I generally don't believe in hassling management too much but in this case it seems necessary. What are the other assignments people are working on? Can you ask for something like others are doing (be specific)? Present it like "I am good at doing X type work and would like to spend my time when I don't have calls working on that so I can be more productive. I am willing and eager to learn".

Boredom is a real killer. I feel your pain. (((maymie)))