Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a digital switch, a local loop coupling the digital switch to a subscriber location, wherein a segment of the local loop includes copper twisted pair and wherein an asymmetrical digital subscriber line is carried by the local loop, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line including a plurality of data packets capable of carrying a plurality of derived digital telephone lines. The telecommunication system further includes a subscriber unit coupled to the asymmetrical digital subscriber line. The subscriber unit monitors the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets, receives an off-hook signal in response to an action of a user, and initiates a first derived digital telephone line of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines in response to the off-hook signal.

Abstract: A telephone cord having an automatic dialer incorporated therein. The telephone cord connects a telephone to a wall jack and includes a line powered dialer circuit. When the associated telephone handset goes off-hook for placement of on outgoing call, a predetermined prefix of numbers is automatically dialed prior to a caller entered number using DTMF tones. A confirmation tone may then be issued to the user. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the phone cord and accompanying dialer module include a microprocessor to perform intelligent functions. A caller dialed number is initially trapped and buffered, wherein a modified sequence of numbers is then redialed, if necessary. A prerecorded message or confirmation tone may be issued to the caller while the message is being buffered. In another alternative embodiment, a number recognition program is automatically downloaded from a central office upon power up to assist in automatic dialing of local toll calls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enabling parties with similar interests to speak with one another through connections automatically established by equipment within the telephone network. A party seeking to join a conversation or obtain information (referred to as a "requesting subscriber") is connected automatically with an appropriate individual, conference call, or voice messages on the basis of information provided by the requesting subscriber and information about other prospective parties to the call (other "subscribers" to the interactive telephone network service). The requesting subscriber need not know the identities or telephone numbers of the other subscribers. The identities and telephone numbers of the other subscribers are maintained in a database and may be held in secrecy. Similarly, a requesting subscriber may create or retrieve telephone messages stored in a database according to the subject matter of the message.