Abstract: In a telecommunications network comprised of wireline and wireless subscribers, automated directory assistance is provided through a plurality of directory assistance voice peripherals. Such directory assistance voice peripherals are able to query the subscriber requesting assistance in response to a dialed 411 or other directory assistance request. A subscriber request is sent from the local or tandem switch (SSP or WIN MSC) to an intelligent service control point (SCP) which directs control of the request, queries the line information database, routes the request to a directory assistance voice peripheral and the directory assistance voice peripheral notifies the directory assistance controller. The assigned directory assistance voice peripheral interacts with the subscriber to determine the query. The query is satisfied by the directory assistance controller through the directory assistance database.

Abstract: To distinguish multiple operator services systems (OSS) and provide services within a single local area telephone network, originating end telephone offices include database tables that correlate end user telephone numbers to selected OSS providers. When an OSS-type call is placed to an originating end office (OEO), the OEO uses the database to correlate the calling party's number to a code corresponding to the OSS provider. In one embodiment, this code is used to populate at least part of the ISUP called party number digit field of the SS7 signaling protocol. This number, as well as the original called party number are transmitted to the switching network which relies on the called party number digits field to route the call to the appropriate OSS.