Abstract: A Toll-Free Management Platform (TFMP) includes methods and systems for number administration, customer administration, call management services, texting services and text registry, and a smart services registry. The TFMP may allow users to receive through a web-based interface, an activate request from a user, wherein the request includes at least a customer record template reference and an indication of when to active a toll-free telecommunications number associated with the request. The request may include at least one IP address datum associated with the toll-free telecommunications number. A user interface may allow activating a toll-free number, and users may access the TFMP to create and access existing templates of toll-free call routing templates, and utilize a routing tree engine to create customized call routing trees for the toll-free numbers of interest to the user.

Abstract: A system for authenticating the identity of a caller (i) receives a phone call from a caller, where the phone call is initiated through an application on a remote computer device associated with the caller, and where the phone call includes one or more phone authentication credentials; (ii) determines a preliminary identity of the caller based upon the one or more phone authentication credentials; (iii) receives online authentication credentials from the application on the remote computer device; (iv) determines a confirmed identity of the caller based, at least in part, upon the one or more online credentials and the preliminary identity of the caller; and (v) displays the confirmed identity of the caller to a user answering the phone call. As a result, the user and/or the system do not need to perform additional authentication before providing service to the caller.

Abstract: A system and method of re-routing a toll free telephony call if an interexchange carrier is unable to connect the toll free call to a target telephony station. A routing server accesses a primary and auxiliary routing database to retrieve a plurality of routing codes, including a primary routing code associated with an interexchange carrier computer, to which the routing server can route the toll free call to via an access tandum. If the routing server receives a status back from the access tandum indicating the toll free call did not complete, the routing server dynamically re-routes the toll free call based on one or a plurality of previously accessed routing codes. Such re-routing shall occur via the access tandum or via a voice over Internet Protocol provider server.

Abstract: A system for determining a communication charge comprising a charging equation determiner, an inflection point determiner, and a charge determiner. The charging equation determiner for determining a charging equation based at least in part on a normalized set of inputs. The inflection point determiner for determining an inflection point based at least in part on a charging structure database. The charge determiner for determining a communication charge based at least in part on the charging equation and the inflection point.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring computer program test design are described herein. The techniques include a method that specifies a subset of tuples in a combinatorial test model as supervised. At least some of the supervised tuples are confirmed using expert data. The method may include determining a metric indicating progress of the combinatorial test modeling process based on the supervised tuples and the confirmed tuples.

Abstract: Call routing system and method for routing calls based upon an initiator's current location in a wireless communications network. The call routing system includes an interface to receive incoming communications directed to an identifier identifying different geographic locations of destination party. Interactive unit interacts with off-network providers. Call routing process is created to determine, based on the current location of the initiator, which geographic location to direct the communication and gateway mediation process is created to inquire from off-network service the current location of the initiator, to receive location data related to the initiator's current location, and to return the received location data to the call routing process. Interactive unit is configured to terminate communication to geographic location of the destination party based on the initiator's current location. Incoming communication and terminating communication are bridged at interactive unit.

Abstract: A call path score that utilizes real time network statistics, sourced from carriers and the public domain that may be provided to LCR and SCPs to determine the net “value” of a route such that, depending on customer choice, a call completion pattern may be created. Calls may be completed optimizing distance, quality or cost based on real time network and carrier database. This function may be further enhanced to provide a customer sourced rating score that enhances call routing. This may be utilized for real time carrier performance statistics to analyze network congestion. Multiple carriers may be assigned based on network performance and carrier congestion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting a call generated from an advertisement. One embodiment includes: establishing a real time communication connection between a first entity and a second entity via a communication reference embedded in an advertisement that is presented on behalf of the second entity; billing the second entity for the advertisement in response to the communication connection being established via the communication reference; monitoring the communication connection between the first entity and the second entity to detect a pre-defined indication; and charging the first entity, on behalf of the second entity, for communications with the second entity over the communication connection in response to a detected occurrence of the pre-defined indication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic processing of toll free call service alarms are disclosed. For example, the method receives a trouble ticket by a service provider for a toll free call service alarm, and retrieves a calling to number and a calling from number from the trouble ticket. The method determines if the service provider is a responsible organization for the toll free call service for the calling to number, and determines if a customer network for the toll free call service is active if the service provider is the responsible organization for the toll free call service. The method notifies a work center if the customer network is not active.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing voice telephone communications from a smart phone. The method is implemented on an app for a smart phone. Steps include capturing digits dialed on the smart phone; establishing a data connection with a database external to the smart phone; transmitting to the database the digits dialed on the smart phone; a telephone number for calling the smart phone; and any multimedia capabilities of the smart phone. Additional steps include receiving at the smart phone: a second telephone number sent from the database and any multimedia information accessible to the smart phone; displaying the multimedia information on the display screen when such multimedia information is displayable; and using the second telephone number received from the database to cause the smart phone to establish a voice connection through the public switched telephone network as if the second telephone number had been dialed by the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for routing a communication. An identifier of an origination point of the communication is received. A destination point associated with a destination of the communication is determined. The origination point and the destination point are analyzed to determine whether the communication may be entirely routed within a local service provider's geographic area.

Abstract: A system and method for processing toll free telephone calls by a telecommunications service provider may include receiving, by the telecommunications service provider, a telephone call request for a telephone call being placed to a toll free telephone number from a telephone within a service area of the telecommunications service provider. The telecommunications service provider may determine that the toll free telephone number is one operated by the telecommunications service provider. The telephone call may be routed via a network of the telecommunications service provider to a telephone associated with the toll free telephone number to connect the telephone call.

Abstract: A method for routing a toll-free call through a network includes receiving a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint, determining an identifier associated with the call origination endpoint, determining a meet point trunk based on at least a portion of the identifier if a DAL is not available, and routing the toll-free call to a LEC via the determined meet point trunk. A system for routing a toll-free call entering a network to an appropriate carrier includes an inbound gateway device configured to receive a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint having an assigned telephone number and to query a core routing engine (CRE) for a route plan using the assigned telephone number, and a CRE configured to select an interconnection access line based on the origination endpoint telephone number, wherein the interconnection access line is connected to a LEC that is operable to route the call to the appropriate carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing automated processing of a switched voice alarm on a switched and/or Internet Protocol (IP) network are disclosed. For example, the method receives an alarm associated with a switched voice service, and retrieves a Local Routing Number (LRN) or Primary Inter-exchange Carrier (PIC) information from a switch serving a call associated with a caller's telephone number. The method determines if the alarm is due to one or more service degradations, and notifies a work center responsible for one or more of the service degradations if the alarm is due to the one or more service degradations.

Abstract: A system and method for processing toll free telephone calls by a telecommunications service provider may include receiving, by the telecommunications service provider, a telephone call request for a telephone call being placed to a toll free telephone number from a telephone within a service area of the telecommunications service provider. The telecommunications service provider may determine that the toll free telephone number is one operated by the telecommunications service provider. The telephone call may be routed via a network of the telecommunications service provider to a telephone associated with the toll free telephone number to connect the telephone call.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and systems for reducing or canceling echoes during fax communications. In an embodiment, during a fax call, a first fax signal from a first fax device intended for a second fax device is detected. Based at least in part on detecting the first fax signal from the first fax device or on the termination of the first fax signal, an echo audio packet is muted, wherein the echo audio packet is at least partly the result of the first fax signal being transmitted over a network, the network including at least a data network.

Abstract: A self-provisioning telephony service includes assigning a toll-free telephone number to a customer account for a customer of a telecommunications provider, distributing the toll-free telephone number and an access number to the customer along with an invitation to provision a toll-free telephone number service, and receiving, at a local exchange carrier switch, a call from the customer. The access number is identified by the local exchange carrier switch for the call in response to performing a call number translation. The telephony service also includes accessing, by a server, the toll-free telephone number identified for the customer account and generating a provisioning order that includes a customer telephone number from the customer account and the toll-free telephone number. The telephony service further includes transmitting the provisioning order to a service control server, the service control server activating the toll-free telephone number for the customer account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic processing of toll free call service alarms are disclosed. For example, the method receives a trouble ticket by a service provider for a toll free call service alarm, and retrieves a calling to number and a calling from number from the trouble ticket. The method determines if the service provider is a responsible organization for the toll free call service for the calling to number, and determines if a customer network for the toll free call service is active if the service provider is the responsible organization for the toll free call service. The method notifies a work center if the customer network is not active.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage mediums for implementing self-provisioning telephony services are provided. A method includes storing an access number at a service control server that services a local exchange carrier switch. The method also includes assigning a toll-free number to a customer account and distributing the toll-free number and access number to the corresponding customer. The method further includes receiving, at the local exchange carrier switch, a call from a customer, the call identified as the access number. The method also includes routing the call to a server and, absent human intervention, the server accessing the toll-free number identified for the customer account and generating a provisioning order that includes a customer telephone number from the customer account and the toll-free number. The method also includes transmitting the provisioning order to the service control server, the service control server activating the toll-free number for the customer account.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which a first telephone number is associated with a second telephone number, and a web-based advertisement is served for an advertiser that includes the first telephone number. A call placed to the first telephone number is received, and the call is routed to the second telephone number based on the association of the second telephone number with the first telephone number. A determination as to whether a call-through event in response to receiving the call placed to the first telephone number has occurred, and an advertiser associated with the second telephone number is charged a cost-per-call amount if the call-through event is determined to have occurred.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for processing alternatively billed telephone calls, such as, for example, collect calls and third party calls. In some representative embodiments, a method for completing an alternatively billed call between a calling party and a called party comprises establishing a calling party quality score and completing the alternatively billed call if the calling party quality score meets a threshold. In other representative embodiments, the method further comprises establishing a called party quality score and/or a third party quality score, combining the aforementioned quality scores, and completing the alternatively billed call if the combination of quality scores meets a threshold.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method provides a time slicing capability whereby alternate services, such as advertising, can be provided to a party while being kept on hold. Thus, charges associated with portions of the call during which alternate services are provided can be billed to other parties, such as advertisers, and the cost for the call to the caller or the called party can be reduced. The connection between the caller and the called party is maintained during the time that alternate services are being provided so that when either the caller or the called party is available to accept or resume a call, the alternate services are terminated and the caller and called party are reconnected.

Abstract: Inmate communications systems provide a feature-rich platform with a high degree of flexibility and security employing call control facilities located off institutional premises. Authentication processes for calling and called party verification include biometric techniques in some embodiments. Distributed processing of call control and billing provide flexible interactive call payment processes. Preferred embodiments feature voice over IP transmission and control featuring controlled access to avoid addition of unauthorized third-party call participants. Monitoring, recording and selective forwarding of calls is provided under control of system administrators.

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 dialed universal telephone number is translated into a toll free telephone number corresponding to a telecommunications relay service center in a telecommunications system. When the call is connected to the telecommunications relay service center, information that identifies the caller is reliably forwarded to the telecommunications relay service center.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) telephony service permits users of a dedicated access line (DAL) service to place toll free calls over the DAL, even when the long distance network cannot query a national toll free database, such as a national service management system (SMS). A switch in the long distance network, which cannot access the toll free network, receives the toll free call and forwards the toll free call to a switch that can access the national toll free database. In one embodiment, the switch that can access the national toll free database resides in a local exchange carrier (LEC) network. Thus, the DAL subscribers do not have to route toll free calls over local trunks.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage mediums for implementing self-provisioning telephony services are provided. A method includes storing an access number at a service control server that services a local exchange carrier switch. The method also includes assigning a toll-free number to a customer account and distributing the toll-free number and access number to the corresponding customer. The method further includes receiving, at the local exchange carrier switch, a call from a customer, the call identified as the access number. The method also includes routing the call to a server and, absent human intervention, the server accessing the toll-free number identified for the customer account and generating a provisioning order that includes a customer telephone number from the customer account and the toll-free number. The method also includes transmitting the provisioning order to the service control server, the service control server activating the toll-free number for the customer account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic processing of toll free call service alarms are disclosed. For example, the method receives a trouble ticket by a service provider for a toll free call service alarm, and retrieves a calling to number and a calling from number from the trouble ticket. The method determines if the service provider is a responsible organization for the toll free call service for the calling to number, and determines if a customer network for the toll free call service is active if the service provider is the responsible organization for the toll free call service. The method notifies a work center if the customer network is not active.

Abstract: A method of managing calls to a toll free telephone number is provided and includes receiving a telephone call directed to a toll free number and determining a day that the telephone call is received. Further, the method includes modifying a Calling Party ID privacy indicator associated with the call. The Calling Party ID privacy indicator can be modified based on the day that the telephone call is received. Also, the caller identification can be determined after the Calling Party ID privacy indicator is modified. Further, in a particular embodiment, the call is received and the Calling Party ID privacy indicator is modified on a weekday. The method further includes determining whether the call is received within a predetermined time range. Moreover, the Calling Party ID privacy indicator can be modified when the call is received within the predetermined time range.

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: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for routing a communication. An identifier of an origination point of the communication is received. A destination point associated with a destination of the communication is determined. The origination point and the destination point are analyzed to determine whether the communication may be entirely routed within a local service provider's geographic area.

Abstract: A method for routing a toll-free call through a network includes receiving a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint, determining an identifier associated with the call origination endpoint, determining a meet point trunk based on at least a portion of the identifier if a DAL is not available, and routing the toll-free call to a LEC via the determined meet point trunk. A system for routing a toll-free call entering a network to an appropriate carrier includes an inbound gateway device configured to receive a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint having an assigned telephone number and to query a core routing engine (CRE) for a route plan using the assigned telephone number, and a CRE configured to select an interconnection access line based on the origination endpoint telephone number, wherein the interconnection access line is connected to a LEC that is operable to route the call to the appropriate carrier.

Abstract: A system routes local toll-free communications to a toll-free communications address via local switches and/or local network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure of the communication. When an originating communications address is identified as an LCA, intraLATA, or otherwise local communications address, the system routes the local toll-free call from the network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating communications. According to exemplary embodiments, the originating communications are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for communicating and routing local toll free communications and for reporting each local toll free communication to the subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: A routing device and method for connecting a free-of-charge call from a customer to a company using the company's own preexisting telecom infrastructure such that the company avoids the added cost of a third party free-of-charge service provider. The device and method provide one or more triggers allowing a customer to initiate a free-of-charge call to the company, e.g., an icon or other link appearing in the company's website or email which a customer may click to initiate the trigger, or an advertised SMS target number to which a customer may send an SMS message. Upon receiving a trigger, the routing device immediately calls the customer back and connects the customer to the appropriate company department or representative.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method provides a time slicing capability whereby alternate services, such as advertising, can be provided to a party while being kept on hold. Thus, charges associated with portions of the call during which alternate services are provided can be billed to other parties, such as advertisers, and the cost for the call to the caller or the called party can be reduced. The connection between the caller and the called party is maintained during the time that alternate services are being provided so that when either the caller or the called party is available to accept or resume a call, the alternate services are terminated and the caller and called party are reconnected.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for compiling and furnishing demographic data to advertisers based upon a plurality of promotions deployed during free phone calls.

Abstract: A system and method that enables subscribers to transfer the airtime charge for the sending/receiving wireless telephone station to a toll free call provider to/from whom a wireless toll-free telephone call is placed. A communication network in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of portable wireless telephone stations; a plurality of wired telephone stations; a plurality of local exchange carriers (LECs); at least one mobile switching center (MSC) a mobile base antenna tower. Each MSC, LEC and IXC is adapted to operate a program that retrieves billing information associated with wireless airtime from a rating system and then compile the information in a billing statement for a toll free call provider.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for connecting an out-of-market customer to a desired telephone number. The method comprises receiving a customer validation request from a foreign market provider and, in return, providing a random or designated toll-free telephone number to the foreign market provider. Upon receiving a call request from the foreign market provider, the call request is directed to the desired telephone number. The customer validation request may include the desired telephone number and/or a mobile identification number. The call request is based on the provided toll-free telephone number, which is owned by a home market provider.

Abstract: A system routes local toll-free calls dialed to a toll-free number via local switches and network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure. The system operates with existing a subscriber's existing toll-free service provider. When an originating number is identified as an LCA or intraLATA call, the system routes the local toll-free call from the SCP network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating number. The originating calls are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for routing local toll free calls and for reporting each local toll free call to the subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.

Abstract: An automated toll-free telecommunications information service may be provided responsive to a user sending an E-Mail request via the Internet or by a caller dialing a toll-free telephone number and announcing a voice request. A service node interprets the request and collects matches to the request from a database. A match to a request may comprise the identity of an entity corresponding to the match, a toll-free number for the match and a brief information sketch describing the entity. The matches are announced and played for the caller. The caller may barge in with a predetermined voice announcement such as “please dial” when they wish to select an item of the list. In response, the service node initiates the launch of a call to the selected entity.

Abstract: The present invention routes local toll-free calls dialed to a toll-free number via local switches and network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure. The invention operates with existing a subscriber's existing toll-free service provider. When an originating number is identified as an LCA or intraLATA call, the invention routes the local toll-free call from the SCP network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating number. The originating calls are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for routing local toll free calls and for reporting each local toll free call to the subscriber.

Abstract: A telecommunications network includes computing intelligence for billing call processing on a per transaction basis. In particular, a customer is charged separately for each usage of a remote computing resource that assists in call processing. The remote computing resource, may be, for example, an intelligent call router located within the telecommunications network or on a customer's premises. The transaction billing performed by the present invention results in equitable billing of customers based upon use.

Abstract: System and a method for facilitating the use of a preferred, discount rate pre-paid telephone calling card. The system and method include and involved a data storage system for storing data corresponding to a pre-paid telephone calling card and at least one location identifier related to the pre-paid telephone calling card. The location identifier(s) corresponding to at least one telephone call service rate. The system and method also include and involve a pre-paid telephone calling card processing system that is coupled to the data storage system and which is configured to receive the location identifier(s) during a setup call over a telephone network and to cause the location identifier(s) to be stored in the data storage system during the setup call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blocked call routing apparatus and method that allows a caller to access a blocked number, such as a 1-8YY paging service, from a restricted device. The blocked call routing apparatus includes a controller, a database interface and a network interface. The blocked call routing apparatus receives call signals through the network interface and retrieves information from a database, through the database interface, corresponding to the source type and call destination address. Based on the information obtained from the database, the blocked call routing apparatus determines whether the call is blocked or unblocked. If the call is blocked, the blocked call routing apparatus queries the called party to determine if they wish to accept the additional charges necessary to complete the call. If they do, the block is overridden and the call is completed.

Abstract: In a communication control unit, CPU judges whether a telephone number of a caller is included in caller ID signals and communicating section starts communicating with the caller when the CPU judges that the telephone number of the caller is not included in the caller ID signals; or calls back the telephone number of the caller when the CPU judges that the telephone number of the caller is included in the caller ID signals.

Abstract: A communication method for providing information in an intelligent network includes a step of entering by a user a connection number of the user terminal, a connection number of an information provider terminal and a time to receive the information providing service into a user database provided in a transmission layer, a step of reading the data registered in the user database into a service control database provided in the intelligent layer, a step of referring to the service control database to automatically connect the user terminal and the information provider terminal when a service start time is reached and automatically disconnect the connection therebetween when a service end time is reached.