Abstract: At a station apparatus, a programmable button is programmed in response to a first button depression occurring during the display of an incoming caller identification number (CID), the CID number being stored in a memory location associated with the programmable button. This programmable button enables a called party, who may be busy on another call, to store the CID number being displayed at his/her station set under the programmable button. Thereafter, when the user completes the present call he/she may go off-hook and press the programmed button to repertory dial the CID number stored under the programmed button. At a station terminal having a speakerphone, an on-hook user may press the programmed button to go off-hook, at the speakerphone, and dial the CID number stored under the programmed button. Virtual buttons, which are activated by predetermined combinations of touch-tone pad operations (e.g., #1, #2 etc.

Abstract: A communication system detects special service information (e.g., calling party identification) during a silent interval between ringing signals on an incoming call and stores the information in a call record created for the call. In response to predetermined call conditions, this information is included as part of a control signal sent over an extension loop to a station terminal. Call features such as delayed ringing, hold, call transfers, line preselect and switch hook status are utilized to control where, when and if this information should be displayed at various station terminals.