The assistant she talked to was probably a dial tone.

When the box is on, you will not get a dial tone and thus cannot make calls.

The dial tone came from a third number in Denver.

It too was dead: he couldn't see a dial tone.

Then the phone went dead and the dial tone came on.

"The light still comes on even if there is no dial tone."

They continued to have a dial tone and could make calls within their community.

She'd pick up the phone and talk to the dial tone.

"The one on the night table has no dial tone."

And when he finally did, there was no dial tone.