_♪♪^♪ We're sorry, the number you have reached is not in service. Please check your number and try your call again.

Special Information Tones--404 for telephones: Three tones heard when a telephone call cannot be completed. Frequencies are 985.2, 1428.5 and 1776.7 Hz and timed between 270 and 380mS. The message can inform a caller that the number has been disconnected, maybe followed by a forwarding number, mandatory 10 digit dialing notice or a circuit overload (fast busy).

Telemarketer blocking units produce these tones to allegedly trick auto-dialers into removing the number from their list, as it's considered inactive. A perfect addition to your answering machine greeting . . .

July 28, 2003: Jane Barbe, the voice behind these intercept messages has died today.