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November 21, 2008 4:55:28 AM CST

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AT&T Stops Time (of Day)

Posted Aug 29, 07 6:39 PM CDT in US,  Technology,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Californians are saying goodbye to a more genteel era, a time when they used to set clocks by calling in to AT&T for the correct hour. Cell phones and computers have made the service outdated, the company says. “Times change,” says a spokesman. “There are just too many other ways to get this information.” This leaves Nevada as the last state in the Union to offer the old-fashioned service.

An ex-big band singer named Jane Barbe became the voice of AT&T in the '70s and '80s, telling the time to about 40 million people a day by analog tape. She died in 2003, but her rendition of "I'm sorry, the number you have dialed is no longer in service" would be perfect when the phone company cuts its time service next month, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Source Los Angeles Times

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"Times change," said John Britton, AT&T spokesman. "In today's world, there are just too many other ways to get this information. You can look at your cellphone or your computer. You no longer have to...   (shutterstock.com)
Due to the proliferation of digital clocks in home and portable electronics, 48 states before California have already discontinued the traditional service.   (Index Open)
For many, it marks the end of an era. "It was always there," said Orlo Brown, 70, who operated Pacific Bell's time keeping machines for many years.   (Shutterstock.com)
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