Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing email notification for called and/or calling parties of a call placement are disclosed. The method enables a packet network service provider, e.g., a VoIP or SoIP service provider, to register customers for email notification service, to obtain the disposition of calls from Call Detail Records (CDRs), call control elements or application servers that have access to call signaling information in real time, to identify calls that resulted in ringing without an answer or busy disposition, and to determine whether or not the called and/or calling party subscribed to the email notification service. If the calling and/or called party subscribe to the notification service, the service provider sends an email notification to the calling and/or called party containing the caller and called party information, the time of the call, the disposition of the call and the like.

Abstract: An on-hold activity selection apparatus and method that allows an on-hold party to select an on-hold activity, from a menu of on-hold activities, with which to be entertained and/or informed. The on-hold activity selection apparatus detects the occurrence of an on-hold condition in a communication between a first party terminal and a second party terminal. In response to detecting the on-hold condition, the on-hold activity selection apparatus provides a menu of available on-hold activities to the terminal which is placed on-hold. If a reply is received from the on-hold terminal identifying a selected on-hold activity, the on-hold activity selection apparatus then provides the on-hold terminal with the selected activity. The menu of available on-hold activities may be based on profile information, corresponding to the on-hold terminal, stored in a database.

Abstract: A monitoring and notification system provides for monitoring of people based on a normal activity of a device associated with the monitored people. The monitoring and notification system includes a monitoring and notification device that is coupled to a network. A plurality of terminals are also coupled to the network and the monitoring and notification device monitors any number of the terminals. When an “inactivity event” of the monitored terminal(s) is detected, the monitoring and notification device notifies other ones of the terminals of the inactivity event.

Abstract: Alternate methods for accessing emergency services, such as conventional 911 services, are provided. Emergency services can be requested during an ongoing call and the emergency services requestor along with at least one other party involved in the ongoing call can be bridged to the emergency services operator. Alternately, the ongoing call can be terminated and only the emergency services requestor be connected to the emergency services. An interexchange carrier can determine appropriate routing for the emergency services call and connect the requestor to the appropriate emergency services. The interexchange carrier can maintain emergency services databases that contain the same information as that in databases maintained by a local exchange carrier. In addition, the interexchange carrier can provide emergency services directory services so that callers can obtain emergency services information, such as telephone numbers, for emergency service providers in distant areas.

Abstract: A monitoring and notification system provides for monitoring of people based on a normal activity of a device associated with the monitored people. The monitoring and notification system includes a monitoring and notification device that is coupled to a network. A plurality of terminals are also coupled to the network and the monitoring and notification device monitors any number of the terminals. When an “inactivity event” of the monitored terminal(s) is detected, the monitoring and notification device notifies other ones of the terminals of the inactivity event.