Patent ID: 7539289
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for selectively deactivating voicemail services in a network-based voicemail system, comprising: receiving instructions at the voicemail system for temporary deactivation of the voicemail services of a subscriber provided by the voicemail system; receiving a call from a calling party directed to the subscriber at a subscriber's switch; routing the call to the voicemail system for provision of the subscriber's voicemail services to the calling party; determining whether the subscriber's voicemail services have been deactivated; if the subscriber's voicemail services have been deactivated, determining whether a deactivation announcement is available for presentation to the calling party, wherein the deactivation announcement includes a message to the calling party that the subscriber's voicemail services are temporarily deactivated; if the deactivation announcement is not available for presentation to the calling party, then disconnecting the call from the calling party directed to the subscriber; providing a voice message to the subscriber; if the subscriber's voicemail services have not been deactivated, routing the call from the calling party to the subcriber's voicemail services for allowing the calling party to leave a voice message for the subscriber; providing the subscriber with an indication that the calling party has left a voice message for the subscriber; after providing the voice message to the subscriber, eliminating an indication that the calling party has left the voice message for the subscriber: determining whether the voice message provided to the subscriber has been designated as unheard; and if the voice message has been designated as unheard, then reactivating the indication that the calling party has left the voice message for the subscriber.