Internet telephone service

US6125113A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bell Atlantic Network Services · US

Inventors

• Robert D. Farris · Sterling, US
• Dale L. Bartholomew · Vienna, US
• Stephen J. Flaherty · Upper Marlboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 16, 1996
• Grant date: Sep 26, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 16, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04M2207/12
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A public switched telephone network utilizing program controlled switching systems controlled by common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) and preferably an advanced intelligent network (AIN) CCIS network is arranged in an architecture to provide a methodology for facilitating telephone use of the Internet by customers on an impromptu basis. Provision is made to permit a caller to set-up and carry out a telephone call over the Internet from telephone station to telephone station without access to computer equipment and without the necessity of maintaining a subscription to any Internet service. Billing may be accomplished on a per call basis. The calls may be inter and intra LATA, region or state and may be nationwide. Usage is made of CCIS signaling to set up the call and establish the necessary Internet connections and addressing. Calls may be made from telephone station to telephone station, from voice capable computer to voice capable computer, or from telephone to computer or computer to telephone. Provision is made to permit such Internet connection via wireless telephone stations.