Abstract: In a next generation network service manager or call agent softswitch, a call processor controls the processing of ineffective call attempts by using a plurality of predefined call treatment groups that specify a plurality of actions to be taken for specific call attempts. A call attempt may result in the playing of a tone or announcement, the routing of the call to an operator or other service or the playing of a tone and collection of digits from the call originator. Treatment groups may also contain secondary classmark distinctions that enable the playing of different tones, announcements or other treatment actions depending on the identity of the call originator. The duration of the tone or announcements can also be controlled using duration fields. The tone or announcement may be played by an announcement server or more effectively at a hub (“line”) gateway nearest the edge device from which the call originates thereby saving network resources.