Method and apparatus for simplified area code dialing

摘要

A telephone (100) is configurable to automatically dial an area code selected from an area code selection pad (104). Once selected, the selected area code is automatically prepended to subsequent outgoing calls until a different area code is selected. A processor (212) implements a safety feature overrides the automated system when emergency numbers are called. With this system, repetitive dialing of the area code for consecutive calls to the same area code is eliminated.