Abstract: A method of recognizing a call failure related problem occurring at an egress network of a telephone system wherein information relating to call failures occurring at the egress network is provided by an out-of-band signaling system. The method includes determining a tolerable call failure rate, calculating a threshold based on the tolerable call failure rate using a standard deviation, calculating a measured call failure rate at the egress network, and comparing the measured call failure rate to the threshold and recognizing the measured call failure rate exceeds the threshold. In addition, a system for recognizing a call failure related problem occurring at an egress network is described.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a two-way voice path to permit access to call prompter/voice prompter services regardless of the internal system protocols. The system includes a switch for receiving an initial address. The switch including the ability to transmit a query to a control point including subscriber services, wherein the control point including is able to instruct the switch to open a two-way voice path for user-network interaction. The switch is able to open a two-way voice path after receiving instructions from the control point.

Abstract: A telecommunications method is disclosed for processing calling party information so that an "800" or toll-free telephone number or a value-added service telephone number made up of a special service code followed by 7 digits indicating an ultimate destination for the call can be directly provided by a foreign telecommunication administration and processed by a domestic telecommunication administration without the need for the originating foreign telecommunication administration to pass a country identifier or other carrier specific information as part of the dialed number. Additionally, the method provides for a blocking condition which allows calls from certain foreign locations to the dialed number to be blocked.