Abstract: A telecommunications system and method of operation are provided which allows for the recording and downloading of message prompts to a telephone (80) from a remote location. A message is recorded by a recorder (70) and the recorded message is digitized by an audio digitizer (72). The messages are organized into formatted message files and stored in a storage medium (74). A host computer (76) transmits the message files through a standard telephone connection to a particular telephone station (80). The messages are used by the telephone station (80) to prompt users of the telephone during the processing of telephone calls.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party thorugh a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number by attempting to place a telephone call using the billing account number to a controlled telephone number. If the attempt is successful the billing account number is valid and a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). The microprocessor controlled system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.