This communication method involves conveying textual information orally, typically spelling out words or phrases during a telephone conversation. For example, providing a customer with a complex serial number or a unique code may necessitate spelling the information character by character to ensure accuracy.
This practice is crucial when written documents are unavailable, or immediate clarification is required. It minimizes errors in information transfer, especially when dealing with technical terms, proper nouns, or any data susceptible to misinterpretation due to auditory ambiguity. Historically, it served as a primary means of relaying information prior to widespread adoption of technologies like email or fax machines.