Phoneword

Many telephone keypads have letters with the numbers, from which words can be formed.
Sign in Argentina giving the number 0800 555 8736 as 0800 555 TREN

Phonewords are mnemonic phrases represented as alphanumeric equivalents of a telephone number.[1] In many countries, the digits on the telephone keypad also have letters assigned. By replacing the digits of a telephone number with the corresponding letters, it is sometimes possible to form a whole or partial word, an acronym, abbreviation, or some other alphanumeric combination.

Phonewords are the most common vanity numbers, although a few all-numeric vanity phone numbers are used. Toll-free telephone numbers are often branded using phonewords; some firms use easily memorable vanity telephone numbers like 1-800 Contacts, 1-800-Flowers, 1-866-RING-RING, or 1-800-GOT-JUNK? as brands for flagship products or names for entire companies.

Local numbers are also occasionally used, such as +1-514-AUTOBUS or STM-INFO to reach the Société de transport de Montréal,[2] but are constrained by the fact that the first few digits are tied to a geographic location, potentially limiting the available choices based on which telephone exchanges serve a local area.

  1. ^ van Raaltenpark, Dr. CWH. "Phone number to words". Mobile Fish. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  2. ^ "Contact us".