Patent ID: 8000685
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use in a wireless network, comprising: a mobile switching center having a voice mail system that is contained completely in the mobile switching center, a subscriber database with voicemail information, and a greetings database; the greetings database having a plurality of lists, and at least one phone number in each of the lists; and the greetings database also having a plurality of recorded greetings, respective greetings in the plurality of recorded greetings being associated only with respective lists in the plurality of lists such that a predetermined respective greeting of a plurality of recorded greetings is played for each respective phone number of a respective list of phone numbers, a respective recorded greeting being played for an associated incoming call without a necessary request from the associated incoming call; wherein the voice mail system is configured to only associate respective recorded greetings with respective lists; and wherein the voice mail system is accessed by a subscriber using an Internet connection whereby the subscriber creates said lists and recorded greetings, associates respective greetings with respective lists and specifies treatment of phone numbers not included in any of the lists as well as treatment of phone numbers that are blocked or that are unknown caller IDs, by choosing from at least three options including play a greeting and allow a caller to leave messages, play a greeting and not allow a caller to leave messages, and hanging up on a caller.