Operator

The Operator is the automated voice system that agents interact with when calling the Payphone Tag number from a Telstra public payphone. It is the primary interface between the game's backend and the physical payphone network, and handles all authentication, capture registration, and announcement of results during a call.

Role during a capture

When an agent dials 07 5623 8255 (07 LOAD TALK) from a Telstra payphone, the call is answered by the Operator. The following sequence typically occurs:

1. The Operator greets the caller and asks them to enter their five-digit PIN.
2. The agent uses the payphone keypad to enter their PIN, which is transmitted as DTMF tones.
3. The Operator validates the PIN against the agent database. If valid, it registers the capture, assigning the payphone to the agent's account.
4. The Operator announces the agent's current rank on the leaderboard.
5. The call ends.

If the PIN is not recognised, the Operator will indicate that the entry was not valid, saying "I'm sorry, that is not a valid extension" and then prompt the agent for their PIN again. The prompt can be repeated twice before the call is disconnected.

Rejection of non-Telstra calls

If a player calls the Payphone Tag number from a phone that is not a Telstra public payphone, such as a mobile, a home landline, a private payphone, or a payphone operated by another company, the Operator will not prompt for a PIN. Instead, the caller will hear the message "your call could not be completed as dialled" and the call will be ended. This is how the game enforces the requirement to physically be at a Telstra public payphone in order to capture it. This error also happens for Telstra public payphones that have their caller ID masked.

Audio not required

Although the Operator speaks during the call, audio is not strictly required to complete a capture. Once a call connects successfully, the payphone's screen changes to display FREE CALL. An agent who cannot hear the Operator, for example due to a damaged handset or a noisy environment, can watch for this screen change and then immediately enter their PIN without waiting for the audible prompt. The capture will be registered normally. Agents can then verify the result by checking the payphone's map pin on the game site or app.

TTY mode

If a TTY-capable payphone is captured, the Operator will attempt to transmit TTY codes after completing her usual login announcement. This activates the TTY keyboard on the payphone, allowing the agent to type a message that will be posted to the #tty channel of the Payphone Tag Discord. Agents can also force TTY mode on any payphone by entering * after their PIN and then playing an ITA2-encoded audio file through the receiver.

Voice

The Operator speaks with a female voice.

See also

• PIN
• DTMF
• Gameplay
• Telstra Smart Payphone
• Discord Server