Abstract:
A method of and system for enhanced call waiting in a telecommunications network in which the handling of an incoming call is based on a set of user preferences. When a request for completing an incoming telephone call to a destination number is received, the system determines whether the destination number is busy. If the destination number is not busy, the system completes the telephone call to the destination number. If, however, the destination number is busy, the system determines whether the incoming telephone call corresponds to several parameters contained in one or more sets of user preferences. These parameters may include: whether the set is activated; the source of the incoming call; and the date and time of the incoming call. If the incoming telephone call does not correspond to any of these parameters, the incoming telephone call is handled with call waiting. If, however, the incoming telephone call corresponds to any of these parameters, the set of user preferences that best corresponds to the incoming telephone call is selected. The system then determines whether the incoming telephone call, based on one or more instructions in the selected set of user preferences, is to be handled with call waiting or is to be transferred. The instructions may include: how to handle the incoming call, such as priority, proximity or transfer; whether a specified tone is to be used when the incoming call is handled with call waiting; and whether a message is to be played to the incoming caller before the incoming call is transferred to a message center. Based on these instructions the incoming call will be handled with call waiting or transferred to a message center.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to call handling in a telecommunications system and more particularly to a method of and system for enhanced call waiting in a telecommunications network in which the handling of an incoming call is based on a set of user preferences. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Private telephone systems and local telephone companies currently provide services that allow a user to be notified of an incoming call while the user is engaged in another call. Generally this notification is accomplished by a special tone that alerts the user when there is an incoming call waiting for the user. When the user hears the special tone, the user can receive the incoming call by pressing and releasing the switch hook. Pressing and releasing the switch hook puts the first call effectively on hold and connects the user to the incoming call. The caller can toggle back and forth between the original call and the incoming call by pressing and releasing the switch hook. 
     Currently, there is no system by which the user can determine the source of the incoming call and determine whether or not the user wants to receive that call. The user must decide to either ignore the incoming call or receive the call without knowing who the caller is. Many times a user will be on a long distance call and choose not to receive the incoming call even though it may be an emergency or a call that the user is waiting for. If the user does decide to take the call, then the long distance call is put on hold while long distance charges continue to accrue. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for handling incoming calls based on a set of user preferences. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a method of and a system for enhanced call waiting in a telecommunications network. Call waiting is enhanced by using a set of user defined preferences to determine how to handle incoming calls when the user is currently engaged in a telephone conversation. Whenever an incoming call request is received and the destination number is busy, the invention retrieves the user&#39;s preference data, which is stored in a call waiting preference table (“CWPT”). Many sets of user preferences can be stored in the call waiting preference table, each set of user preferences having a set identifier that corresponds to a row in the call waiting preference table. In essence, each set of user preferences is an incoming call handling scheme that is used to determine how the incoming call is to be handled. 
     Each set of user preferences or CWPT row may include: a set identifier; a flag indicating whether the row has been activated; one or more parameters identifying sources of incoming calls for which the CWPT row is to be used; one or more parameters identifying time periods for which the CWPT row is to be used; and instructions on how to handle the incoming call. Typically, the set identifier is one or more digits used to identify the CWPT row so that the user can easily reference the user preferences it contains. Alternatively, the set identifier could correspond to one or more voice activated commands. The parameter identifying sources of incoming calls can be a specific telephone number, a telephone number containing wild cards (e.g., 214-918-* or 214-*), a classification of the incoming call (e.g., local, metro, long distance), or some combination thereof. The parameter identifying time periods can be business days and hours, personal days and hours, a day of the week, weekends, holidays, or specific days, dates and times. The instructions on how to handle the incoming call (the “action to perform”) can be priority, proximity or transfer. A priority instruction indicates that the incoming call should be handled with call waiting. A proximity instruction indicates that the incoming call should be transferred to a message center when the source of the incoming call is closer than the source of the currently connected call, and the incoming call should be handled with call waiting when the source of the incoming call is not closer than the source of the currently connected call. A transfer instruction indicates that the incoming call should be transferred to a message center. 
     In addition, each set of user preferences or CWPT row may include other options, such as a tone override, an outgoing message override, or a pass code. The tone override specifies a tone that is to be used when the incoming call is handled with call waiting. This tone overrides the default tone that is normally used with call waiting. A user can identify the type of incoming call or even the incoming caller by recognizing the tone used, and then determine whether to receive the incoming call. The outgoing message override specifies a message that is to be used when the incoming call is transferred to a message center. This message can supplement or replace the normal message used by the message center and can be customized to fit a specific type of incoming call. The user can also specify a pass code and give that code to certain callers, such as family or friends, so that the incoming caller can override the normal handling of the incoming call. Typically, the pass code would be used by the incoming caller to indicate an emergency call. 
     The present invention determines how to handle the incoming call based on three parameters: the CWPT rows that have been activated; the source of the incoming call; and the date and time of the incoming call. The present invention retrieves all the CWPT rows that satisfy these three parameters and then selects the CWPT row that best matches the incoming call. The incoming call is then handled according to the instructions contained in the selected CWPT row: the action to perform (e.g., priority, proximity or transfer); the tone override, if present; the outgoing message override, if present; and the pass code, if present. 
     For example, if a pass code is defined in the selected CWPT row, the incoming caller is prompted for a password. If the password entered by the incoming caller matches the pass code in the selected CWPT row, the incoming call is handled with call waiting using a special tone, which indicates that this is an emergency call or the incoming caller has correctly entered the password. If on the other hand, the password entered does not match the pass code, or a pass code is not defined in the selected CWPT row, the incoming call will be handled as instructed by the action to perform. The action to be perform may be priority, proximity or transfer. 
     If the selected CWPT row action to perform is priority, the incoming call is handled with call waiting. As previously described, different call waiting tones can be used if a tone override is present in the selected CWPT row. If the action to perform is proximity, the source of the incoming call is compared with the source of the currently connected call. If the incoming call is closer than the currently connected call, the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally. As previously described, if an outgoing message override is present in the selected CWPT row, an outgoing message is played to the caller, such as “I am currently on the phone and am unable to take your call at the moment, please leave a message at the tone and I will return your call as soon as possible.” If the incoming call is not closer than the currently connected call, the incoming call is handled like a priority call, as previously described. If the action to perform is transfer or if for some reason the selected CWPT row did not contain an action to perform, the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally. The outgoing message override is checked as previously described. 
     The call waiting preference table can be accessed through a standard administration processing routine. Typically, a user will call in and enter a password, which when verified, allows the user to run the administrative processing functions. The administrative processing functions are presented to the user through a main administration menu. If the user hangs up or exits the system, the processing will end. Otherwise, the user will be provided with a number of menu options, one of which would be accessing the user&#39;s call waiting preferences. Upon selecting the enhanced call waiting menu, the user is presented with a selection menu. This selection menu allows the user to quit and return to the main administration menu, or to add, delete, change, activate/deactivate, and browse the CWPT rows. In addition, the user can browse the activated CWPT rows or activate/deactivate the default configuration. When the destination number is busy, the default configuration will handle all incoming calls with call waiting. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a table illustrating the information contained in a call waiting preference table of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  comprise a flow chart of the preferred implementation of the incoming call processing of the present invention; and 
     FIGS. 3 a ,  3   b ,  3   c ,  3   d ,  3   e ,  3   f  and  3   g  comprise a flow chart of the preferred implementation of the administrative processing of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the Drawings, and first to FIG. 1, a call waiting preference table (“CWPT”) is designated generally by the numeral  10 . The present invention uses the call waiting preference table  10  to store the user preferences that are used to determine how to handle an incoming call. The call waiting preference table  10  includes a number of columns: set identifier  12 ; row activation status  14 ; source of the incoming call  16 ; date/time validity period  18 ; action to perform  20 ; tone override  22 ; outgoing message override  24 ; and pass code  26 . In addition, the call waiting preference table  10  includes one or more rows  28 , each CWPT row  28  representing one set of user preferences. 
     The first column, set identifier  12 , contains one or more digits that identify each CWPT row  28 . The next three columns, row activation status  14 , source of the incoming call  16 , and date/time validity period  18 , contain parameters that determine whether the CWPT row  28  is to be selected and used to handle the incoming call. The first parameter, row activation status  14 , is a flag that indicates whether the CWPT row  28  has been activated and is to be used to handle the incoming call. The second parameter, source of the incoming call  16 , identifies one or more sources of incoming calls for which the CWPT row  28  is to be used to handle the incoming call. The source of the incoming call  16  can be a specific telephone number, a telephone number containing wild cards (e.g., 214-918-* or 214-*), a classification of the incoming call (e.g., local, metro, long distance), or some combination thereof. The third parameter, date/time validity period  18 , identifies one or more time periods for which the CWPT row  28  is to be used to handle the incoming call. The date/time validity period  18  can be business days and hours, personal days and hours, a day of the week, weekends, holidays, or specific days, dates and times. 
     The next three columns, action to perform  20 , tone override  22 , and outgoing message override  24 , contain instructions that determine how the incoming call is to be handled when the CWPT row  28  has been selected. The first instruction, action to perform  20 , indicates how the incoming call will be handled, whether it is to be considered a priority, proximity, or a transfer call. The incoming call will be handled with call waiting when the action to perform  20  is priority. The incoming call will be transferred to a message center when the action to perform  20  is proximity and the source of the incoming call is closer than the source of the currently connected call. The incoming call will be handled with call waiting when the action to perform  20  is proximity and the source of the incoming call is not closer than the source of the currently connected call. The incoming call should be transferred to a message center when the action to perform  20  is transfer. The second instruction, tone override  22 , is optional and specifies a value that is keyed to a specified tone, which is to be used when the incoming call is handled with call waiting. A tone override  22  equal to zero indicates that the default tone is to be used when the incoming call is handled with call waiting. The specified tone overrides the default tone that is normally used with call waiting. A user can identify the type of incoming call or even the incoming caller by recognizing the tone used, and then determine whether to receive the incoming call. The third instruction, outgoing message override  24 , is optional and specifies a value that is keyed to a message, which is to be used when the incoming call is transferred to a message center. An outgoing message override  24  equal to zero indicates that no outgoing message is to be used when the incoming call is transferred. Such a message may tell the incoming caller that the user is currently on the phone and is unable to take their call and direct them to leave a message with the message center. This message can supplement or replace the normal message used by the message center and can be customized to fit a specific type of incoming call. 
     The last column, pass code  26 , also determines how the incoming call is to be handled when the CWPT row  28  has been selected. The pass code  26  is optional and contains one or more digits that allows the incoming caller, after correctly entering a password that matches the pass code  26 , to override the user preferences in the selected CWPT row  28 . A pass code  26  equal to zero indicates that no pass code is allowed. Typically, the pass code  26  is given to family members or other important persons to which the user wants to give the opportunity to interrupt the current connected call. The call waiting preference table  10  of the present invention is not restricted to the specific columns identified above. 
     The incoming call processing features of the present invention will now be discussed by referring to FIG. 2 a  and  2   b . Referring specifically to FIG. 2 a , the present invention starts the incoming call processing in block  30  in response to receiving a request to complete an incoming telephone call to a destination telephone number. The present invention determines whether the destination number is busy in decision block  32 . If the destination number is not busy, the incoming call is completed to the destination number in block  34  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  36 . If on the other hand, the destination number is busy, as determined in decision block  32 , the present invention determines whether a default configuration has been activated in decision block  38 . If the default configuration has been activated, the incoming call is handled with call waiting in block  40  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  42 . 
     If on the other hand, the default configuration has not been activated, as determined in decision block  38 , the present invention retrieves all CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) having parameters that correspond to the incoming call in block  44 . Specifically, only CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) that have been activated, row activation status  14  (FIG.  1 ), and whose source of the incoming call  16  (FIG. 1) and date/time validity periods  18  (FIG. 1) correspond to the incoming call are retrieved in block. The present invention then determines whether any CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) were retrieved in decision block  46 . If no CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) were retrieved, the incoming call is handled with call waiting in block  40  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  42 . If, however, one or more CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) were retrieved, as determined in decision block  46 , the source of the incoming call is compared with any specific telephone numbers or telephone numbers containing wild cards (collectively referred to as “wild cards”), if any, in the source of the incoming call  16  (FIG. 1) of the retrieved CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  48 . If the source of the incoming call does not match any of the wild cards, as determined in decision block  48 , the incoming call is classified, e.g., local, metro, long distance, etc., by comparing the source of incoming call to the destination number in block  50 . Based on this classification, a CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) is selected that best matches the incoming call classification and all other CWPT rows (FIG. 1) are discarded in block  52 . If on the other hand, the source of the incoming call matches any of the wild cards, as determined in decision block  48 , the CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) that best matches the source of the incoming call is selected and all other CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are discarded in block  54 . 
     Now referring specifically to FIG. 2 b , after the completion of block  52  or  54  (FIG. 2 a ), the invention determines whether a CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) has been selected in decision block  56 . If a CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) has not been selected, the incoming call is transferred to a message center and the message is handled normally in block  88 , and call processing of the present invention ends in block  90 . If a CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) has been selected, as determined in decision block  56 , the present invention determines whether a pass code  26  (FIG. 1) is defined in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  58 . If a pass code  26  (FIG. 1) is defined, an interface is activated with the incoming caller to accept a password in block  60 . The present invention then compares the password entered by the incoming caller with the pass code  26  (FIG. 1) defined in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  62 . If the password entered by the incoming caller matches the pass code  26  (FIG.  1 ), the present invention will set the tone override to indicate an emergency in block  64 , handle the incoming call with call waiting using the specified tone in block  66 , and call processing of the present invention ends in block  68 . If on the other hand, a pass code  26  (FIG. 1) is not defined in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG.  1 ), as determined in decision block  58 , or the password entered by the incoming caller does not match, as determined in decision block  62 , the present invention accesses the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) from the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in block  70 . 
     The present invention then executes the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) from the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) through decision blocks  72 ,  78  and  82 . At decision block  72 , if the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is priority, the present invention determines whether a tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is present in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  74 . If a tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is present, the incoming call is handled with call waiting using the specified tone in block  66  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  68 . If the tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is not present, as determined in decision block  74 , the incoming call is handled with call waiting in block  76  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  68 . If at decision block  72 , the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is not equal to priority, the present invention determines whether the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is equal to proximity in decision block  78 . 
     If the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is equal to proximity, as determined in decision block  78 , the present invention determines whether the source of the incoming call is closer than the source of the currently connected call in decision block  80 . If the source of the incoming call is not closer than the source of the currently connected call, the present invention determines whether a tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is present in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  74 . If a tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is present, the incoming call is handled with call waiting using the specified tone in block  66  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  68 . If tone override  22  (FIG. 1) is not present, as determined in decision block  74 , the incoming call is handled with call waiting in block  76  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  68 . If the source of the incoming call is closer than the source of the currently connected call, as determined in decision block  80 , the present invention determines whether an outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is present in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  84 . If no outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is present, the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally in block  88  and call processing of the present invention ends in block  90 . If, however, an outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is present in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG.  1 ), as determined in decision block  84 , the outgoing message is played to the incoming caller in block  86 , the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally in block  88 , and call processing of the present invention ends in block  90 . If the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is not equal to proximity, as determined in decision block  78 , the present invention determines whether the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is equal to transfer in decision block  82 . 
     If the action to perform  20  (FIG. 1) is equal to transfer or not equal to transfer, the present invention determines whether an outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is present in the selected CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in decision block  84 . If an outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is not present, the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally in block  88 , and call processing of the present invention ends in block  90 . If an outgoing message override  24  (FIG. 1) is present, as determined in decision block  84 , the outgoing message is played to the incoming caller in block  86 , the incoming call is transferred to the message center and the message is handled normally in block  88 , and call processing of the present invention ends in block  90 . 
     The administration processing functions of the present invention will now be discussed referring to FIGS. 3 a ,  3   b ,  3   c ,  3   d ,  3   e ,  3   f  and  3   g . Specifically referring to FIG. 3 a , the delineation between a typical phone message service  100  and the enhanced call waiting service  200  is shown by a dashed line. Moreover, the functions of a typical phone message service are identified with 100 series numerals, whereas the functions of the enhanced call waiting service are identified with  200  series numerals. 
     Administration processing begins in block  102  and typical password authentication is verified in block  104 . Once password authentication has been successfully completed in block  104 , the user is presented with the main administration menu in block  106 . At decision block  108 , if the user hangs up or exits, the administration processing ends in block  110 . If at decision block  108 , the user does not hang up or exit, the user&#39;s menu option selection is executed through decision blocks  202  and  112 . One of the menu options will be enhanced call waiting. If at decision block  202 , the user selects enhanced call waiting, the user is presented with an enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If the user does not select enhanced call waiting, as determined in decision block  202 , administration processing proceeds to decision block  112 . At decision block  112 , if the user selects some other valid menu option, the selected menu option is processed in block  114  and the user is returned to the main administration menu in block  106 . If at decision block  112 , the user does not select a valid menu option, the user is again presented with the main administration menu in block  106 . This process is repeated until the user hangs up or exits, as determined in decision block  108 , and administration processing ends in block  110 . 
     Referring back to when the user selects enhanced call waiting in decision block  202  and is presented with an enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 , the user may select various options such as quit, add, delete, change, activate/deactivate, browse, activate/deactivate default or may hang up. These options are indicated by decision blocks  206 ,  208 ,  218 ,  230 ,  240 ,  258 ,  276  and  284 . If at decision block  206 , the user selects quit, the user is returned to the main administration menu in block  106 . If at decision block  206 , the user does not select quit, administration processing proceeds to decision block  208 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b , if the user selects add, as determined in decision block  208 , the user then specifies the new set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) in block  210 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid, as determined in decision block  212 , the user then interfaces with the present invention to create a new CWPT row  28  (FIG. 1) in block  214 , and is then returned back to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in  204 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is not valid, as determined in decision block  212 , an error message is played to the user in block  216  and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If at decision block  208 , the user did not select add, administration processing proceeds to decision block  220 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   c , if the user selects delete, as determined in decision block  218 , the user specifies an existing set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) to be deleted in block  220 . The present invention determines whether the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid in decision block  222 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid, the present invention will delete all CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) in block  224 , will play a message acknowledging the deletion in block  226 , and will return the user to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If, however, the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is not valid, as determined in decision block  222 , an error message is played to the user in block  228  and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If at decision block  218 , the user did not select delete, administration processing proceeds to decision block  230 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   d , if the user selects change, as determined in decision block  230 , the user specifies a set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) to be changed in block  232 . The present invention determines whether the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid in decision block  234 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid, the present invention interfaces with the user to make the desired changes to the CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) in block  236  and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is not valid, as determined at decision block  234 , an error message is played to the user in block  238  and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If at decision block  230 , the user did not select change, administration processing proceeds to decision block  240 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   e , if the user selects activate/deactivate, as determined in decision block  240 , the user specifies the set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) to be activated or deactivated in block  242 . The present invention determines whether the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid in decision block  244 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is not valid, an error message is played to the user in block  246  and the user is again returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid, as determined in decision block  244 , the present invention determines whether the CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) have been activated by checking the row activation status  14  (FIG. 1) in decision block  248 . If the CWPT rows (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) have been activated, the CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are deactivated in block  250 , an acknowledgment message is played to the user in block  252 , and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If, however, the CWPT rows (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) have not been activated, as determined in decision block  248 , the CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) are activated in block  254 , an acknowledgment message is played to the user in block  256 , and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If at decision block  240  the user did not select activate/deactivate, administration processing proceeds to decision block  258 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   f , if the user selects browse, as determined in decision block  258 , the user then specifies the set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) to be browsed or specifies that all active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are to be browsed in block  260 . The present invention determines whether the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid in decision block  262 . If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is valid, the program plays all CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) while concurrently checking for an escape code in block  264 . While the present invention is playing the CWPT rows  28  (FIG.  1 ), it concurrently checks for an escape code entered by the user or for the completion of the last row to be played as determined in decision block  266 . If an escape code is detected or the last row to be played is completed, the user is again presented with the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If an escape code is not detected and the last row to be played is not completed, as determined in decision block  266 , the program continues to play all CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) for the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) in block  264  while continuing to check for an escape code or the completion of the last row to be played. If the specified set identifier  12  (FIG. 1) is not valid, as determined in decision block  262 , the present invention determines whether the user selected that only active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are to be browsed in decision block  268 . If only active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are to be browsed, the present invention plays the currently active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) while concurrently checking for an escape code in block  270 . While the present invention is playing the active CWPT rows  28  (FIG.  1 ), it concurrently checks for an escape code entered by the user or for the completion of the last row to be played as determined in decision block  272 . If an escape code is detected or the last row to be played is completed, as determined in decision block  272 , the user is again presented with the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If an escape code is not detected and the last row to be played is not completed, as determined in decision block  272 , the program continues to play all active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) in block  270  while continuing to check for an escape code or the completion of the last row to be played. If the active CWPT rows  28  (FIG. 1) are not to be browsed, as determined in decision block  268 , an error message is played to the user in block  274  and the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu at block  204 . If at decision block  258 , the user did not select browse, administration processing proceeds to decision block  276 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   g , if the user selects activate/deactivate default, as determined in decision block  276 , the present invention determines whether the default configuration, which handles all incoming calls with call waiting when the destination number is busy, has been activated in decision block  278 . If the default configuration has not been activated, the present invention activates the default configuration in block  280  and returns the user to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . If, however, the default configuration has been activated, as determined in decision block  278 , the present invention deactivates the default configuration in block  282  and returns the user to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . 
     Now referring only to FIG. 3 a , at decision block  276 , if the user has not selected activate/deactivate default, administration processing proceeds to decision block  284 . If the user hangs up, as determined in decision block  284 , administrative processing of the present invention ends in block  286 . If the user does not hang up, as determined in decision block  284 , the user is returned to the enhanced call waiting selection menu in block  204 . This process continues until the user either hangs up or exits from the system. 
     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detailed, it will be understood by those skills in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.