From Pacific Bell's 1998 Brochure
What is Anonymous Call Rejection?
Anonymous Call Rejection (ACR) is a service that will automatically stop all incoming calls from blocked telephone numbers. Callers to ACR subscribers who have their number blocked will hear a recording that the party being called does not accept anonymous calls. When you order ACR service it will be in the "on" state initially. As long as the caller's number is not blocked, he should have no trouble reaching an ACR subscriber. ACR generally will not block calls from telemarketers or calls that are not dialed directly, such as Operator-assisted calls and calls that are billed to a credit card. set your own privacy boundaries. eliminate calls from people who choose to conceal their telephone numbers.
"Anonymous" callers will hear an announcement …
"The party you called does not accept calls from blocked numbers. To complete your call and reveal your number dial *82 then the number or 1182 on rotary phones. To prevent the display of your number you can use a pay phone, or for a charge, call the Operator."
Upon hearing the announcement, callers have options for unblocking their phone number to complete the call.
1. Change their blocking option: Customers may call SBC and request Selective Blocking. There is no charge to change from Complete to Selective Blocking. Selective Blocking means a caller's name and number are available whenever they call someone with Caller ID. Customers can press *67 (1167 on a rotary phone) before dialing to block their name and number on individual calls to people who do not have ACR.
2. Unblock for a single call: Customers may also unblock on a single call by dialing *82 (1182 on a rotary phone) and then the number they are calling
3. To prevent the display of your number: Use a pay phone, or call a SBC Operator to place the call for a charge.
How to get the most out of Anonymous Call Rejection …
To order ACR, call SBC at 1-800-310-2355
Anonymous Call Rejection is free to Caller ID subscribers and about $2.00 per month for non-subscribers.
Q: Why do I still get calls from numbers that say "unavailable" or "out of area"?
A: ACR does not reject these calls since they are not blocked by the caller. Usually these calls are not directly dialed. These calls originate from a number that can't be read by Caller ID for example, calls made with the assistance of an Operator, billed to a calling card, or placed from some cellular phones.
Q: My brother has his number blocked but his call still came through. He's also on my Priority Ringing list. Does that make a difference?
A: Yes. Priority Ringing takes precedence over Anonymous Call Rejection. Since you've designated that you want that call to ring distinctively, SBC's switch assumes that you want to receive that call. If that number is on your Priority Ringing list because you do not want to answer it, then just take it OFF Priority Ringing, and as long as the number is blocked, the call won't get through.
Q: Do I need to have Caller ID to subscribe to ACR?
A: No, the features function completely independent of each other. ACR will, however, be free to Caller ID subscribers.*
Q: Is there any way for callers to get through without displaying their name and number if I have ACR?
A: If a person is concerned, they can keep their number from being displayed by using a pay phone or having the SBC Operator place their call and pay Operator assisted rates.
Q: Can I tell if someone tried to call me, if they have their line blocked?
A: No, the call does not ring at your house. It's rejected before it ever gets to your phone.
Q: If I subscribe to ACR can I ever receive an anonymous call?
A: Yes, you can turn ACR on or off by dialing a code. Dial *77 (1177 on a rotary phone) to turn ACR "ON", and *87 (1187 on a rotary phone) to turn the service "OFF".
Q: Is there any way for me to tell if ACR is on or off? Do I get a reminder to turn it back on, or vice versa?
A: Unfortunately not, however, you can dial *77 (1177 on a rotary phone) to ensure that the service is "ON", or *87 (1187 on a rotary phone) to make sure the service is "OFF". You will receive a stuttered confirmation tone after dialing the preferred code.
Q: Why is SBC offering a service like ACR? A: This is not a new service. It is new to SBC, however, many other states offer this same service. In fact, General Telephone (GTE) in California has been offering this service for years. Many of our customers have been made aware of this service by calling others in areas that have it. There is also telephone equipment that can be purchased that provides a similar service. Many customers want to control the calls they receive and have been asking for this service for quite some time. We are happy to be able to offer it to them.
Q: What is the difference between Selective Blocking and Complete Blocking?
A: If you have Selective Blocking your name and number will appear on the display of subscribers to Caller ID service. With Selective Blocking you still have the option to block your name and number on a per call basis simply by dialing *67 (1167 on a rotary phone) before the number.
Complete Blocking enables callers to conceal their telephone numbers on all outgoing calls. Complete Blocking delivers the message "Anonymous" or "Private" to Caller ID display units. This service may block callers or make it difficult for family and friends to get through.
Q: I am a doctor/teacher and I really value my private time. I do not want to reveal my name and telephone number when I return calls to clients after hours from my home phone. If they have ACR I won't be able to reach them.
A: You can call the Operator to place the call for you, for a charge. Or, if you have another telephone line in your home that you use for a fax or computer you may want to use one of these lines to make outgoing calls to your clients. If for some reason the person attempts to call you back they will receive a fax answer, or no answer. Remember to unblock before calling if you have Complete Blocking on those lines.
Q: What if I'm expecting an emergency call and I'm not sure if the person has their number blocked? How can I make sure the call gets through?
A: This is the perfect example of a situation when it is great to be able to dial *87 (1187 on a rotary phone) to turn ACR "OFF". You can turn the feature back "ON" any time.
* Proposed pricing pending CPUC approval. Not available in some areas. Pending legislation may effect the availability of ACR to business customers.