Abstract: An intelligent method is disclosed for handling call redirection to an external service provider (ESP) for subsequent call processing. In one embodiment, a network database (30) is queried to determine whether the calling party station (5) has pre-selected an ESP for subsequent call processing. In the event that the calling party station has pre-selected an ESP, the call is automatically redirected to the pre-selected ESP; no caller input is required. If, however, the calling party station has not pre-selected an ESP, an announcement is played to the calling party offering a menu of available ESPs. To accept the offer, the caller must explicitly respond to the offer using, e.g., DTMF signaling. The call is then redirected on a per-call basis in accordance with the calling party's selection.

Abstract: A method for use in a communications system permitting a first party connected to a central platform to receive an out-of-band signal in response to predetermined trigger conditions. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, leaving a voice mail message results in an automatic page to the first party notifying him, or her, of the voice mail message from a second party. Similarly, the first party is notified of alert or alarm conditions and preprogrammed schedule changes through use of the out-of-band signal. Certain predetermined characters may be used to distinguish between the various types of out-of-band messages sent to the first party.

Abstract: A method is described for completing calls to wireless communications customers. A database is queried to determine whether to bill the calling party or the called party for communication charges (e.g., airtime charges) associated with the wireless communication service. When the query indicates that the calling party is to be billed for those communications charges, a telecommunications switch which received the call from the calling party is instructed to record information to be used in billing the calling party for the charges. At the same time, the wireless switch that normally would bill the called party for the charges is instructed to suppress billing of the called party for the charges. The billing instruction is sent to the wireless switch in a signaling message using a message parameter that is unaffected by intermediate (e.g., local exchange carrier) switches.

Abstract: ISDN access to a telecommunications network is provided to customers at different locations by sharing a D-channel controllers (DCC's) positioned within the network in close proximity to the ISDN-capable toll switches serving those customers. The customers provide call set up parameters to a DCC via a user interface system (UIS) at the customers premises that communicates via a dial-up data connection with a respective user support system (USS) connected to the DCC. The DCC in turn formulates ISDN signaling messages that are sent to the switch via a PRI interface and set up an appropriate communications path through the network to a desired destination. Data originating in customer premises equipment is received in the switch via a T1 access line operating in the "non-facility associated signalling" mode.

Abstract: A method of administering a sequence of locations to which calls placed to a subscriber's personal telephone number may be routed for personal communication service by a) storing pre-defined mnemonic audible tags for association with telephone numbers prior to any interactions with the subscriber, b) offering the subscriber a choice of the pre-defined mnemonic audible tags by speaking them to him, c) receiving an indication of the mnemonic audible tag selected by the subscriber, d) receiving signals indicating a telephone number supplied by the subscriber and e) storing the received telephone number information in association with the selected mnemonic audible tag. The mnemonic audible tags are then used in place of their respective associated telephone numbers in administering the sequence of locations. A mnemonic audible tag is a meaningful word indicative of the actual location, person, or service, e.g.

Abstract: ISDN access to a telecommunications network is provided to customers at different locations by sharing a D-channel controllers (DCC's) positioned within the network in close proximity to the ISDN-capable toll switches serving those customers. The customers provide call set up parameters to a DCC via a user interface system (UIS) at the customers premises that communicates via a dial-up data connection with a respective user support system (USS) connected to the DCC. The DCC in turn formulates ISDN signaling messages that are sent to the switch via a PRI interface and set up an appropriate communications path through the network to a desired destination. Data originating in customer premises equipment is received in the switch via a T1 access line operating in the "non-facility associated signalling" mode.

Abstract: A method for effecting bandwidth-on-demand, multiple digital channel connections between network subscribers, wherein each of a series of call requests from a given network subscriber to a given recipient establishes a connection via a restricted tandem switching arrangement. The switches within the network facilitating this method are each programmed to utilize inter-switch paths having essentially equivalent electrical delays when effecting connections for calls dialed by network subscribers designated as bandwidth-on-demand users, resulting the virtual elimination of inter-channel differential path delays.

Abstract: A subscriber can dynamically provision, i.e., assign desired characteristics to any "target station", which is an active phone accessible to a telecommunications network. A call thereafter originated from the target station (including a pay phone or a mobile phone) then can use customized features (for example, speed calling, conferencing, account code dialing) and take advantage of special corporate billing arrangements (for example, SDN, WATS and MEGACOM). The identity of the target station with respect to the communications network (e.g., the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) of the station) is not changed. Initially, a service profile is created and stored for each subscriber, containing information describing desired features and billing options.