Abstract: A central location of a telephone switching system is placed where favorable local exchange tariffs are available. The central location includes a caller responsive unit which compares the caller identification accompanying the call attempt against a prestored list of identification data assigned to authorized system users. A positive comparison result causes the system to signal to the originator to terminate the call attempt. The system thereafter calls the originating caller telephone from the central location. The system allows the originating caller to input the number of the party to whom a connection is desired by the originator. The system responds by establishing a connection with the called party and bridges communications between the called and calling parties at the central location. The system includes the capability of employing audio responses of various types to calling or called parties.

Abstract: A central location of a telephone switching system is placed where favorable local exchange tariffs are available. The central location includes a caller responsive unit which compares the caller identification accompanying the call attempt against a prestored list of identification data assigned to authorized system users. A positive comparison result causes the system to signal to the originator to terminate the call attempt. The system thereafter calls the originating caller telephone from the central location. The system allows the originating caller to input the number of the party to whom a connection is desired by the originator. The system responds by establishing a connection with the called party and bridges communications between the called and calling parties at the central location. The system includes the capability of employing audio responses of various types to calling or called parties.