Patent ID: 6574328
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
A telephone system comprising:a public switched telephone network (PSTN) having a tandem switch; and a tandem access controller (TAC), within the PSTN, connected to said tandem switch, said TAC being accessible via the Internet by at least one subscriber for selecting features to be applied to telephone calls intended for said subscriber routed through said PSTN, said TAC being in a local service area with respect to said subscriber, said TAC for receiving a first call by a calling party, entering a first telephone number, intended for said subscriber, said TAC for applying said features to said first call, placing a second call to said subscriber using a second telephone number different from said first telephone number, and completing a communications path between said calling party and said subscriber after said subscriber has answered said second call.