Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for enabling a subscriber to pre-purchase usage time from a telephone company or a consolidator at substantially a discounted rate and use the pre-purchased usage time against subsequent long distance telephone calls.

Abstract: Algorithms for call set up and monitoring of calls intended for high end customers, who prefer to be reached any time, any where and very fast, allow for quick call set up by referring to a customer profile data base in real time during the call set up process. The customer profile database includes all network addresses (telephone numbers, e.g., day time number, evening number, wireless number, pager number, etc.) where the customer can be reached and will keep a record of the number where the customer was reached the last time. This service is implemented on a new NCP or as a new application on an existing NCP with sufficient capacity. The NCP data base includes several data elements for each customer: These include: the customer calling number indicating that a query to an NCP is needed before initiating the call set up; preferred call set up algorithm, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a caller's eligibility to enter a lottery, determine whether the caller has won the lottery and advises the caller of the winning status while communication services are provided between the caller and a called party. Thus, the caller can enter, win and be advised of winning status while communication, e.g. telephone voice communication, takes place between the caller and a called party. The caller need not dial a specific telephone number to enter the lottery. Instead, communication with any desired called party can take place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a caller's eligibility to enter a lottery, determine whether the caller has won the lottery and advise the caller of the winning status in response to a caller's request for communication services. The odds of winning a lottery for the caller can be adjusted based on the caller's participation history, such as a past number of calls made or total call time logged by the caller. Thus, frequent users of a communication service can be rewarded with increased odds of winning a lottery each time a request for communication services is made and communication services are provided.