Cellphone lack Crossword Clue

A warm welcome to all crossword lovers!
Its time to solve "Cellphone lack" crossword clue for today's "L.A. Times Daily" daily crossword.

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

Today’s clue “Cellphone lack” hints at a common experience when using older analog telephones: the absence of sound or "_____" when there is no ongoing conversation or call. The answer for this clue is "DIALTONE". Here's why this answer perfectly fits the clue:

1. Cellphone Connection: Before making a call on a landline or analog phone, you would need to hear the dial tone indicating that the phone is functioning and ready for your input. This connection is essential to initiate a call, hence the term "cellphone lack" in the clue.
2. Communication Signal: The dial tone is a signaling tone sent by the telephone exchange to indicate that the system is ready to accept dialed digits. It serves as a prompt for the user to start dialing the number they wish to call.
3. Auditory Cue: In the absence of a dial tone, users might assume their phone is not properly connected or has an issue, highlighting the significance of the dial tone as an audible feedback mechanism.

Given these points, "DIALTONE" is a fitting answer to the clue "Cellphone lack", as it encapsulates the absence of a vital auditory signal necessary for initiating calls on a telephone system.

 The Crossword clue "Cellphone lack" published 2 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
L.A. Times Daily	14 March 2025	DIALTONE
Wall Street Journal	3 October 2020	DIALTONE