Speed calling service allows
telephone subscribers to assign one or two digit speed calling codes, by dialing a change speed calling list access code, a
feature code, and a new
telephone number. Thereafter, the subscribers need only use the assigned speed code to reach the desired party rather than dial the long phone number. This service became commonplace in the 1970s with the spread of
Stored Program Control exchanges capable of implementing the required databases. It remains useful in installations of many extensions where programming each telephone set would be arduous. Speed calling subscriptions have largely been replaced by the introduction of telephone handsets which incorporate a local version of speed dial.