Touch-tone technology, also known as DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency), refers to the use of keypad buttons to send unique audible tones to communicate with telecommunication networks. There are several synonyms for touch-tone, including digital dialing, push-button dialing, key-tone dialing, keypad dialing, and Tone Dial. While rotary dial phones were traditionally used to make phone calls, touch-tone technology makes it faster and more convenient to dial numbers, access voice mailboxes, and navigate automated phone menus. Touch-tone phones have been in use since the 1960s and have become the standard for most phone systems today. With its quick and reliable response, touch-tone technology has become an essential part of modern communication.