Patent ID: 6516060
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A network method of completing a sequencing call, said method comprising the steps of:accessing a database to retrieve a pre-determined sequence of telephone numbers to which a call can be directed for communications between a caller and an intended party; directing a call to a telephone number in said sequence; receiving an answer indication from a telephone at the telephone number; transmitting a signal requesting an authorized identification signal corresponding to the intended called party; wherein the signal requesting an authorized identification signal corresponding to the intended call party includes at least one of an in-band signal and an out-of-band signal that is connected to the telephone at the telephone number, and said in-band signal and said out-of-band signal disables a voice-messaging system corresponding to the telephone at the telephone number; upon receiving the authorized identification signal corresponding to the intended called party, completing the call; upon failing to receive the authorized identification signal corresponding to the intended called party, directing the call in an alternative manner, wherein the authorized identification signal corresponding to the intended called party comprises a dial pad actuation signal.