Patent ID: 8615005
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for placing a call through an Internet Protocol (IP) network, from a contact voice interface device located in a first geographical area, to a subscribed voice interface device located in a second geographical area, each geographical area defined by an area in which a local call can be made via a PSTN, the method comprising: receiving, at a first IP switch connected to both the PSTN and the IP network and assigned to the first geographical area, a first leg of the call from the contact voice interface device to a local access phone number assigned to the first IP switch, wherein the first IP switch is remotely located from the contact voice interface device; subsequently receiving, at the first IP switch from the contact voice interface device, a first identity defining the subscribed voice interface device to which the call is to be completed, the first identity being different from a second identity defining the contact voice interface device; prompting for the second identity using a first prompt; transmitting, via the IP network, the first identity from the first IP switch to a second IP switch connected to the PSTN and assigned to the second geographical area, the second IP switch associated with the first identity; the second IP switch establishing a second leg of the call at a local calling rate to the subscribed voice interface, wherein establishing a second leg of the call comprises prompting the first identity with a second prompt to accept and/or refuse an establishment of the call; and bridging the first leg of the call to the second leg of the call through the IP network, thereby completing the call from the contact voice interface device to the subscribed voice interface device through the IP network; wherein upon receiving a refuse notification in response to the second prompt, further displaying a third prompt to choose from a plurality of options comprising: transferring the call to a personal voice recording system, terminating the call, and storing the second identity in a list of contacts for which further calls are to be refused.