Abstract: In a group communication system, a mobile station that is not currently under a group communication can participate in a group communication. A location registration signal is transmitted to a base station upon turning on the power of a mobile station or when a mobile station moves between communication zones A group communication number is sent from the mobile station and is examined against a group-communication group number controlling register in a control station The examination determines the presence or absence of a group communication call corresponding to the group-communication number sent by the mobile station Notification information on a relevant call, if present, is sent to the mobile station, which can then participate in the group communication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide systems, methods and articles of manufacture for locating one component of callee information in response to receiving another associated component of the callee information. In a particular embodiment, a user inputs a network address (e.g., a telephone number) into a telephony device. The telephony device then operates to access a local directory in an effort to locate a callee name associated with a network address. If the callee name cannot be found in the local directory, a request for the callee name is transmitted to a remote directory.

Abstract: A method and implementing teleconferencing system for use within voice and/or video teleconferencing arrangements, includes means by which conference content is recorded and subsequently made available to participants who may become disconnected from the teleconference while it is still in session. Upon reconnection to the teleconference, a participant has an option to play back the missed portion of the teleconference at various speeds until the recording has become synchronized with the real time teleconference. The participant may also choose to rejoin the real time teleconference immediately upon reconnection and access the missed but recorded portion of the teleconference at a later time. In different embodiments, the call-back to a disconnected participant and the recording of missed teleconference content are accomplished either at the telephone company or at a teleconference center.

Abstract: A network-based wireless telephone communication device is proposed, which can be either an independent device or integrated to a portable information platform, and which is capable of providing an interactive multi-person voice communication session for the user to talk with one or more other persons via voice over a network system, such as the Internet, through a wireless network interface. The proposed network-based wireless telephone communication device is more advantageous to use than prior art in that it utilizes the Internet for voice data transmission and therefore is significantly more economical to use than mobile phone. Moreover, since the proposed network-based wireless telephone communication device can be either an independent device or integrated to a portable information platform, such as mobile phone, electronic dictionary, PDA, or the like, it has a higher level of portability than notebook computer with wireless linking capability.

Abstract: A method and a communication terminal for establishing a group of wireless terminals are provided. The method comprising the steps of detecting a physical contact between users of the wireless terminals using a first circuit, establishing the group identified in the previous step of physically connected users of the wireless terminals using a second circuit of the wireless terminals. The step of detecting the physical contact comprising the step of transferring a signal via the physical contact between the users of the wireless terminals using the first circuit in the wireless terminals. The step of transferring a signal comprising the steps of generating the signal in the circuit, transferring the generated signal to a body of the user and to a body of a second user the users being physically connected, and detecting the signal in the circuit of the second user.

Abstract: A communication network is provided that includes a unicast telephony device, and a plurality of multicast telephony devices operable to receive multicast media streaming transmitted to a multicast group address. The communication network further includes a multicast intermediary operable to receive multicast media streaming sent to the multicast group address. The multicast intermediary is further operable to communicate the media streaming to the unicast telephony device to enable the unicast telephony device to participate in the multicast communication with the multicast telephony devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a communication system (200), user equipment (201,211) and method of performing a conference call. The communication system (200) employs discontinuous transmission and has a plurality of user equipment (201, 211, 213, 215) and a fixed network (205, 207, 208). It further comprises a speech metric processor (225) for determining if speech is originating at the user equipment. The system also comprises a silence descriptor frame generator (229) which generate silence descriptor frames if no speech is originating and a conference call processor (231) for determining if a call involving the user equipment is a conference call. Furthermore the communication system comprises means (229, 239) for suppressing silence descriptor information of the silence descriptor frames if the call is a conference call. The invention is applicable to cellular mobile radio communication systems such as UMTS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of integrating a wireless telephone and a multiple handset cordless telephone system is taught. A docking station is used which receives a wireless telephone and electrically interfaces with in, including power, audio and data interfaces. A controller manages the interface to a transceiver, and speakerphone. The transceiver operates in compliance with a multiple handset cordless telephone system to enable communications therebetween.

Abstract: An improved system and procedure for allowing participants within a group conversation on a wireless communication network to at least temporarily break away from a group conversation and hold a side bar conversation. The side bar conversation may comprise several different types, including a public conversation (much like the original group conversation) or may constitute a private conversation (much like a standard phone call) or private text messaging or data exchange. A group conversation user wishing to hold the side bar conversation uses his user interface to alert other group conversation user(s) with whom he would like to hold the side bar conversation. Either the initiating user or the recipient user(s) can recommend the type of side bar conversation to be had using their user interfaces.

Abstract: A transceiver can simultaneously execute transmission of both a voice signal and an email. A memory in the transceiver previously stores a phone number, an email address, and a URL which are associated with each other. A caller can automatically transmit the email having the associated URL in body text to the associated email address, upon calling the phone number in the memory from the transceiver. The transceiver displays the sent and received URL on its display. Consequently, the caller and a callee can easily access the same URL during communication.

Abstract: A method, device and system for establishing communications with multiple communication devices are disclosed. The method includes selecting a multiparty call group from a storage device or forming a multiparty call group. The multiparty call group may include contact information for each communication device in the multiparty call group. The method may also includes establishing communications with each communication device in the multiparty call group.

Abstract: A group communication method for a wireless information device, in which the method comprises the step of using an application independent object which defines or references members of a group in a way that enables communication to take place between two or more members of the group. The group object defines solely the identities of members of a group: as such, it is application (and hence also content) independent. This means that a group created in one application (e.g. a diary/agenda application could use that same group as the recipient list for an invitation to a meeting); a voice application could use that same group to allow a voice call to be conferenced across to all group members. Similarly, data specifically created for one group and in one application can be re-used in a different application and the data viewed appropriately for that different application.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively reducing call-setup latency. The method and system provides for selectively increasing the paging frequency used for paging certain mobile stations, so as to decrease the time that it takes to establish radio-link connectivity with those mobile stations. The method and system is particularly useful when establishing real-time communication sessions, such as instant chat sessions, but may be useful in other scenarios as well.

Abstract: The invocation of an intelligent network service in a call handler for calls being routed to mobile stations in a mobile communication network is done in such a way that if a call being handled is a call to be routed to a mobile station, and if it is determined that at least one intelligent network identifier is activated for that mobile station a further comparison of a stored condition parameter of the mobile station with a current value of that mobile station's condition parameter is performed, and where the decision regarding the invocation of an intelligent network service depends on the outcome of such a comparison.

Abstract: Call data associated with one call is correlated from separate call records associated with the calling and called parties in which at least one of the parties is a wireless user. Statistical information is gathered based on whether one of the parties to the call subscribes to one call feature/service and the other party to the call subscribes to a predetermined call feature/service. This information is typically utilized by telecommunication service providers.

Abstract: A method for providing a mobile network notification service including receiving a first telephone number associated with a first notification service customer. The method further includes receiving an indication that a first telephone corresponding to the first telephone number has been powered on and is available in a mobile network. A mobile network status of a second telephone corresponding to a second telephone number is determined in response to locating the second telephone number in a notification list associated with the first notification service customer. The status is transmitted to the first notification service customer.

Abstract: A wireless device connects to one or more network node devices that are in turn connected to one or more wirelines. The wireless device has one or more wireless signal generators supporting one or more of the wireless connections and one or more memories to store an identifier. One or more negotiators negotiate with the network node device in order to establish a connection to one or more wirelines connected to the network node and a requesting process requests bridging to a call in progress.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering frequencies for use in peer-to-peer communication sessions. A frequency broker receives session-participation messages from multiple parties wishing to communicate wirelessly with each other. The broker selects a frequency for the parties to use and then instructs the parties to communicate with each other on the selected frequency. And the parties then engage in peer-to-peer communication with each other over the selected frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing a cellular mobile call. If no radio traffic (voice or data) channels are available for a calling Mobile Station (MS), then a test is made to determine the expected wait time before a channel becomes available. If the expected wait time is less than a first threshold, then the call request is queued. If a channel does not become available before a second time threshold, then the caller is notified that the call has been queued and is expected to be established in a short time. A control message is sent to the MS to trigger an indication of the queued status to the user. The indication may be one or more tones, a data display, or the playing of a pre-recorded announcement. If the expected wait time is more than the first threshold, the caller is given the opportunity to be called back when a radio channel becomes available. Advantageously, the number of failed calls because of unavailable traffic channels is reduced, and the caller's annoyance level is reduced.

Abstract: During a group call, each remote unit (113–118) receives a downlink supplemental transmission (109–110) that contains high-speed data (e.g., video). A single supplemental channel is utilized for each base station (101–102). On the uplink side, the supplemental channel is shared among all remote units, however only one remote unit (113–118) is allowed to transmit at a time utilizing the uplink supplemental channel. A decision is made as to which remote unit is providing a highest-voice-energy fundamental channel uplink, and that remote unit is assigned the uplink supplemental channel. The remote unit, that is currently transmitting utilizing the uplink supplemental channel, has its transmission broadcast (via downlink supplemental channels (109–110)) to all other remote units participating in the multicast.

Abstract: The method for remote connection consists in identifying poles of interest common to several persons according to a technique which detects the areas of activity and the poles of interest and broadcasts them. The itinerant apparatus (1) comprises a data processing module (2) connected directly or not by a bus (3) to a display module (4), data selecting means (5) sound generating means (6) and several interface means (10, 11, 12) capable of connecting or adapting the device to other remote communication means. The apparatus (1) is capable of broadcasting (9) and picking up (8) codes selected in a nomenclature common to all the machines of the switchboard to encounter another apparatus containing at least a similar code. The machines (16a, 16b, 16c, 19d, 16e, 16f) exchange together their respective selections in interactive mode which passes through a transmission space (17, 18) systematically produced when at least two machines meet within operational distance.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying users dropped from a conference call and rejoining the user to the call upon reconnection. Users can participate in the conference by connecting through different types of networks using a device having one or more types of communication lines. When a user is disconnected before the end of the conference (due to a bad mobile phone connection, for example), a bookmark is placed in the recording indicating the disconnection point. When the user rejoins the conference, the user is given the option to begin listening to the conference at the point where the user was disconnected. The user can issue playback-type requests, such as play, rewind, fast forward, etc., to review missed information. Other users are alerted by a characteristic tone when a user disconnects from the conference and by another characteristic tone when the disconnected user rejoins the conference.

Abstract: A technique for connecting a dialed B-party number to a data object is described. The connecting of a B-party number to a specific data object, hereafter referred to as phonepage, will allow an A-party direct access to information that a B-party wishes to display to a calling party. The phonepage resides in a memory in a telecommunications network, or in a memory in a data-communications network connected thereto. The phonepage may have a similar appearance to an Internet web page, but may also take other appearances. The displaying of tile phonepage may be made dependent upon the capabilities of the A-party user equipment.

Abstract: Communications methods for allowing groups of individuals, such as family members, to contact one another when no one is available to answer calls to a primary, e.g., family, telephone number are described. Calls which go unanswered are connected to a telephony device capable of storing messages and initiating conference calls. If the calling party is determined to be a family member the telephony device accesses a table of contact information corresponding to the unanswered telephone number and offers the caller the opportunity to hear messages from other family members and/or initiate a conference call to one or more family members who have supplied a contact telephone number. Family members can access and update the table of messages and contact number information by telephone or the Internet. Table information can be accessed and updated remotely thereby providing a method of communicating with family members even when no one is at home.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: receiving via internet a time, a date and a telephone number for a reminder telephone call (such as a wakeup call); storing in a database the time, date and telephone number of the reminder telephone call; and delivering to the subscriber via telephone the reminder telephone call at the specified time, date and telephone number. In one embodiment, the reminder call comprises a marketing message. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving via the internet demographic information corresponding to the subscriber; matching the marketing message to the demographic information; and delivering the matched marketing message to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of receiving via the internet a personal reminder message or a selection for information, and delivering the personal reminder message or selected information to the subscriber during the reminder telephone call.

Abstract: In making a transition from two-point communication to three-point communication, by making preparations for three-point communication without interrupting two-point communication, and by making a transition to three-point communication when preparations are completed, momentary interruption of the conversation is eliminated. That is, while maintaining two-point communication, the transcoders at each point are made to acquire rate control information for all points, after which the transition to three-point communication is made.

Abstract: A method of preserving or gracefully concluding wireless calls that are dropped when service is interrupted in a wireless communication system (100) (e.g., due to poor RF coverage). When a mobile unit (108) encounters a service interruption during a call, an announcement (208) is played inviting remaining participating unit(s) to hold. After a predetermined waiting time (210, 216), if service is not re-established to the mobile unit, the remaining unit(s) are invited (218) to leave a message (e.g., voice mail) for the mobile unit and connected (220) to a messaging system (126). After message(s) are concluded, the call is ended (226) or optionally, lo continued (206) if there is more than one remaining unit. If service is recovered before the waiting time expires, a service recovery announcement is provided (214) to the remaining unit(s) and the call continues (206).

Abstract: A technique for connecting a dialed B-party number to a data object is described. The connecting of a B-party number to a specific data object, hereafter referred to as phonepage, will allow an A-party direct access to information that a B-party wishes to display to a calling party. The phonepage resides in a memory in a telecommunications network, or in a memory in a data-communications network connected thereto. The phonepage may have a similar appearance to an Internet web page, but may also take other appearances. The displaying of the phonepage may be made dependent upon the capabilities of the A-party user equipment.

Abstract: Coupon systems and methods for delivering and redeeming coupons comprise a communications network defined by at least a wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, where the communications network is associated with a plurality of communication devices that define a group communications net. A communications manager is operable to provide a group communication session by receiving a data packet from one member of the group communications net and transmitting the data packet through the computer network to at least one of the other members of the group communications net. A coupon module having a plurality of coupons is associated with the communications manager, and a delivery module is coupled to each of the coupon module, the communications manager, and the communications network. The delivery module is operable to monitor the group communication session and to deliver one of the plurality of coupons to the group communications net.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering a net within a group communication network provides for requesting a current list of available nets that the communication device may join from a controller and, after receiving the current list of available nets from the controller, selecting a net from the current list of available nets. The method and apparatus further allows the communication device to send a request to the controller for joining the selected net, which may be followed by receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been added to the list of current participants in the selected net. In another aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for exiting a net within a group communication network provides for sending a request to the controller for exiting the net, receiving a response from the controller that the communication device has been removed from the list of current participants in the net, and exiting the net.

Abstract: A controller 103 for a dispatch communications system 100 that is arranged and constructed for limiting a transmission in the dispatch communications system, methods thereof, and communications units 115, 117, 123 for use within the system have been discussed. The controller comprises: a processor 405, cooperatively operating with a transceiver 403, to; grant and provide a first right to talk to a first user 203; monitor a dispatch call resulting from the grant of the first right to talk to the first user to evaluate whether the first user should retain the first right to talk 207, 209; and notify, when the evaluation so determines, a second user 211 that the first right to talk is no longer applicable.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling signals directed to a first telecommunications terminal to be forwarded intelligently to a second telecommunications terminal in the vicinity of the first terminal is disclosed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment automatically forwards signals from a first terminal to the closest terminal for which the first terminal is authorized to do so, wherein the first terminal and the closest authorized terminal belong to any respective ones of a plurality of networks. The illustrative embodiment employs a location coordinator that, in concert with logic embedded in each of the networks, determines the closest authorized terminal.

Abstract: To form a wireless network, a network invitation signal is broadcast to potential members of the wireless network that are within a range of the wireless network. Upon a potential member of the wireless network responding affirmatively to join the wireless network, identification information is obtained from the potential member. The potential member is then included within the wireless network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring sound from a remote location. A monitor box is connected to an outside telephone line and to a device that provides sound to the monitoring box. In one implementation, the device is a telephone coupled to its own telephone line, and the monitor box is connected to the telephone through the use of a splitter located between the handset and base of the telephone. Thus, a supervisor or other individual may contact the monitor box from a remote location by calling into the outside telephone line connected to the monitor box and monitor a conversation that occurs on one of the telephone line corresponding to the telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically forwarding calls directed to a wireless telephone device is disclosed. A call forwarding operation is automatically enabled in response to the wireless telephone device being at a particular location and is automatically disabled in response to the wireless telephone device leaving said predetermined location.

Abstract: The invention provides a television meeting unit that is capable of displaying a picture smoothly on a middle participation terminal. To realize such television meeting unit, the multicast meeting unit is provided with a picture coding means for coding an input picture, a picture transmission means for transmitting the coded picture by mean of multicast, a picture receiving means for receiving the transmitted coded picture, a picture decoding means for decoding the received picture, a picture display means for displaying the decoded picture, a middle participation notice means for notifying middle participation in a meeting, and a middle participation terminal detection means for detecting the middle participation notice and for transmitting it to the picture coding means. The picture coding means, upon receiving the middle participation notice from the middle participation terminal detection means, changes the coding format to the in-frame coding format.

Abstract: In a wireless code-division multiple access (CDMA) system (100), a talkgroup (101) of subscriber units is provided. A sub-talkgroup (102) of subscriber units, forming a part of the talkgroup is assigned at least one inbound channel (416-417). The talkgroup is assigned outbound channels (415). Members of the sub-talkgroup may simultaneously transmit voice information (410-411) using the at least one inbound channel, which voice information is summed (412) and re-transmitted to the talkgroup using the outbound channels. Voice information is summed so that an individual talker receives summed voice information without the individual subscriber's voice content. Subscriber units in the sub-listengroup are allowed to transmit voice information only after requesting, and receiving, an additional inbound channel.

Abstract: Packet-based central conference bridges, packet-based network interfaces and packet-based terminals are used for voice communications over a packet-based network. Modifications to these apparatuses can reduce the latency and the signal processing requirements while increasing the signal quality within a voice conference as well as point-to-point communications. For instance, by selecting the talkers prior to the decompression of the voice signals, decreases in the latency and increases in signal quality within the voice conference can result due to a possible removal of the decompression and subsequent compression operations in a conference bridge unnecessary in some circumstances. Further, the removal of the jitter buffers within the conference bridges and the moving of the mixing operation to the individual terminals and/or network interfaces are modifications that can cause lower latency and transcoding within the voice conference.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting a conference call between a wireless line and a land line using customer premise equipment, where a cordless telephone device connected to the PSTN includes a wireless telephone cradle for receiving a cellular telephone. Interface circuitry residing in the cordless telephone controls operation of the cordless telephone handset and the cellular handset when positioned in the cradle and connects a first call between a user and a first party via the PSTN and a second call between the user and a second party via the wireless telephone network toward establishing a conference call among the user, the first party and the second party. Echo cancellation and suppression is provided to minimize objectionable echo between the two far end parties.

Abstract: A portable communication device for conference calls, comprising at least first and second speech encoder paths with first and second inputs for connection to first and second recording devices, respectively, and at least one output connected to signal processor means for receiving and processing first and second electronic signals from said recording devices via said first and second speech encoder paths for transmission to a transmitter/receiver operatively connected to said signal processor means, wherein said apparatus is adpated to receive said first and second electronic signals simultaneously even if the signals are different, and said apparatus comprises a summator adapted to sum said first and second electronic signals into a sum signal for transmission to said transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: A system that uses real-time information from a variety of sources to coordinate meetings between parties. For example, the system may be deployed to coordinate meetings between customers and representatives of a company that delivers products or services to customers at many, possibly dynamically determined locations. It may also coordinate meetings between independent parties, such as mutual friends traveling to a meeting point to be determined, or realtors from several realty offices and their collective customers on a busy day. The system manages communications between the meeting parties and accounts for the objectives and constraints of each party to generate an efficient schedule for one or both parties.

Abstract: In a communication system which can privately inform each applicant of an outcome of a game or an examination, a cell phone with a cell phone number is used to transmit, to a center or a promoter, personal identification information including the cell phone number and a total personal password. The total personal password is obtained by producing the personal identification information, by producing the result of the game or examination as a parameter, and by encrypting both the personal identification information and the result. The center extracts the personal identification information from the total personal password decrypted and collates the extracted personal identification information with the received information so as to judge whether or not a person is authentic. When confirmation is made about the fact that the person is authentic, the parameter is extracted from the total personal password to be judged. An outcome of judgement is transmitted to each person by the use of the cell phone number.

Abstract: A wireless telephone (302) digitizes the voice of the user in response to the depression of a push-to-talk button (110), either physical or virtual. It sends the digitized voice, in data mode, to a base station (308). The base station places the data, through the Internet, or an Intranet or Extranet, on a server (312). Other wireless phones (304)-(306) recover the data from the server through the same (308) or different (310) base station, through the Internet, Intranet, or Extranet, and convert the data back to digitized voice. The base stations transmit the digitized voice to other wireless telephones (306), which convert them back to voice in response to the recognition of voice frames on the data channel by the CODEC manager software. Networked computers (314) may be configured to emulate a combined base station and wireless telephone.

Abstract: Message exchange handling concept. A message exchange session between wireless communication terminals via a wireless network is initiated from one of the terminals. The user of the initiating terminal invites at least one other communication terminal to participate in the message exchange session. This is done by forwarding a message text to said at least one other communication terminal. Then the other terminal responds to received message by inputing a message text for replying to the received message. Then the responding terminal automatically adds the inputted reply message text to the received message text, whereby the aggregate message text includes the message exchange session history, and the aggregate message text is then transmitted to the other communication terminals being party to the message exchange session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a call directed to a telephony network-based voice messaging service (VMS) implemented using packet-switched data network telephone conferencing resources, such as an IP-based voice-over-IP conferencing system. The systems and methods use one or more media gateway systems providing an interface between a conventional telephony domain and packet-switched data domain. When a call is to be redirected to the VMS system, the telephony network routes the call via the packet-switched data network using the media gateway. An application server in the packet-switched data network maintains registration information associated with the subscriber. If the subscriber is logged onto the packet-switched data network, the conferencing resources are used to establish a conference call between the caller, the VMS and the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining a user to a call in a group communication network provides for receiving an indication from a user who wishes to initiate a group call and sending a request to a server to add the user to the group call if the group call is in progress. The method and apparatus also provides for receiving a response from the server indicating that the group call is in progress, alerting the user of being added to the group call, and receiving media from the server after a traffic channel is re-established. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: A folding detecting unit detects whether or not the corresponding mobile radio terminal is in the folded state. A storage unit stores phone numbers of mobile terminals and automatic response data in the form of a table. A communication control unit refers to information stored in the storage unit when an incoming call occurs and, when the folding detecting unit detects that the terminal is changed from the folded or closed state to the unfolded or opened state, responds to the incoming call to initiate communication according to the automatic response data for the originating terminal.

Abstract: A method for supporting a multi-call in an IMT-2000 system providing a plurality of services including a voice communication service, a moving picture service and a radio internet service, wherein the IMT-2000 system includes one or more mobile stations, one or more radio networks and one or more core networks includes the steps of: in response to a call request of the mobile station, transmitting an origination message to the radio network; generating a CM service request message based on the origination message and transmitting the CM service request message to the core network; determining whether the call request is an initial call request or an additional call request based on the CM service request message, wherein the additional call request means a request of an additional traffic channel for using other service; generating one or more traffic channels for the mobile station; and storing a first identity for the mobile station and a second identity for an assigned traffic channel in a storage unit.

Abstract: A cellular system for handling outgoing calls from a mobile station (1) including, a network element (8) being capable of recognizing voiced commands and names, and has in memory a database of telephone numbers corresponding to an array of names. The mobile station (1) connects to the network element (8) and the mobile station user communicates the desired outgoing call function to the network element (8) by voice. This desired outgoing call function may be communicated while the mobile station (1) is engaged in using supplementary services provided by the network element (8), at any operation point in those services. The network element (8) evaluate the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the necessary information need by the mobile station (1) to carry out the desired function to the mobile station (1).

Abstract: In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.