Abstract: A network (30) of a telecommunication system (100) receives requests (31) for feature transfers from one user (10) to another user (20). In addition, network initiated feature transfer marks a call agent (61) for feature transfer. Subsequent call attempts from a call agent (51) are redirected (63) by the network.

Abstract: A voice mail method screens calls made by a calling subscriber (10) to a called subscriber (20) which is unavailable (or otherwise screening calls). The screening method determines (110) whether the called subscriber (20) has a voice mail screening feature. An internet protocol multi-media system (50) receives the call from the called subscriber (114). The internet protocol multi-media system then transfers call control to a voicemail screening server which plays subscriber (20) the beginning of the voicemail message being left by subscriber (10) and offers to-route the call back to the called subscriber (20). The called subscriber then indicates via a short code whether the called subscriber will accept the call (124).

Abstract: A voice mail method screens calls made by a calling subscriber (10) to a called subscriber (20) which is unavailable (or otherwise screening calls). The screening method determines (110) whether the called subscriber (20) has a voice mail screening feature. An internet protocol multi-media system (50) receives the call from the called subscriber (114). The internet protocol multi-media system then transfers call control to a voicemail screening server which plays subscriber (20) the beginning of the voicemail message being left by subscriber (10) and offers to-route the call back to the called subscriber (20). The called subscriber then indicates via a short code whether the called subscriber will accept the call (124).

Abstract: If a network (80) incurs blockage or if a called subscriber (200) is unreachable for network blockage or network or inter network errors, the network re-routes the calling subscriber (100). Instead of merely dropping a call or sending a re-order signal to the calling subscriber, the network automatically reroutes (52) the calling subscriber to a voice mail system (95) in the called subscriber's home service network (80).

Abstract: A network (30) of a telecommunication system (100) receives requests (31) for feature transfers from one user (10) to another user (20). In addition, network initiated feature transfer marks a call agent (61) for feature transfer. Subsequent call attempts from a call agent (51) are redirected (63) by the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing global message monitoring in a paging system includes a message origination and delivery device (MODD) (20). The MODD (20) includes a data structure (100) which identifies certain users as message monitoring users. Message monitoring users receive monitored page messages (300), which are duplicates of pages sent to users being monitored. The MODD (20) sends pages to a pager in the possession of the message monitoring user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing location-based intercept in a system includes an intercept monitoring unit (210) for dynamically modifying an intercept target list (245) in a communications switch (240). The intercept monitoring unit (210) determines, as a function of user location, whether the user's call should be intercepted. If so, either an updated entry is made to the intercept target list (245), or an entire updated copy of the intercept target list (237) is downloaded to the communications switch (240).

Abstract: A method for providing location based intercept in a satellite communications system (10) includes the steps of determining a location area of a party (220), determining whether the location area is one to be monitored (240), and conditionally routing the call to an intercept gateway (250). An intercept gateway (32) is a gateway that intercepts all or part of the calls received, and can also function as a home gateway (30) or a visiting gateway (40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centralizing the administration of intercept lists includes a master intercept list (305) and an interface (510) which communicates with switches (410). Switches (410) may or may not include local intercept lists (415). When a user makes a call, a switch (410) queries the local intercept list (415) or the master intercept list (305). Information from the query is used to determine whether to intercept the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a verified message receipt in a messaging system (10) notifies users (30) when messaging system subscribers (40) retrieve messages (370). Verified message receipts can take the form of pages, faxes, automated call-backs or additional messages. In operation, when a user (30) leaves a message (370) for a messaging system subscriber (40), a verified message receipt flag (375) is raised and a user pager number (380) or user fax number (390), or user telephone number (395) is entered. A message origination and delivery device (20) includes many message boxes (300) for many subscribers (40). The message origination and delivery device (20) generates verified message receipts when subscribers (40) retrieve messages (370).