Abstract: A short dedicated code, such as an N11 telephone number, is used to access an information source selected from a large number of voice, data, facsimile and/or video services offered by information service providers. The system can use a single N11 number for all calls, or a first code number for preprogrammed call processing and a second number for casual access. The system can route an information service call based at least in part on preprogrammed selection data for the caller stored in a central data base, or can prompt a casual caller for various inputs to determine which service the caller currently wants to access. The disclosed system of call routing eliminates the need for information service users to know a large number of different telephone numbers to access a variety of information services. In the preferred embodiments, the user only needs to know one or two three-digit N11 type access numbers, such as 211 or 511.

Abstract: A short dedicated code, such as an N11 telephone number, is used to access an information source selected from a large number of voice, data, facsimile and/or video services offered by information service providers. The system can use a single N11 number for all calls, or a first code number for preprogrammed call processing and a second number for casual access. The system can route an information service call based at least in part on preprogrammed selection data for the caller stored in a central data base, or can prompt a casual caller for various inputs to determine which service the caller currently wants to access. The disclosed system of call routing eliminates the need for information service users to know a large number of different telephone numbers to access a variety of information services. In the preferred embodiments, the user only needs to know one or two three-digit N11 type access numbers, such as 211 or 511.