Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling multi-party conference calls includes circuitry which is operable according to a new conference call protocol. The protocol and accompanying apparatus and method allow a conference call controlling party to selectively have private conversations with one of the subject parties in the conference call. Additionally, the controlling conference call party may selectively drop conference call participants. A mobile station includes a store for storing the conference call participant “subject party setup number” in relation to the subject party number and/or name. The mobile station also allows the conference call controller to scroll up and down a list of conference call participants. This allows the controller to be certain of a conference call participant's “call set-up number” when using a command for a private call or a command to drop a conference call participant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling multi-party conference calls includes circuitry which is operable according to a new conference call protocol. The protocol and accompanying apparatus and method allow a conference call controlling party to selectively have private conversations with one of the subject parties in the conference call. Additionally, the controlling conference call party may selectively drop conference call participants. A mobile station includes a store for storing the conference call participant “subject party set-up number” in relation to the subject party number and/or name. The mobile station also allows the conference call controller to scroll up and down a list of conference call participants. This allows the controller to be certain of a conference call participant's “call set-up number” when using a command for a private call or a command to drop a conference call participant.