The local dialing pattern beginning with the exchange '976' was established for local pay per call applications. As such, the range or calling area for the service is generally limited to the local free calling area or LATA. The service was established by various incumbent local telephone carriers in the 1980's, and some services still remain. On the west coast, the service is operated by Pacific Telephone as a 'local 900 service'. The service is only offered within the sate of California, to California callers, and subject to the same rules as '976'.

In the mid-west, SBC (formerly Ameritech) offers 976 services in Chicago and Detroit.

On the east coast, Verizon operates '976' in a variety of markets. In New York city, Verizon quit the market and '976' transport and billing are operated by private parties.

In the Mid-Atlantic area , Verizon has received permission for the Public Services Commission to cease taking new customers after October 18, 2004. Verizon plans to close 976 operations in Washington, DC and baltimore, MD in June 2005, and in Philadelphia, PA and Pittsburgh, PA in 2006.