Abstract: The present invention provides an alert to a user after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed for a particular communication. The timing for the alert may be set by the user at the beginning of each call, or may be automatically configured during the initiation of a call or communication. Control of the alert and the respective timing preferably occurs at a local call control center, such as a central office switch in the public telephone system, or a mobile switching center in a wireless system. For voice communications, the alert is preferably audible. Alternatively, for data communications, the alert is configured to effect an audible, visual, or otherwise perceptible alert on the user's interface.