Abstract: In a virtual implementation, intelligent processing permits use of selectively switched connections and selective billing procedures to emulate a foreign exchange service. On outgoing foreign exchange calls, a local switching system detects a predetermined event, such as dialing of an access code, as a trigger. In response to this trigger, the local switching system queries a central database, and the central database instructs that switching system to route the call through a foreign exchange central office switching system using the customer's own foreign exchange number. The foreign exchange office queries the database in response to all calls using the foreign exchange number, i.e. both for incoming and outgoing calls. For an outgoing call, the database instructs the foreign exchange central office switching system to route the call to the dialed number destination and to record the foreign exchange number as the point of call origin for billing purposes.

Abstract: Telephone communications systems and methods are provided enabling subscribers to establish an easily changed plan for call completion, over an Advanced Intelligent Network to any of several alternative locations, of calls dialed to a single directory number. A call to the same directory number by an authorized caller can enable the caller immediately to update the call completion plan dependent on the caller's status. A distinctive ringing signal is applied on a per-call basis to calls completed under the call completion plan. The call completion plan is maintained as a part of a call processing record at an ISCP.

Abstract: In a telephone communications system an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform is used to complete or block incoming calls to a subscriber in accordance with a threshold stored in the ISCP call processing record (CPR). The CPR contains a table of information that is customized in accordance with the options selected by the subscriber or simply may contain a threshold number that is decremented each time a call is completed. Incoming calls subsequent to decrementation to zero may be blocked, may require payment by the caller, or may be billed at a different rate. Decrementation may take place simply at a rate of one unit per completed call or at different rates in dependence upon calling area codes or locations. The CPR table may include a list of directory numbers against which individual threshold settings may be applied, while a generic threshold may be set for all other callers.