Abstract: A telephone call on a remote line (190) is initiated by establishing a simultaneous voice and data connection with a slave processor (180) tied to the remote line. The slave processor is responsive to commands received on the data connection, including an off hook command signaling the slave processor to go off-hook on both the voice connection and remote line. Thereafter, the slave processor (180) bridges the voice connection and remote line. Upon receipt of the digits of a telephone number entered on the voice connection, the slave processor, in turn will dial the digits on the remote line, thereby initiating a call on that line.

Abstract: Encumbrances on making calls charged to a card can be reduced by a) storing information so that an association is created relating a card number and at least one calling telephone station, from which card calls charged to the associated card are to be made, b) using the association to retrieve the card number at the time a card call is made from the at least one associated telephone station and c) automatically supplying the retrieved card number to the telephone network at the appropriate part of call set-up, so that the card number need not be entered by the calling party. The association between the card number and the telephone station, which may be referred to as a "logical link", is 1) independent of any pre-existing relationship between the card number, or any subset thereof, and the telephone number of the telephone station and 2) continues to exist despite the going on hook of the calling telephone station.