Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a "scratch-off" or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement and sequence.

Abstract: A facility is disposed in a telecommunications network to provide an alternative to the conventional call waiting feature. More particularly, if a telephone call is placed to a subscriber while the subscriber's telephone station set is busy with another telephone call, then the facility notes that fact and terminates the new telephone call after advising the caller that the subscriber's station is busy. Thereafter, the facility places a telephone call to the subscriber and presents thereto at least the telephone numbers of the telephone stations that placed respective calls to the subscriber during the time that the latter's station was busy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology regarding an intelligent network. When an originating subscriber accesses an information offer service by inputting service access information, a service switching point accesses a service control point. The service control point further implements a desired service process corresponding to the service access information, in response to the above step. When the service switching point is informed of the process result, the service switching point is connected to a destination station which accommodates a destination subscriber providing an information offer service, using a method of discriminating an intelligent network call, based on the result processed by the service control point, so that an incoming call to the destination subscriber is established. The object is to regulate certainly a bypass call in a information offer service.

Abstract: An enhanced call waiting (ECW) feature is provided by a switch serving a called subscriber who, while still on a first telephone call, receives a subsequent telephone call.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating an incoming call to a desired one of a plurality of destination candidates in response to data in at least one predetermined category concerning a caller, e.g. the area, the company or the department of the caller (a source address mode). There may be other modes such as a direct in line (DIL) mode and global mode. When a call is received by one of trunk circuits, the termination mode for the call is set for one associated with the trunk circuit that received the call. In case of the source address mode, the call is allocated to one of the destination candidates which is associated with the caller number or a part thereof. An association between a caller number (a part thereof) and a destination candidate is preferably achieved using a destination information table containing at least such information.

Abstract: A system and method for routing communications to a terminating station associated with a porting subscriber directory number when the porting subscriber line 14a is cut-over from a donor switch 12a to a donee switch 12b. Upon cut-over of the porting subscriber line 14a, a local number portability (LNP) activation telephone call is placed to a dial-in platform 50 that activates a previously provisioned but inactive LNP database entry for the porting subscriber directory number. The LNP database entry is located in an LNP database 42a at a service control point (SCP) 28a. The dial-in platform 50 also activates a previously provisioned but inactive directory-number-level trigger for the porting subscriber directory number at the donor switch 12a. Activating the directory-number-level trigger for the porting subscriber directory number at the donor switch 12a causes the donor switch 12a to hold a subsequently received telephone call directed to the porting subscriber directory number.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor (10) with a switch (12) which interconnects customer telephonic units (14A) of an external telephonic network (14B) with an internal network of agent units (16) having an automated call servicing system including a voice response unit (18) with a plurality of stored scripts for servicing different types of calls from customers automatically in response to call type identification signals, such as Dial Number Identification System (DNIS) numbers, corresponding to the different types of calls associated with the different stored scripts of the voice response unit (18) to automatically service a plurality of different types of calls without customer prompting while also functioning to respond to customer prompting when no DNIS number or other call type identification is provided with the call.

Abstract: A method and system implementation for combining and accessing telephony numbering and geographical position so direct access to information, services and goods may be invoked through the use of various telephone networks. The existing telephone networks throughout North America and the world use standardized numbering plans for connecting to, or switching any subtended device to any other device within the network. The U.S. government has orbited a series of communication satellites which provide a signaling method for determining precise geographical location throughout the world. This system is called the Global Positioning System (GPS) and provides several levels of service. Each GPS satellite continually transmits a navigation location signal which may be received on the ground, sea, or in the air and when combined with signals from other GPS satellites used to pinpoint navigational position in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: In a designated channel terminating method and apparatus, a B channel to which a call is to be terminated is determined by referring to a registration table in terminating processing of the call. Telephone numbers are registered in the registration table upon registration/designation by subscribers via subscriber circuits or registered by a registering operation through a terminal in a switching center. The method includes a permission/exclusion selecting step and a preferential/absolute selecting step. In the permission/exclusion selecting step, it is checked whether a purpose of registration with respect to said registration table is to designate a B channel to which a call from a specific calling party is to be terminated or designate a B channel to which the call should not be terminated. In the preferential/unconditional processing selecting step, it is determined whether B channel designation is to be preferentially or absolutely processed.

Abstract: The inability of an ISDN equipment user to properly configure ISDN terminal equipment, even when provided with correctly assigned switch protocol, SPID and LDN parameters by a telephone service provider, is successfully remedied by a SPID/switch protocol detector. Upon being invoked by the user, the routine proceeds to conduct an iterative search of stored SPID formats associated with different central office switch protocols. SPIDs are assembled in accordance with the iteratively accessed SPID formats and directory number information that has been entered by the user. If an attempt to register a SPID is successful, the routine places a test call. If the test call is successful, the SPID and its associated switch protocol will have been identified, and the terminal equipment may place a call.

Abstract: A delay announcer groups and delay announcement time controller for a telephone system having a host computer for directing an incoming call based on information provided in the incoming call, for issuing a delay message based on information in the call, and for controlling the time of issuing the delay message based upon information in the incoming call.

Abstract: A high-speed information service system is provided which uses a unique identifier received during call setup to retrieve automatically a personalized profile for an information service subscriber. The identifier uniquely identifies the subscriber, thereby allowing the information retrieval process to begin immediately after the call is setup. The system utilizes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) signaling and temporary, "out-of-band" signaling to improve information retrieval capability. ISDN signaling permits electronic addressing of information requested by the subscriber, thereby eliminating the delays which accompany DTMF signal processing. Communications between an information service provider and an individual information source are conducted using out-of-band signaling. That is, call setup and information request are processed using a channel other than the channel which carries data between the information service provider, the information source and the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods are set forth which enable users of a voice messaging system network which supports the Audio Messaging Interchange Specification (AMIS) Analog Protocol to define numbering plans which shorten and simplify addressing an AMIS message to specific AMIS Sites. These user friendly numbering plans are referred to generally herein as "Enhanced Addressing" schemes. The methods contemplated by the invention also support the construction and utilization of the "System Number", as defined in the AMIS Analog Protocol, particularly in conjunction with performing Enhanced Addressing.

Abstract: The system and method for tracing a path of a call through a telecommunications network includes at least two switches, a database, a user interface device and a control processor. Each switch has an associated adjunct processor that has a memory that stores call record data. The database stores call routing data for calls traversing each switch. The user interface device accepts selected call parameter data related to a call having a path through the telecommunications network that is to be traced. The control processor accesses the call routing data and the call record data for searching for a call having call parameter data corresponding to the selected call parameter data. The control processor provides report data that is related to the path through the telecommunications network of a call having call parameter data corresponding to the selected call parameter data.

Abstract: A telephone advertising service provides a short advertising message through a telephone receiver as a telephone call is initiated. The advertising message is stopped after a predetermined run time, and an invitation-to-dial tone is added. The advertising message is stopped when a subscriber starts to dial numbers. The method provides the advertising messages in lieu of invitation-to-dial tones. Differentiated subscribers are individually provided with distinct advertising messages. Subscribers are distinguished by characteristics of exchange number, monthly call volume, call type, geographical location and time of day. The advertising messages are provided by a message system rack connected to a digital or analog telephone exchange. Each rack has plural message recorders and plural cards connected to multiple users. Software controls a connection network. Subscriber lines are sampled to sense when a call is being initiated and to signal to a controller that a telephone call is being initiated.

Abstract: A telephone exchange system useful for a dealing speech system or the like is disclosed, which can accommodate large numbers of lines (or trunks) and permit improvement of the reliability and call connection processing capacity. The system comprises exchange sub-systems A (EX-A) and B (EX-B) capable of independently executing an exchange operation and each accommodating a terminal. The terminal has a speech channel switch for connecting a speech channel including a handset to either exchange sub-system A (EX-A) or B (EX-B). When the process of connecting a call is brought about in the terminal, it selects one of the exchange sub-systems and controls the speech channel switch for connecting the call to the selected exchange sub-system.

Abstract: In a network-based communication system, communication trunks are allocated based on a history of network use and global event calendar information relating to particular regions that the network system services. A trunk allocation database is used for controlling the normal day-to-day trunk allocations to assign the trunks among the various network services. A global event calendar database containing holiday and event information observed by various countries and regions is provided for dynamically re-allocating the trunk assignments for trunks servicing a particular country or region when a holiday or event for that particular region occurs. The global event calendar database also informationally provides network users calling a particular region with timely information pertaining to holidays or events in the particular country or region that the user has called.

Abstract: Allowing a calling party to enter a message that is transmitted on a destination telephone link during silent intervals of a ringing signal by a switching office. In a first embodiment, the destination telephone link is equipped with the feature of allowing receipt of calling party specified data messages. The switching office automatically accepts information for a data message as dialed digits from the calling party. In a second embodiment, the switching office designates that an originating telephone link can transmit information for a data message. The switching office is responsive to the transmitted information to form a data message and to transmit this data message on a destination telephone link during the silent intervals of the ringing cycles. In a third embodiment, in response to a calling party placing a call to a special telephone number, the switching office requests that the calling party enter a destination telephone number and information for a data message.

Abstract: A telephone message system overcomes the problems and limitations of presently available systems that seek to enhance inter-and intra-premises communications. The system advantageously comprises a controller unit with Caller ID capabilities and one or more adjunct units that are bridged onto a single wire-pair at a user's residential location in a parallel electrical connection. These customer installable units are merely plugged into any telephone jack and share a telephone wire-pair with existing telephone extensions without interference. Such operation is possible since communication between the controller unit and the adjunct units is limited to a frequency band different from the audio frequency band used by the existing telephone extensions on the single wire-pair. The controller unit, in one configuration, operates as an answering machine with multiple mailboxes. This functionality is advantageously combined with Caller ID, intercom and speakerphone capabilities.

Abstract: An operations facility is provided for administering unsubscribed telephone lines and conserving the use of the phone numbers associated with such lines by associating a plurality of unsubscribed lines with the same telephone number and same switch line termination point. Advantageously, then, a plurality of unsubscribed lines may be inexpensively provisioned with soft dial tone, thereby allowing a potential telephone subscriber to interactively subscribe to and activate telephone service from an unsubscribed line. Moreover, the application of soft dial tone may be used to identify a network access endpoint that is being used by a customer, and thus improve the accuracy of the contents of databases used by the operations facility in the provisioning of telephone service by identifying incorrect data.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, provided is a system allowing a plurality of conforming customer premise equipment ("CCPEs") on a single telephone line to display a third party's caller information while users are communicating with a second party. One CCPE of the plurality of CCPEs is a primary CCPE, whereas the remaining CCPE(s) are secondary CCPE(s). While the users are communicating with the second party using any one or more of the CCPEs, each CCPE detects whether a CPE alerting signal ("CAS") tone has been transmitted by the central office, thereby detecting when the third party is calling. Each CCPE responds by disconnecting the CCPE's telephone from the telephone line. After all of the CCPEs are on-hook, the primary CCPE then goes off-hook and transmits a CAS acknowledgement ("CAS ACK") signal to the central office. All of the CCPEs then wait for the central office to transmit the CID information in response to the CAS ACK signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for establishing a virtual private line with automatic ring down is provided. The virtual private line uses the SS7 switching network of present telephone systems coupled between the customer premises equipment of two virtual private line customers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, provided is a system allowing a plurality of conforming customer premise equipment ("CCPEs") on a single telephone line to display a third party's caller information while users are communicating with a second party. One CCPE of the plurality of CCPEs is a primary CCPE, whereas the remaining CCPE(s) are secondary CCPE(s). While the users are communicating with the second party using any one or more of the CCPEs, each CCPE detects whether a CPE alerting signal ("CAS") tone has been transmitted by the central office, thereby detecting when the third party is calling. Each CCPE responds by disconnecting the CCPE's telephone from the telephone line. After all of the CCPEs are on-hook, the primary CCPE then goes off-hook and transmits a CAS acknowledgement ("CAS ACK") signal to the central office. All of the CCPEs then wait for the central office to transmit the CID information in response to the CAS ACK signal.

Abstract: A telephone control apparatus connected to an exchange accommodating a plurality of lines. The apparatus calls a connected communication terminal in accordance with a calling signal inputted from the exchange. In the apparatus, response information corresponding to the type of calling signals is stored in RAM 12 in advance. The type of a calling signal inputted from the exchange is discriminated, and response information is read out of the RAM12 in accordance with the discrimination result, to determine a corresponding response process. Further, a telephone exchange apparatus which accommodates a plurality of outside lines and which selects and seizes one of the outside lines by outgoing calling from an extension. Upon outgoing call operation from an extension, the stored information is referred to and one of the plurality of outside line is selected based upon a number of incoming calls received on each of the outside lines or the time period each one of the outside lines has been occupied in communication.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer(ATM) network comprising a plurality of ATM switches may be arranged so that it receives calls from Synchronous Transfer Mode (STM) switches that employ out-of-band signaling such that the ATM switches communicate telephone call signaling information between each other and the STM switches via an out-of-band signaling network associated with the ATM network and interface with out-of-band networks associated with the STM switches.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in tracing transmission lines from a first location to a second location. The apparatus includes a signal generator, a timer/controller, a switching controller and a number of switches. In operation the switches are connected to transmission lines to be traced. The signal generator produces one or more unique signals. A unique signal pattern is applied to each transmission line by selectively opening and closing the switches connected to each transmission line, thereby allowing each transmission line to be traced from a first location to a second location by detection of the corresponding unique signal pattern.

Abstract: A message interceptor is interposed in a link of a communications signalling network such as an SS7 network. The interceptor separately maintains the link level protocols on the two portions of the link with which it interfaces. Message data is transferred across between the link portions by a transfer circuit of the interceptor. In the course of this transfer, the nature of the data is checked by a selective action control circuit against selection criteria held in a store. If a selection criteria is met, the control circuit acts to suppress or modify the data.

Abstract: To efficiently provide a variety of different services, e.g. voice grade telephony, packet data services, and broadband services, through an integrated network, at least some routing functions relating to all of the different types of services are controlled by data stored in a single central controller. Nodes or switching points performing the routing functions for the different types of services recognize certain call processing events as triggers. In response to a trigger, such a switching point will suspend processing of the particular call and obtain routing instructions from the central controller as to how to complete call processing.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor 16 and method for routing incoming telephone calls from a central office telephone switching system 14 to a plurality of agent stations 18 and 20 and for providing different types of audio communications, preferably music, to incoming telephone calls based on the gate 28 and 30 through which the telephone calls are routed are provided. The automatic call distributor 16 includes a control computer 24 for routing incoming telephone calls to the gates 28 and 30. Music sources 38 and 40 generate predetermined types of music in response to the control computer 24. The music sources 38 and 40 are connected to the gates 28 and 30, respectively, to provide the predetermined types of music to incoming telephone calls routed through the respective gates 28 and 30.

Abstract: At a station apparatus, a programmable button is programmed in response to a first button depression occurring during the display of an incoming caller identification number (CID), the CID number being stored in a memory location associated with the programmable button. This programmable button enables a called party, who may be busy on another call, to store the CID number being displayed at his/her station set under the programmable button. Thereafter, when the user completes the present call he/she may go off-hook and press the programmed button to repertory dial the CID number stored under the programmed button. At a station terminal having a speakerphone, an on-hook user may press the programmed button to go off-hook, at the speakerphone, and dial the CID number stored under the programmed button. Virtual buttons, which are activated by predetermined combinations of touch-tone pad operations (e.g., #1, #2 etc.

Abstract: A system for delivering originating country information for international calls to a subscriber includes three separate processes. In a first process, the country code is extracted from either billing/routing data forwarded by the caller's national telephone network to the communication switching system of the destination country of the call, or from channel information associated with the call. In the second process, the originating county code is then inserted in either the calling party number or the destination number depending on the subscriber's terminal device egress arrangement. In the third process, the originating country code is delivered to the subscriber before the call is completed. Once received by the subscriber, the originating country information can be used to tailor customized services for the foreign caller.

Abstract: An adjunct unit provides Incoming Caller Line Identification (ICLID) capability for a communication system. The adjunct unit interposed between the control unit and station sets of a communication system obtains ICLID from ringing central office lines and monitors signalling between the control unit and station sets to determine which stations are to receive the ICLID information. Using prestored database information the ICLID information can be used to obtain the calling party name for output to the station sets. The adjunct unit also outputs ICLID information to an application processor which stores calling records for the system.

Abstract: A voice messaging system is designed to select an announcement for a caller based on source information associated with a call initiated by that caller. The voice messaging system a) compares at least a portion of the source information to a stored language code selection list that associates particular call origination locations with predominant language(s) spoken at those locations, and b) based on the results of the comparison, delivers the system's message to the caller in the language that is most likely understood by the caller.

Abstract: An automatic circuit for blocking the transmission of identifying information of a telephone calling party. The automatic circuit has an electronic circuit to detect a telephone off-hook condition. An automatic dialer is also provided and has an input which is connected to the output of the electronic circuit. The automatic dialer is set to dial a predetermined code when the electronic circuit senses the actuation of the detector which detects the off-hook condition. When the predetermined code is received by the computer of the telephone company, it will automatically block the transmission of information which identifies the calling party, and more specifically, the telephone number of the calling party. The off-hook condition detector may be an off-hook switch or a voltage comparator, and other arrangements are foreseeable to detect such off-hook condition.

Abstract: An electronic exchange capable of providing at least a calling number delivery (CND) service, including a registration search unit for investigating whether or not a call terminating subscriber is registered to use the CND service every time a call is initiated from a call originating subscriber, a confirmation unit for inquiring to the call originating subscriber, if the call terminating subscriber is registered to use the CND service, whether or not the call originating subscriber intends to achieve a calling number delivery blocking (CNDB) service, and a selective transmission unit for transmitting or not transmitting data indicative of the telephone number of the call originating subscriber in accordance with an answer responding to the inquiry by the confirmation unit.

Abstract: A method of arranging outside plant facilities associated with a telephone office is disclosed, in which serving terminals that connect to respective telephone station sets are designated as the originating equipment rather than the telephone office, thereby greatly simplifying the inventory of such facilities. As a result of such simplification, the outside loop assignment of a drop wire is then determined dynamically at the serving terminal.

Abstract: A system for delivering originating country information for international toll-free calls to a subscriber includes three separate processes. The country code is extracted from billing and routing data forwarded by the caller's national telephone network to the communication switching system of the destination country of the call, the originating country code is then inserted in either the calling party number or the destination number depending on subscriber's terminating arrangement and finally, the originating country code is delivered to the international toll-free subscriber before the call is completed. Once received by the subscriber, the originating country information can be used to tailor customized services for the foreign caller such as directing calls to attendants fluent in caller's language, or mapping the originating country code to the country name for display to attendants.

Abstract: A trunk line identification system includes a line switch part connected to each of a plurality of channels of a transmission line, channel processing parts for processing signals received from and transmitted to the transmission line via the line switch part, where the channel processing parts are provided with respect to each of the channels and include first and second parts, and a switching system for switching signals. When relaying a signal received by a first channel processing part from the transmission line via the line switch part to the transmission line via the switching system and a second channel processing part, the first part of the second channel processing part transmits an identification signal to the first channel processing part via the switching system, and the second part of the first channel processing part judges whether or not a line being used is a trunk line based on whether or not the identification signal is detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for accessing a service bureau or utility via a telemetry call from automated customer premises equipment, such as device state reporting or alarm equipment, without permitting features assigned to the associated customer to interfere with that call. Customer features such as call waiting are canceled for the duration of the telemetry call and are reactivated after the call has been terminated. Advantageously, access from the customer premises equipment to a service bureau or utility may be provided over a telephone line without limiting the customer's choice of telephone features.

Abstract: An off-hook condition on the telephone line of the calling party is detected. When the off-hook condition is detected, an automatic dialer is initiated to dial a predetermined code which, when received by computers of the telephone company, will automatically block the transmission of information which identifies the calling party, and more specifically, the telephone number of the calling party.

Abstract: This application discloses a system for eliminating a busy line condition and completing a call over a virtual private line when the stations at each of the lines attempt to initiate a call simultaneously. The system is implemented in three phases. In a first phase, the busy line condition is detected by either the communication switching system which sets up the virtual private line or by two signal converters, each connected to a station set at each end of the line. In a second phase, the switching system or the converters send terminating supervisory signals towards each station to terminate the attempted initial calls while the stations are still off-hook. In a third phase, a predetermined signal converter or a selected switch in the communication switching system initiates a new call by emitting an originating supervisory signal while the stations are still off-hook.

Abstract: The invention converts information input from either a charge line or a non-charge line to data form and then stores it in a memory device along with identification data specifying the type of line on which the information was received. It also reads information from the memory device in response to information read requests received by way either of a charge line or of a non-charge line and, when called upon to output said information either to a charge line or to a non-charge line, it inhibits the output of the information to a non-charge line in cases where the line indicated by the aforementioned identification data and the line on which the information read request is received are both non-charge lines.

Abstract: Equipment for management of terminal identification numbers in a communication system, including a center and a plurality of terminals connected to the center. Identification numbers of respective terminals registered in advance are attached to data communicating between the center and the respective terminals.

Abstract: A method of recovering a speech path of a pre-engaged call upon restarting a keyphone exchange system due to the occurrence of a system failure.

Abstract: A transaction recording and rating method and apparatus rates communication transactions completed using one or more Carrier Switched Network Point Of Attachment (CSN POA) locations of a communication network. The network stores a unique code for each CSN POA location. The rating systems store rating parameters associated with each CSN POA code. During a transaction (e.g., a call), one or more CSN POA locations are identified and their CSN POA codes are recorded. A transaction charge is calculated from the prestored rating parameter(s) obtained using the one or more CSN POA codes in addition to other information.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for automatically processing operator assistance calls. A caller is connected to an automated operator position. The automated position has speech recognition facilities to replace those of an operator, has announcement capabilities to replace those of an operator, and has control apparatus for transmitting and receiving the same set of messages transmitted and received by an operator position. Advantageously, the operator assistance switch has the same interface to an automated position as to an operator position and interacts with the two identically. Since the capabilities of the automated position are limited by its program, the automated position switches a call to an automated position when a situation occurs for which it has not been programmed. Advantageously, a switch need not be specially programmed to communicate with an automated position.

Abstract: A device for responsively providing, in cooperative association with the 911 emergency system, the number and location of a telephone, especially a PBX extension telephone, from which such a 911 emergency call originates. A first device is installed between PBXs and the extensions thereof, with the number and location of each extension stored in the device's electronic memory. A second such device is installed at a Public Safety Answering Point. When 911 is dialed from an extension telephone of a PBX equipped with a device of the present invention, even if the extension receiver is still on-hook, the extension is connected over telephone lines to the second device installed at the PSAP. The device at the PSAP then interrogates the device at the PBX which responsively transmits the location of the extension telephone from which the call originated. The device installed at the PSAP relays the location information to at least one computer which informs an operator of the location of the calling phone.

Abstract: An automatic telephone number identifier and method are provided wherein the seven digits of a telephone number developed in response to reentry of the number by a caller are validated by comparing the first three digits of the number to the NNX codes of the terminating central office of the trunk group carrying the call.

Abstract: The implementation of BRI/ISDN services is changing the way services can be maintained with existing operations support systems. For example, with ISDN a subscriber to the service can initiate and effect a move of his director or telephone number from one location to another without directly involving the operating company. The subscriber, by moving his directory number to a new location, now receives his service over a new transport facility. As a result, the records of the operating company which identify a specific transport facility to a specific telephone number cannot be readily updated to reflect subscriber moves. Thus, if the records of the operating company do not identify the transport facility which is associated with the directory number at the new location the operating company cannot readily process trouble reports against the service.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of an audible logo to a telecommunications call, for identifying the common carrier serving that call. A call is received in an operator assistance system. After applying a calling card prompt tone and prior to connecting the call to an operator position or receiving further digits such as those for a calling card number, the operator assistance system connects an audible logo, identifying a common carrier, to the call. Advantageously, a telephone customer receives the information necessary to identify whether his/her preferred common carrier is going to be used on this call at a sufficiently early time to make it convenient to disconnect and reoriginate. This information is particularly important for calls originated away from home or office, calls that are likely to be operator assistance (0 or 0+ directory number) calls. Subsequently, the operator assistance call is processed as in the prior art.