Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the making of a calling card telephone call includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device for storing access data to enable access to a central telephone office connected to a telephone network, account data and a telephone number. The apparatus further includes a dialer capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the user interface, the telephone network and the central telephone office. The central processing unit, responsive to an entry of the telephone number on the user interface, stores the telephone number in the storage device. Thereafter, the CPU causes the dialer to transmit access data from the storage device, across the telephone network, to initiate communication with the central telephone office.
Abstract: A least cost routing system comprises at least one telephone dialing unit, at least one least cost router and a database updating unit. The telephone dialing unit dials a telephone number to place a telephone call. Each least cost router has a corresponding routing database of tariffs of telephone service providers and determines, from information in its corresponding routing database, which telephone service provider or providers to utilize to execute the telephone call. The database updating unit electronically updates tariff information into each of the routing databases shortly after updated tariff information is entered therein.