Any use for this thing today?

You could try a few of these things.

"IVR (Interactive Voice Response). If your modem support voice (most does, but not all) you can write an application that turns that modem as interactive anwering machine, like those you get when you call big companies support line.

Answering machine/Voice mail. If your modem support voice, you can write application that use the modem as asnwering machine and record voice of the caller.

SMS/Text sender. Some mobile provider used to provide service to send SMS/text through land line using special protocol (set of AT/Hayes command). Although this feature is becoming less popular, but maybe you are interested and check with your local providers.

Autocall specified number on scheduled time, just like one of your original idea.

Voice Reminder. It's like the previous autocall, but you get to play voice message when the receiver picks up the call"

Always remember that the faster and more advanced we get, the higher the risk something will fail. Keep it handy just in case you may have to fax (if you are to young to know what that is Google it) something. It is amazing how quickly you will miss it when current technology is down for a while. There are still tons of people that do not have broadband access and are actually in need of modems. Think broader, think global.....Good Luck