Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing toll-free telephone services are disclosed. A disclosed system comprises a telephone network to route a telephone call placed to a toll-free telephone number to one of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) endpoint, a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) endpoint or a dedicated trunk endpoint based on a state of at least one variable.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for use in billing a toll-free telephone call over a telephone network, the telephone call corresponding to a first toll-free telephone number and initiated by a calling party from an initiating telephone number. In one embodiment, a toll-free telephone call is received at a service node, and routed to a first termination corresponding with the first toll-free telephone number, where the service node remains within the call path of the toll-free telephone call. A first call record is initiated for the toll-free telephone call at the service node, and it is determined at the service node whether the toll-free telephone call is to be connected with a second toll-free telephone number. A second call record is initiated at the service node, where a connection with a second termination corresponding with the second toll-free telephone number has been established.

Abstract: A telephone call is billed that originates in a primary carrier telecommunications network and terminates in a secondary telecommunications carrier network. The call is billed by generating multiple billing records in response to the telephone call, at least one billing record comprising a toll free number administered by the secondary carrier. It is determined whether the toll free number is administered by the secondary carrier; and the billing record including the toll free number administered by the secondary carrier is discarded when it is determined that the toll free number is administered by the secondary carrier. Thus, the primary carrier only bills for a portion of the call that was connected from the caller to the termination point of the primary carrier network.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for implementing a call transfer service over a telephone network, a subscription for the call transfer service being alterable by a call transfer service subscriber, and includes a subscriber graphic user interface through which the subscriber may provide call transfer service information. A telephone network node such as a platform may further be provided, the platform in communication with the subscriber graphic user interface, and including a memory device that stores call transfer service information for use in implementing the call transfer service. The platform further includes a call transfer service controller coupled with the memory device, that communicates with the subscriber graphic user interface, and that receives call transfer service information, and updates the subscriber's call transfer service subscription responsive to information received at the graphic user interface.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for implementing locator service over a telephone network, a subscription for the locator service being alterable by a subscriber of the locator service, including a subscriber graphic user interface (GUI), and a locator service platform in communication with the GUI. The subscriber GUI allows the subscriber to provide locator service information including a company branch telephone number and company branch location. The platform includes a memory device that stores locator service information for use in the implementation of the locator service, and a locator service controller coupled with the memory device. The locator service controller communicates with the subscriber GUI, receives at least the company branch telephone number and company branch location information, and updates the subscriber's location service subscription responsive to information received at the subscriber graphic user interface.

Abstract: A menu routing service routes calls made to a customer's toll-free number according to customized routing instructions, including instructions for routing calls originating in a non-domestic country. An international gateway receives a call to the toll-free number and populates a portion of a calling party number field with data indicating that the call originated in a non-domestic country. A network switch receives the call from the gateway based on at least an identification of a carrier associated with the toll-free number. A customized routing service platform receives the call and the non-domestic call origination data from the network switch. The platform determines a destination number based on the non-domestic call origination data and routing instructions received from a web server, accessible by the customer via a packet switched data network. The platform forwards the destination number to the network switch for routing the call to the destination number.