Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers, the methods and systems including receiving a selection by a first party of a first code, wherein the first code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length, and receiving a selection by a second party of a second code, wherein the second code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length, and wherein the second code is different in length than the first code. The methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers also including storing the first code in association with a first telephone number and storing the second code in association with a second telephone number. The methods and systems for providing rapid telephone call capability to a plurality of callers further including receiving a dialed code from a caller, wherein the dialed code is between two (2) and seven (7) characters in length.

Abstract: A method, such as a method for doing business, is provided. The method includes providing telecommunications dialing features such as, for example, call return, call waiting and speed dialing, for commercial classes of telephone service. The method may include providing the telecommunications dialing features for commercial classes of telephone service on dedicated phone lines, such as a T-1 circuit. The method may also include charging a customer for providing the telecommunications dialing features for commercial classes of dedicated telephone service. According to one embodiment, the method includes charging the customer a fee on a periodic basis for the dialing features.

Abstract: A method, such as a method for doing business. The method includes providing telecommunications dialing features for commercial classes of telephone service. The method may include providing the telecommunications dialing features for commercial classes of telephone service on dedicated phone lines, such as a T-1 circuit. The method may also include charging a customer for providing the telecommunications dialing features for commercial classes of dedicated telephone service. According to one embodiment, the method includes charging the customer a fee on a periodic basis for the dialing features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls that receives a call, identifies the subscriber, determines the preferred call carrier, and routes the call to a line connected to the preferred call carrier, all before the call enters the region between local access transport areas. The invention comprises a digital cross-connect system, a computer with a database connected to the digital cross-connect system, and a service management system connected to the computer. The service management system programs the computer with routing information that corresponds to the subscriber's calling plan. The digital cross-connect system receives calls and sends them to the computer. The computer identifies the call information and uses a routing table to determine the correct call carrier for the call. The computer sends the call with routing information back to the digital cross-connect system where the call is routed to the appropriate local or interexchange carrier, e.g., a local network or long distance carrier.