Picks and Pans Review: For Whom Bell Tolls Free: the 800 Numbers

UPDATED 05/18/1981 at 01:00 AM EDT Originally published 05/18/1981 at 01:00 AM EDT

Among the few remaining sources of something for nothing are the Bell System's toll-free 800 numbers. But the operators, understandably, object to being treated like a vocal version of the Yellow Pages, There is, however, a print equivalent, the Toil-Free Digest ($6.50, Box 800, Claverack, N.Y. 12513), which will let your fingers do the walking through the curious world of 800 numbers. An annual reference book published by Paul Montana, 69, a retired gasoline wholesaler in upstate New York, the Digest contains more than 25,000 listings in 638 categories. Holders of 800 numbers shift frequently, and Montana is now updating his listings for a new edition due in the late fall. In the meantime, a sample of current hot numbers is provided below. Each number listed is invalid in Alaska, Hawaii and the state in which the service is located. In these states, the Digest supplies the substitute numbers, provided they exist.

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