Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and system are provided for allowing caller control of calls directed to a called party where the called party has forwarded incoming calls. A call forwarding control feature is selected at the local telephone switch of the calling party on a call-by-call basis. Alternatively, the call forwarding control feature may be provisioned at the switch for all outgoing calls. After a directory number of a called party is entered, a determination is made as to whether the called party has call forwarding service and whether the called party as activated call forwarding for incoming calls. If the called party has activated a call forwarding service for incoming calls, the caller's switch is instructed to terminate the call attempt. A message may be played to the caller to alert the caller that the call attempt is being terminated. If the called party's calls are not forwarded, the caller's call is connected to the called party. The call forwarding control method and system may be switch-based where the determination as to the call forwarding status of the called party's line is made at the called party's switch. Alternatively, the call forwarding control method and system may be network-based where the determination as to whether the called party's calls are forwarded is performed at a network component such as a service control point that is tasked with forwarding calls directed to the called party.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim