Abstract: Methods and systems of providing toll-free services access from a telecommunications network to a mobile device supported by toll-free telecommunications networks entail placing a called telephone number on a service provider's telecommunications network by identifying the called telephone number as a toll-free call, querying a database for called telephone number information for routing to a destination number, and routing the called telephone number using the called telephone number information through the service provider's telecommunications network to a wireless telecommunications network. The called telephone number is routed through the wireless telecommunications network by mapping the called telephone number and information to a mobile service identification number that identifies a mobile device hosted by a mobile switching center.

Abstract: A method and system allows multiple and simultaneous use of a pre-paid calling card. A call management system allows for the completion of multiple calls under one pre-paid calling card account number. Depending on the number of concurrent users, a billing system assigns a portion of the total number of available service units to individualized user accounts. The individualized accounts are debited according to the rate charges for each of the calls and are initially assigned an account balance that allows all concurrent users with the same amount of talk time.

Abstract: System for providing a custom message to a calling card account for a user to receive the custom message upon usage of the calling card account include at least two data databases on data storage devices, wherein the databases are in communication with a processor and an interface. One database includes calling card accounts. The other database includes custom messages. The interface allows the user to query the custom message database for custom messages and displaying the results. A custom message can be selected and associated with one or more calling card accounts.

Abstract: A method and system allows multiple and simultaneous use of a pre-paid calling card. A call management system allows for the completion of multiple calls under one pre-paid calling card account number. Depending on the number of concurrent users, a billing system assigns a portion of the total number of available service units to individualized user accounts. The individualized accounts are debited according to the rate charges for each of the calls and are initially assigned an account balance that allows all concurrent users with the same amount of talk time.

Abstract: A pre-paid telecommunications card service in which the card-holder can register the card with a service provider in such a way that the card account becomes associated with the customer's home telephone line. Thereafter, toll calls made over that particular telephone line are automatically charged to the pre-paid card account when a destination telephone number is dialed. The card-holder is therefore freed from having to dial an access number or a card number for each call. The call accounting is carried out in a database with which network switches communicate via SS7 or any other desired data messaging protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving voicemail with a calling card is presented. A calling card is implemented with at least two personal identification numbers (PINs). A calling-card platform prompts a calling-card user to enter a PIN number. If a first PIN number is entered, options are presented that enable the calling-card user to record a voice message greeting, record a voicemail, retrieve a voicemail left by a caller, complete a call, or access account information. If a second PIN number is entered, the call is switched to a voice-messaging platform. At the voice-messaging platform, the calling-card user is prompted to record a voicemail message for the calling-card owner.

Abstract: The number of digits required to place a pre-paid card (or other special service) telephone call is reduced by using information derived from prior calls from a particular originating station and stored at a special service call platform. Originating station information, typically ANI and account number and PIN information associated with a particular pre-paid card is stored at the platform. Subsequent calls to the platform from the same originating station use this stored information to identify the account; the account number and PIN are, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, taken to be the same as for the immediately preceding call with the same ANI information. An authorization expiration is advantageously associated with ANI information and selected originating locations, e.g., coin stations, hotels and the like are denied simplified authorization to minimize the potential for unauthorized use.

Abstract: In situations where the calling party is connected to Limited-Intelligence Incoming Call-Accepting (LIICA) terminating entity, for example, a telephone answering machine, a much more satisfactory interaction is had for both the calling party and the called party when the telephone service provider's system detects that a connection is being made to LIICA entity and provides the calling party with the option to leave a message in the provider's messaging platform. When the caller accepts that option, the system interacts with the caller in a conventional way to leave a message on the messaging platform, and also interacts with the LIICA entity (if possible) to leave a short message thereon that informs the called party that a message is waiting for the called party on the messaging platform, which can be retrieved at the called party's discretion.

Abstract: When one party (25) to a call or connection request invokes a telecommunications service, a platform (30) monitors that request and determines whether the other parties (25) also subscribe to that service. If any party to the call does not subscribe, then the platform makes an offer of that service to each non-subscribed service. In this way, non-subscribed parties may obtain telecommunications services in a “point-of-sale” manner.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber placing a telephone call through a telecommunications network (10) to a telephone line carrying an existing call may interrupt that call by entering an interrupt code to the network. Upon receipt of the code, the network verifies whether the interrupt code is valid by consulting a data base (21) that cross-references interrupt codes to corresponding lines. If the code is valid for the line carrying the existing call, the network then interrupts the existing call.

Abstract: A call rerouter routes a call through a data link when a called party is engaged in a data call. The call rerouter evokes a “T” connection in a switch that is in a connection path of the called party's call and determines whether the called party is engaged in a data call or a non-data call. If engaged in a data call, the rerouter retrieves called party information to determine if the called party is a subscriber to a data network such as an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If so, the call rerouter informs the called party through the data network that a call is waiting to be connected. If the called party desires, the rerouter routes the call through the data network to be connected with the called party. If the called party is not a subscriber to an ISP (or data network) or not engaged in a data call, the call rerouter returns a message to the calling party that the called party is unavailable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for billing a customer for a service that is assessed independent of the calling duration or the per call cost. A service is billed and delivered during a call without the called party being present to receive the call and without operator-assisted verification. A calling party can order a service that is not delivered through the call itself.

Abstract: A system and method to access an information or electronic service uses a single access telephone number. The telephone number is used to access a particular service provider no matter where the subscriber is located, and may be, for example, 950-DATA, 1-800-ATT-DATA, or 1-500-EASY-DATA. The system and method are particularly well suited to internet access through internet service providers (ISPs).

Abstract: A telephone subscriber placing a telephone call through a telecommunications network (10) to a telephone line carrying an existing call may interrupt that call by entering an interrupt code to the network. Upon receipt of the code, the network verifies whether the interrupt code is valid by consulting a data base (21) that cross-references interrupt codes to corresponding lines. If the code is valid for the line carrying the existing call, the network then interrupts the existing call.

Abstract: A method for billing a telephone call to a called party for a telephone call between a calling party and the called party, comprising the steps of receiving a predetermined access number; prompting for a destination number, determining if the destination number will accept the cost of the telephone call; and completing the telephone call to the destination number. The method may find potential application in a situation where, for example, a child may need to call home from a public telephone, say at a movie theatre or a mall, without using a calling card, credit card, collect charging, an operator, or coins.