Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling incoming calls when call waiting is active. If the called party is not on a call when an incoming call occurs and the called party does not answer the incoming call then a message is played to the calling party that the called party did not answer, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party. If the called party is on a call when an incoming call occurs and, after the call waiting signal is played to the called party, the called party does not answer the incoming call then a message is played to the calling party that the called party is busy, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party. If the called party is engaged in a first call and a second call when an incoming call occurs then a message is played to the calling party that the called party is busy, and the called party is given the opportunity to record a message for the called party.