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Call Waiting

Call Waiting (Catch-Hon, NTT's registered trademark) lets users hold a current call and answer a new incoming call. On NTT landlines (330 yen/month), a "beep-beep" interruption tone signals a waiting call, switchable via the hook button. Mobile phones offer it as "call interruption."

Without Call Waiting, callers during active calls hear a busy tone. For businesses risking missed important calls, it was long essential. Mobile phones provide it as standard or optional.

Operation: press the hook/catch button when the interruption tone sounds to answer the new call; press again to return to the original. Alternating between three parties is also possible.

Smartphone SMS and messaging apps now enable contact during calls, reducing Call Waiting's importance. VoIP services often include call notification as a built-in feature without separate subscription. See business phone guide for details.

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Related Terms

Call Transfer

A service that automatically forwards incoming calls to another number, useful when away or unavailable.

PBX (Private Branch Exchange)

A telephone exchange system that manages and controls phone lines within an organization.

Landline Phone

A telephone connected to a line installed at a fixed location. The area code identifies the geographic region.

VoIP

A general term for technology that enables voice calls over internet connections.

Basic Charge

A fixed monthly fee for maintaining a phone line, charged regardless of whether calls are made.

Three-Way Calling

A phone service enabling three people to talk simultaneously, used for business conference calls and family consultations.

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