Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: All calls terminating to a customer's directory number are intercepted. If caller identification information can be presented, the call is forwarded to a service node for disposition. The service node reconfigures signaling information of the call so that the call is not intercepted, then forwards the call to the subscriber's telephone. When the call is answered, the service node states the name or telephone number of the calling party which has been retrieved from the signaling information. The caller can decide whether to take the call, deny the call, send the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message or other disposition option.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) for providing audible caller information to telephone service subscribers is presented. The system (10) includes a pre-processor (28) that converts textual caller information from a first data format to a second data format suitable for text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). The pre-processor (28) can be incorporated in a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP) (24) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In this configuration, the pre-processor (28) can be used to convert caller-ID with name database entries into a predetermined TTS format. The TTS formatted information can be provided to a TTS synthesized (30) included in the SN/IP (24). In conjunction with a switching service point (SSP) (20), the pre-processor (28) can provide a talking call-waiting feature to subscribers with significantly improved intelligibility.

Abstract: A subscriber implements and accesses telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The subscriber can create preferences for calls placed to operator assistance.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided. A calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. The announcement may be tailored by changing the language of the announcement, for example, to conform to the majority of calls received by the called party. A special designator may be stored in association with account information when the service is ordered. The designator is read before the announcement is played to the calling party. The audible caller identification information is recorded and played to the called party in a message. The message may be tailored by changing the language or format of the announcement.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a subscriber having a first telephone number that is out-of-service comprises providing a database that is accessible at least through a second telephone number, and allowing the subscriber to access the database to post a message. The message is made available to an interested party. A system for a subscriber to communicate with an interested party is also provided.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (600) distributes text-to-speech synthesis (900) between a telephone network (603) and a telephone subscriber unit (602). The telephone network (603) receives (1102) a telephone call from a first telephone subscriber unit (601) over a first communication channel (604) intended for a second telephone subscriber unit (602), determines (1103) that the second telephone subscriber unit (602) subscribes to a speech-based caller identification service provided by the telephone network (603), converts (1107) text information (707), representing the caller identification of the first telephone subscriber unit (601) into symbols (708), encodes (1108) the symbols (708) to form a data stream (709), opens (1109) a second communication channel (605) between the telephone network (603) and the second telephone subscriber unit (602), and sends (1110) the data stream (709) to the second telephone subscriber unit (602) over the second communication channel (605).

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) for providing audible caller information to telephone service subscribers is presented. The system (10) includes a pre-processor (28) that converts textual caller information from a first data format to a second data format suitable for text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). The pre-processor (28) can be incorporated in a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP) (24) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In this configuration, the pre-processor (28) can be used to convert caller-ID with name database entries into a predetermined TTS format. The TTS formatted information can be provided to a TTS synthesized (30) included in the SN/IP (24). In conjunction with a switching service point (SSP) (20), the pre-processor (28) can provide a talking call-waiting feature to subscribers with significantly improved intelligibility.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing computer readable program code, the code configured to provide caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.

Abstract: A system and method for emergency telephone call notification. The system includes an AIN capable switch, a service control point (SCP) having a database of designated contact numbers associated with a service subscriber telephone number, and an intelligent peripheral (IP) in communication with the SCP for contacting the designated contact numbers. The method includes the steps of recognizing an N11 trigger and the SCP initiating telephone calls, via the IP, to each of the contact numbers corresponding to the telephone number of the subscriber making the emergency telephone call.

Abstract: A system and method for emergency telephone call notification. The system includes an AIN capable switch, a service control point (SCP) having a database of designated contact numbers associated with a service subscriber telephone number, and an intelligent peripheral (IP) in communication with the SCP for contacting the designated contact numbers. The method includes the steps of recognizing an N11 trigger and the SCP initiating telephone calls, via the IP, to each of the contact numbers corresponding to the telephone number of the subscriber making the emergency telephone call.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) for providing audible caller information to telephone service subscribers is presented. The system (10) includes a pre-processor (28) that converts textual caller information from a first data format to a second data format suitable for text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). The pre-processor (28) can be incorporated in a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP) (24) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In this configuration, the pre-processor (28) can be used to convert caller-ID with name database entries into a predetermined TTS format. The TTS formatted information can be provided to a TTS synthesized (30) included in the SN/IP (24). In conjunction with a switching service point (SSP) (20), the pre-processor (28) can provide a talking call-waiting feature to subscribers with significantly improved intelligibility.