The signal that the telephone receiver has been lifted (activated) Originating off hook activates a dial tone on switched networks Destination off hook completes a call (and activates minute-by-minute billing for long distance calls)
The condition that results when a hookswitch operates (closes) to provide access to the circuit The state that your telephone is in when you pick it up In non-computer life, it usually means when the telephone connection is accidentally disconnected, such as "Someone must have left the phone off the hook " A modem that takes the phone "off hook" is taking control of the phone line, and it will usually then dial a phone number for you When a telephone line is "off hook," you are not able to receive calls from other people, unless you have call waiting See also on hook