surface
Mount version is not so well hidden. They cost $59.95 each.

This cuts off all toll calls, but allows 911 and 800 calls go through.
Specified toll calls can be permitted, by area code or office code or by
specific number. They say they can restrict local (same area code) toll
calls as well. In general you can restrict or permit whatever you wish.
(I bet there are limitations to THAT!)

(As I remember, Pac Bell can restrict toll calls, but if they do they
also restrict 800 numbers.)

There is a security code for administrative override, and a cut-off timer
to terminate calls after 1-99 minutes.

Model Numbers are 3686A Wallplate version
3687A Surface Mount

Call "Hello Direct" at 1 800 444 2556 They are in the 415 area.

We have not used or seen one of these. Hello Direct has a very large
catalog and is definitely not a garage shop operation. I don't know who
they get the Call Restrictor from.

Richard Fish, Community Partner
San Benito County Library
470 Fifth St., Hollister CA 95023
408 637 2013
libsben2@cerf.net