Abstract: A method for providing call return services from within a voice mail service (VMS) includes the steps of receiving a call for the VMS from a calling number, verifying that a voice mail call return feature is active in conjunction with the calling number, establishing a first connection between another node (such as an associated mobile switching center) and the VMS, accessing the VMS, finding a message having a call return number, establishing a second connection between the node and the VMS, controlling the call using the node, releasing the second connection, and establishing a third connection between the node and the call return number. The method may also include the steps of releasing the first and second connections, either before or after obtaining an answer from the call return number.

Abstract: A discrete message is forwarded from an initial destination to a forwarding destination within a network. Activation is requested of a forwarding feature. A discrete message is sent to the initial destination and a determination is made that the forwarding feature is activated. The initial destination is associated with a user profile, wherein the network includes a Switching Center (SC) and a Location Register (LR). When activation of a forwarding feature is requested, the forwarding feature is marked as activated in the user profile and the forwarding destination is stored. The user profile is downloaded from the LR to the SC, the forwarding destination is provided, and the discrete message is sent to the forwarding destination.