Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing wireless intelligent network services to mobile stations currently being served by a mobile switching center (S-MSC) that is not wireless intelligent network capable. The call is routed through a wireless intelligent network capable MSC (O-MSC). When the O-MSC receives the call, it requests instructions from a service control point (SCP) which provides a list of triggers for call states requiring further SCP instructions. Advantageously, this arrangement avoids the use of a double connection, using a loop-around trunk, in the O-MSC, as is required in the prior art.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: In an Intelligent Network, a Service Interaction Media (SIM) device comprising a call handler and a plurality of service code tables manages multiple and simultaneous communications between a service input node such as a Service switching Point (SSP) and at least one network element. The service code tables contain decision information and lists of service interaction scenarios to enable the call handler to manage queries and sessions with network elements. An incoming query is presented from the switch to the SIM through the call handler and the SIM derives a service code based on query information to apply appropriate features and services to the query.

Abstract: A private wireless network is able to provide wireless telecommunication services to subscriber mobile stations that also subscribe to a public wireless network. The private wireless network includes a private base transceiver station (BTS), a private mobile switching center (MSC), and a gateway service control point (SCP). The private BTS provides a private network wireless coverage area within which the mobile station can communicate with the base transceiver station over an air interface. The gateway SCP has a private network database containing private network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A private network data record includes a private network service profile and a private network locator address. The public wireless network has a home location register (HLR) with a public network database containing public network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A public network data record includes a public network service profile and a public network locator address.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide landline access to a wireless network. A system includes a landline communications network, and a multiline hunt group coupled to the landline communications network. The multilane hunt group includes one or more dedicated ports, which are coupled to the wireless network. The landline communications network may be coupled to a landline communications device and configured to receive a wireless network landline access number from the landline communications device. The landline communications network may also send a calling number associated with the landline communications device to a service control point as part of a query and receive a multiline hunt group access number from the service control point.

Abstract: AIN based methods and apparatus for authenticating and authorizing people to register information corresponding to a telephone number, e.g., in an ENUM database, are described. The methods of the invention may be used to authenticate a party seeking to register telephone number related information with ENUM. A trigger is set on an ENUM registration line. Calls to the ENUM registration line activate the trigger causing LIDB information corresponding to the calling party number to be retrieved. The retrieved information, e.g., name, address and/or phone number is supplied to an ENUM registration service which returns a password to be used when updating or supplying ENUM registration information corresponding to the phone number from which the registration call is placed at some future time, e.g., via the Internet. Assigned ENUM passwords can be obtained when forgotten by placing a call to the registration service from the registered or associated phone number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing services in a telecommunications network comprising at least a service switching unit able to access a service control plane comprising at least a service specific unit supporting services and at least a service infrastructure manager, a service being univocally determined by a service identification. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: triggering the service switching unit to request a service; sending a service request message from the service switching unit to the infrastructure manager comprising a service identification, identifying at the infrastructure manager, by means of the service identification, a service specific unit supporting the service; establishing a direct dialog between the service switching unit and the service specific unit.

Abstract: A PSTN service control point including multiple subsystems, a memory storing inbound SS7 messages and a SS7 module which internally routes outbound messages directed to the same point code. On receipt of an inbound SS7 message, a SS7 controller stores the complete message in the memory. The SS7 module routes the message to a first subsystem which processes the message and adds new information to the stored message in memory. If the first subsystem needs to collaborate with a second subsystem, it routes the SS7 message through the SS7 module which checks the outgoing message point code. If the destination point code matches the first subsystem point code, the SS7 module treats the message as an inbound message and routes it internally to the second subsystem.

Abstract: A network element for routing a calling name (CNAM) query message through a communications network includes a communication module capable of receiving a CNAM query message from and transmitting the CNAM query message to a communications network. A CNAM query routing information database stores CNAM query routing information for at least one CNAM database. A CNAM query routing address translation process performs a lookup in the CNAM query routing information database based on information contained in the query message and determines whether to route the query message to a national CNAM database based on results from the database lookup.

Abstract: AIN based call routing, transfer and conferencing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In various embodiments initial call routing is based on the availability of a party to service a call as determined from a computer system associated with the party selected to service the call. The party's computer system supports a telephone application programming interface (TAPI) which allows a telephone network server to determine the availability of the party selected to service the call from, in part, TAPI obtained telephone line status information. The network server supplies call related data to the computer system of the party assigned to service the call. Call transfer and conferencing operations along with the transfer of call related data are also supported. AIN mid-call triggers are used in some embodiments to support call transfer and conferencing operations.

Abstract: A system and method of accessing services from end terminals disposed in an integrated telecommunications network having a packet-switched network (PSN) portion such as, for example, a network portion using the Internet Protocol (IP) and a circuit-switched network (CSN) portion such as, for example, a wireless telephony network portion. A generalized service invocation and realization architecture includes one or more call control modules modified to include service-related Detection Points (DPs), a Service Access component or instance that is created when a new DP is encountered, and one or several service proxies which invoke services on behalf of the Service Access component and mediate between the call control modules and services. A common Service Logic Environment is implemented for local services, mobile agent services, and remote services. The PSN portion is preferably realized as a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) network having a gateway connected to the CSN portion.

Abstract: A calling party calls a called party and leaves a message on a voice messaging system after receiving a busy status if the calling party is willing to pay to leave a message and if the calling party has given permission to send messages. The calling party is connected with the voice messaging system responsive to a trigger in the telephone system. The voice messaging system receives and stores the message for future retrieval by the called party. The called party can then dial the messaging system to play the message. However, the called party does not establish the voice messaging system for his associated number, rather the calling party provides permission to send the message. An indicator may be provided to the called party alerting the called party to the waiting message. The called party then dials the voice messaging system and retrieves the stored message. Prompts may be provided to the calling party for message options.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using Local Number Portability (LNP) and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks as virtual loop-around trunks. Present invention LNP structures and processes redirect calls to avoid the creation of loop-around trunks from calls generated in the local exchange carrier (LEC) requiring services such as prepaid caller and calling party pays. A virtual trunk switch is created using a Switch Control Point (SCP). Telephone numbers requiring special services are ported and stored in a LNP database. Numbers requiring special services are flagged with a LRN that identifies a special service switch which is either an SSP or an SCP. The LRN initiates communication between the local exchange switch and the special service switch. Once engaged, the special service switch protocols create the trunk links. By monitoring these trunk links, the special service switch is able to monitor the in-band communications, and so provide the special services.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprising a service control point having call redirection logic and speed dial translation logic and a switching system connected to the service control point. The service control point is configured to receive a first message and process the first message to generate a second message containing first call handling information for a call, receive a third message that includes a first speed dial number and process the third message to generate a fourth message with second call handling information for the call. The switching system is configured to transmit the first message and the third message for the SCP and receive the second message and the fourth message from the SCP.

Abstract: A short message gateway may include signal transfer point (STP) functionality, mobile originating short message service center (SMSC) functionality, and short message delivery point-to-point (SMPP) gateway functionality. The short message gateway may receive an SS7 message including a short message payload. The short message gateway may formulate an SMPP message including the short message payload and access one or more internal address resolution and/or number portability databases to determine the destination address for the SMPP message. The short message gateway may then forward the SMPP message to its destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a billing system for billing for services provided by a service provider and/or for transmissions of service data via a terminal used by a subscriber using a communication network, where the service provider is arranged outside the communication network, and the billing system accesses subscriber profile data stored in a home location register in the communication network. Access to the subscriber profile data is followed by use thereof to ascertain the TCP/IP address of an account server which manages an electronic credit belonging to the subscriber. The invention also shows a billing system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An intelligent network service control point, which is connected with a plurality of switching systems in a transport layer network over a common channel signaling network and with an Internet protocol network through a service control gateway, stores information for indicating that a first terminal is being connected to the Internet in a user information management table when the service control point receives a call waiting service request from the first terminal connected with the transport layer network. When one of said switching systems notifies that the first terminal is called from a second terminal, the service control point sends an incoming notification message to the first terminal through the gateway by referring the user information management table.

Abstract: A method for displaying information includes identifying computer-readable service code at a service site, which code, when read by a client computer via a network, causes the computer to display at least one service page containing service information. At least a portion of the service-code is selected for inclusion in a service component containing at least a portion of the service information that corresponds to the selected code. A pointer is generated, indicating a location at which the service component is accessible, for inclusion of the pointer in host code accessible to the client computer from a host site, which is separate from the service site and is accessible via the network, the host code, when read by the client computer, causing the computer to display a host page containing host information. An invocation of the pointer by the client computer is received at the location when the client computer accesses the host page.

Abstract: AIN based methods and apparatus for transitioning telephone numbers and customers from the PSTN to a VOIP network are described. AIN line number portability features are used to allow a few gateway switches that interconnect the PSTN and VOIP networks to service customers whose telephone numbers were originally serviced by several remote PSTN switches. AIN LNP triggers are used to forward PSTN calls, directed to the PSTN switch previously used to service a telephone number, to the gateway switch assigned to route such calls to the IP network. AIN triggers set at the gateway switch insure that the subscriber with the ported telephone number continues to receive AIN services provided before the telephone number was ported to the IP network. Calls from ported telephone numbers to telephones in the PSTN are billed from PSTN switches through the use of AIN functionality and triggers set at the gateway switch.

Abstract: A calling party calls a called party and leaves a message on a voice messaging system after receiving a no-answer status if the calling party is willing to pay to leave a message and if the calling party has given permission to send messages. The calling party is connected with the voice messaging system responsive to a trigger in the telephone system. The voice messaging system receives and stores the message for future retrieval by the called party. The called party can then dial the messaging system to play the message. However, the called party does not establish the voice messaging system for his associated number, rather the calling party provides permission to send the message. An indicator may be provided to the called party alerting the called party to the waiting message. The called party then dials the voice messaging system and retrieves the stored message. Prompts may be provided to the calling party for message options.

Abstract: According to the present invention, intelligent call routing and call return capabilities are provided in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) or AIN-type network environment. The intelligent call routing features of the present invention may be utilized for routing service calls to an appropriate service or control center (e.g., a Poison Control Answering Point (PCAP)), in accordance with the location of the calling party and one or more routing options. For example, the Number Plan Area (NPA) and Central Office Code (NXX) of the calling party's telephone number may be analyzed in order to determine where to route the call. In addition, other routing features may be provided to facilitate handling of the call. For instance, calls may be routed according to the time-of-day and/or day-of-week, and recorded announcements may be provided to indicate when a particular service call cannot be completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently utilizing resources in a switched telephone network by providing call treatment at the closest available resource to the calling party preventing holding up network connection through to the terminating location if resources are not available at call termination equipment to handle a call. The selected calls are locally parked pending the availability of service termination resources to handle the call. The availability of service resources at the termination is determined before a selected call is extended through the network. Advantageously while the call is parked call treatment discrimination can be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating a first number (e.g., a number dialed by a telephone subscriber) to a second number (referred to as a routing number) is disclosed. An example of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes two broad functional components: 1) tables of translation information stored within a database and 2) application software. Upon receiving a query requesting the translation of a dialed number to a routing number, the application software uses information within the received query to query the tables of translation information in order to find the correct routing number. The routing number is then sent to the requester.

Abstract: An intelligent network comprising service switching points (2) and at least one service control point (1), whereby for one or more call state models there are two or more service logic programs located at the service control point (1), the intelligent network being arranged to direct the call state model to a certain detection point or call phase in response to an operation sent by the intelligent network service, wherein at the service switching point at least one operation is defined, for the execution of which the service switching point can select from two or more alternative routes or detection points to which the service switching point can direct the call state model whereby the service control function is arranged to indicate the route or detection point to which the service switching point is to direct the call state model in connection with said sending of an operation.

Abstract: A system configured to deliver wireline messages to terminating stations, such as telephones, using a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN). The wireline messages may be composed of text, ring tones, or other items. The wireline messages may be created using modified conventional telephones, mobile telephones, personal computers and the like. The wireline messages are stored within a wireline message database associated with a conventional service control point (SCP) contained in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The wireline messages are delivered to a terminating station, such as a wireline telephone, after a trigger has been actuated. Wireline messages composed of text are displayed on a display screen incorporated within the terminating station or electrically coupled to the terminating station. Wireline messages composed of ring tones are played to alert a called party that an incoming call has been placed from a particular directory number.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, a switching center, a converting node, and a service control point for the transmission of service signaling messages, with service signaling messages being transmitted in sequences through a signaling network between switching centers (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW6). The service signaling messages are each directed from an originating switching center to a destination switching center using a destination code and a converting node (CP) if necessary determines a ported subscriber code assigned to the subscriber code. It is proposed that the originating switching center determine a ported subscriber code and enter it into the those signaling messages as destination code which the originating switching center sends within a sequence of signaling messages following a first signaling message.

Abstract: Using intelligent network processing, call notification allows a subscriber to determine the name and telephone number of one or more numbers of recent parties to call the subscriber. An incoming call to the subscriber's number activates a terminating attempt type trigger in the central office serving the subscriber. The trigger causes communication between that office and a service control point (SCP). Under instructions from the SCP, the central office indicates a disposition event regarding the call, e.g., whether the line was busy or there was no answer. If the subscriber's line is busy or does not answer, the SCP records at least the telephone number of the caller and the time and date of the call. Later, the subscriber dials a feature code, and the SCP instructs the central office to route the call to an intelligent peripheral (IP).

Abstract: A network transfer system for transferring a voice call and data between two or more call centers linked by independent voice and data networks is disclosed. The system effects the transfer of the voice call over the voice network without requiring additional information to be transferred with the call. A network transfer module receives a request from the sending call center and directs the sending call center to connect the call to a specific address in a receiving call center. The network transfer module transfers the data to the call receptor in the receiving call center where it is associated with the address to which the call has been directed. The call receptor at the receiving call center assigns a time acceptance window to each call being sent so that data association with wrong numbers is minimized and the capability for queuing multiple calls at a singe address is established.

Abstract: A telecommunications system determines a routing preference of a telecommunications service provider for a telephone call from a calling party to a called party. A switch in the telecommunications system includes a signal generator that generates a signal in response to receiving the telephone call. The signal includes a service variable and a telecommunications service provider identifier. The service variable indicates a subscription-type for a telephone number associated with the calling party or the called party. The signal is used to determine the routing preference at a service control point in the telecommunications system. The service control point receives the signal from the switch and determines the routing preference. The routing preference is forwarded to the switch. The switch receives the routing preference and routes the telephone call according to the routing preference.

Abstract: A traffic control method for intelligent network services is disclosed. When an overload state is detected, a service control point (SCP) requests a call gapping operation by transmitting a call gapping message containing a gapping information to a service switching point (SSP), the SSP executing the call gapping operation for controlling an intelligent network call to arrive only at the SCP that has requested the call gapping message by distinguishing between different physical nodes of each SCP.

Abstract: An enhancement to AIN fault handling that allows SSP triggers to access an alternative treatment application when fault handling is invoked. If an alternative treatment application is referenced in the BCM fault handling attribute, then the application is called when AIN fault handling is invoked. If the alternative treatment application is not successful in completing the service function, then one of the traditional fault handling options is applied, (i.e., routing to a specific directory number, voice announcement then terminate call, continue, or final treatment). The present invention allows a last attempt at completing the service function by the alternative treatment application after fault handling is called, but before default handling or final treatment is invoked.

Abstract: A method for enabling user interaction between a user terminal, at least one service switching point and at least one service control point in an intelligent network. An operator position comprising a computer terminal is coupled to the service control point and a telephone terminal is coupled to the service switching point. If the service control point requires input data for executing a service, it sends a request to the operator position, where the operator is prompted to request the necessary information from the user that invoked the service. The service switching point establishes a connection between the user's terminal and the operator position telephone terminal. The operator handles the user interaction between the service control point and the user terminal via the operator computer terminal and the operator telephone terminal. Once the necessary information has been obtained, the operator sends the user information to the service control point.

Abstract: A bookmark system and method automatically stores a subaddress associated with a particular user and location within a presently connected server. The subaddress preferably indicates a location where the user exited the server. This bookmark system and method seamlessly places the user back to this subaddress within the server when the user reconnects to the server. The bookmark system and method is preferably configured to operate within an Intelligent Network service. By utilizing the bookmark system and method, the user is able to move from server to server and automatically return to a subaddress where the user previously exited the server. Further, the bookmark system and method does not require a call to be routed through a prior server in order for the user to return to the subaddress where the user previously exited the prior server.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and processing armed triggers associated with specific call functions in an intelligent network, using a distributed intelligent network triggering architecture. The complex trigger profile is removed from call processing at the service switching point to a trigger processing server, so that a much simplified and reduced profile can be sent to the service switching point associated with a roaming subscriber, which overcomes the problem of lack of support for long messages within the signalling infrastructure, and the problems associated with wide variation in the capabilities of service switching points. The reduced processing at the service switching point means that the detection points for armed triggers residing therein need only have a minimal triggering capability and a generic trigger for each detection point, and therefore do not need to be upgraded as new triggers are defined or as new criteria are defined for existing triggers at a given detection point.

Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of customized telecommunication services are provided for data network telephony subscribers in a data network. In response to a call originator placing a call to a terminating telephony subscriber in the data network, a telephony server routes the call according to custom telecommunication service instructions provided in advance by the telephony subscriber and stored remotely from the telephony subscriber's point of presence on the data network. The call originator may be a data network telephony subscriber or a subscriber in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The telephony server preferably performs the call routing based custom telecommunication service instructions (along with the subscriber's network address) retrieved from a subscriber profile server that maintains a subscriber profile database.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: A Service Control Point (SCP) directs a telecommunications network to connect a resource only when the resource is needed. When the resource is no longer needed, the SCP selects a new connection for the network. The SCP directs the network to disconnect the resource and use the new connection so the resource does not remain on the line during the entire call. The invention can be used to add and drop multiple resources from a call while the call is in progress. The SCP also provides context information for the call so multiple resources can access context information for the call.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a connection between an intelligent network control point and a switching point in a telecommunications system, and a telecommunications system. A service connection between a control point and a switching point is provided with an identifier. The identifier is transmitted from the old switching point to the new switching point whenever the subscriber moves from the area of one switching point to the area of another switching point, whereby a service connection is set up from the new switching point to the control point by means of the identifier.

Abstract: The invention concerns interworking between distributed services in a telecommunications network, especially in an intelligent network. The invention is based on the idea that at least one new Interworking Point is introduced to the call handling model and with the aid of this Interworking Point the interworking between the distributed services is implemented. The Interworking Point can be defined as either a point where instructions received from one service program are reported to interested service programs or as a point where a service to be carried out by the responsible service program is requested by some other service program. The interworking points are armed by the service programs, and the service programs which armed the interworking point are informed of the encounter with an interworking point.

Abstract: A method and system for handling a call in a communications network that requires operator assistance. The system comprises a service control point, an operator server and a context server. The operator server dynamically selects an optimal operator center from a plurality of available operator centers for the call based on context information. The operator server then provides information on the selected operator center to the service control point, which generates call handling information for the call that causes the communications network to route the call to the selected one of the operator centers. The context server manages the context information for the call.

Abstract: A method of providing telephony services can include receiving a request to query a subscriber information data store to determine service description information for a call. The service description information can specify at least one telephony service associated with a subscriber for use in processing the call. The method further can include querying the subscriber information data store to determine the service description information, receiving the service description information from the subscriber information data store, and providing the service description information to a telephony service node to implement a telephony service specified by the service description information with respect to the call.

Abstract: An interface engine that is communicatively connected to a packet-switched network and to a legacy circuit-switched network uses a call processing protocol, such as the session initiation protocol (SIP), for packet-switched network communications and uses a legacy signaling protocol, such as IS-41, for legacy circuit-switched communications. In response to a registration request initiated by a subscriber device on the packet-switched network, the interface engine obtains a service profile for the subscriber from a call processing system, such as a home location register (HLR), of the legacy circuit-switched network. Service parameters derived from the service profile and stored in a service database may be used to apply services on the packet-switched network for the subscriber device.

Abstract: A telecommunications service control point having call blocking logic configured to block a percentage of call attempts to a called number and route a percentage of call attempts to the called number. The SCP comprises a processing system coupled to an interface. The processing system is configured to a process a plurality of query messages to generate a plurality of response messages containing call handling information for a plurality of call attempts to a called number. A first percentage of the call handling information includes instructions to block a corresponding first percentage of the plurality of call attempts to the called number. A second percentage of the call handling information includes instructions to route a corresponding second percentage of the plurality of call attempts to the called number. The interface is configured to receive the plurality of query messages and transmit the plurality of response messages.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for redirecting caller identification in an advanced intelligent network. The system comprises a service switching point and a service control point. When a redirected call is received at the service switching point, the service switching point places the call on hold and forwards a request to the service control point. The service control point recognizes that the call has been redirected and formats the caller identification information associated with the call to identify the telephone number from which the call was redirected. The re-formatted caller identification information is returned to the service switching point. The service switching point forwards the call to the destination telephone station using a distinctive ring to identify that the call has been redirected. The reformatted caller identification information, including the number of the telephone station from which the call was redirected, is forwarded to the destination telephone station.

Abstract: A uniform resource locator (URL) used for Internet access is employed as a name for dialing a plain old telephone service (POTS) voice call to a party associated with a specific Internet site. Due to the worldwide nature of the Internet, the large size of many of the companies with Internet sites, the temporary unavailability of specific sites, and for other reasons, it can be extremely difficult to place a telephone call to the appropriate individual, department, or other representatives with knowledge about a specific Internet site. The present invention provides an automated “name translation” from a URL to a target telephone number in response to requests initiated within the telephone system by a calling party. The entity owning the website achieves improved availability to the public via voice telephone calls because the URL names are convenient, familiar, and meaningful to customers.

Abstract: A method of AIN query redirection is performed by a first SCP in a telecommunication network. The first SCP receives a query from an originating SSP and determines that a second SCP should service the query. The query is then populated with information from the originating SSP as well as appropriate routing information to send the query to a second SCP where a response is generated by the second SCP. The query response is sent back from the second SCP to the originating SSP without passing through the first SCP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a data message in a network element of a communications network and to a network element arrangement. In the communications network, messages whose structure is defined by means of a given description language, the message definition of an individual message type comprising several successive components, such as text rows, are sent to the network element. In order to make the processing of data relating to a message simpler than heretofore, an auxiliary parameter (f_xyA . . . f_xyF) is tied to an individual component of the message definition of an individual message type, by means of which a value indicating whether the message part corresponding to said component is included in the message to be processed is maintained in the network element.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.

Abstract: A system and method is described for entering a voice messaging system when a telephone set goes off-hook. If no voice message is waiting, a dial tone is provided to the telephone set. If a message is waiting, a prompt is activated by a telephone system indicating that such message is waiting, and the subscriber is then prompted to listen to the waiting message. If the subscriber does not wish to listen to the waiting message, he can place a conventional telephone call. If the subscriber chooses to listen to the waiting message (e.g., by entering “*” or saying “yes”), control is passed to the voice messaging system and the message is delivered to the subscriber.