Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing a caller with information about a called party. In one preferred embodiment, the information includes information concerning the charges to be incurred in making a call to the called party. Advantageously, in an environment wherein number portability allows a call which previously was a local call, to become a toll call because the called party has made a geographic move, without changing the called party's telephone number. For wireless service, in those cases in which the caller pays at least a part of the charges, and the charges for a call to a roamer are different if the roamer is locally found than if the roamer is remotely located, this service allows a caller to decide on whether to complete a call, and if the decision is made to complete a call, on what length call to aim for.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes the first subscriber served by one type of telecommunication switch and a second subscriber served by a different type of telecommunication switch. A group affiliation parameter which defines an organization of which the first subscriber is a member is included in a call setup message. Upon receiving the call setup message at a telecommunication switch associated with a called second subscriber, a determination is made of whether the first and second subscribers are members of the same organization. Upon determining that the first and second subscribers are members of the same organization, call handling parameters associated with the first organization are used to process the call request to allow common control of such calls even though the first and second subscribers are associated with different types of telecommunications equipment.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes a first local exchange carrier (LEC) switch that provides service to first subscribers. A first signal from the first switch is received at a second telecommunication switch disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. The first signal indicates to the second switch that call origination services are to be provided directly by the second switch for one of the first subscribers. A second signal is received at the second switch via the first switch indicative of the identification of the one first subscriber. A record in a database coupled to the second switch is located in response to receiving the second signal. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the one first subscriber is a member. The second switch transmits a call setup message to a third switch associated with the second subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunication network serves first subscribers by a first Centrex telephone exchange (CTX) via a first telecommunication switch. A first signal is received at the first switch from the first CTX which indicates that call origination services are to be provided directly by a second public network switch for a first subscriber. The second switch is disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. A second signal is received at the second switch from the first CTX indicative of the identity of the first subscriber. A record is located in a database coupled to the second switch based on the identification of the first subscriber. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the first subscriber is a member.

Abstract: A telecommunication network supports subscribers and recognizes a request for call origination by a calling party on an associated communication line. A first record in a database is located based on the identification of the calling party's line. A first set of predetermined features is determined based on information contained in the first record. A personal identification number of the calling party is received. A second record in a database is located based upon the PIN; the second record is independent from the first record. A second set of predetermined features is determined based upon information contained in the second record. The set of features made available to the calling party is determined based on a consideration of the total set of call features in the first and second sets of features.

Abstract: A telecommunication network has first and second subscribers connected to first and second telecommunication switches, respectively. A third switch is disposed at a hierarchical level above the second switch and receives a call setup message. The call setup message includes a first group affiliation parameter defining one organization of which the first subscriber is a member and a destination number of the second subscriber called by the first subscriber. A record in a database coupled to the third switch is located in response to receiving the call setup message. The located record is based on the destination number contained in the call setup message. A call screening parameter stored in the record is also identified. A determination is made of whether the call will be allowed to terminate to the second subscriber based on a comparison of the call screening parameter and the first group affiliation parameter. Thus, call screening is based on the membership of the first subscriber in an organization.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes first subscribers supported by a first local telecommunication switch. A first signal is received from the first switch at a second telecommunication switch disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. The first signal indicates to the second switch that features based on organizational affiliation of the calling party are to be provided. A second signal is received at the second switch from the first switch indicative of the identification of the calling party. A record in a database coupled to the second switch is located in response to receiving the second signal; the location of the record being based on the identification of the calling party. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the calling party is a member. The second switch transmits a call setup message to a third switch associated with a called party.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes first subscribers served by a first independent PBX supported by a first telecommunication switch. The first switch receives a first signal from the first PBX indicating that call origination services for a first subscriber are to be provided directly by a second switch disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. A second signal received by the second switch identifies the first subscriber. A record is located in a database coupled to the second switch based upon the identification of the calling subscriber. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the one first subscriber is a member. The second switch transmits a call setup message to a third switch associated with the second subscriber; the call setup message includes the group affiliation parameter so that the first subscriber's membership in the one organization can be used in further call processing.