“At the tone the time will be phone number 202” is an automated timekeeping service announcement used in telephone networks. When a caller hears this announcement, they know that they can hang up and dial the provided phone number, typically provided by the local telephone company, to obtain the correct time.
This service is beneficial as it provides a convenient and accurate way to obtain the current time, particularly in situations where a caller may not have a clock or watch readily available. Historically, this announcement was introduced in the early days of telephone networks, when timekeeping was less precise and reliable.