Method and apparatus for prepaid inbound call forwarding service
US6694003B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2017/12
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A telecommunication service is disclosed which allows customers to prepay a telephone service to allow them to receive inbound calls forwarded anonymously to a destination number. The inbound call routes to a forwarding number using an inbound access number and an access code. The call is routed to a number chosen by the customer or, alternatively, a preset voice announcement can be utilized. Billing for the call can be charged against a prepaid amount, and the service can be sold in the same manner as prepaid calling cards. The forwarding number is advantageously unknown to the caller, thus enabling anonymous phone calling prepaid by the called party. Multiple access codes can be easily provisioned and purchased to permit the called party flexibility in how and when other parties contact the called party. The service is of particular benefit for those wishing to transact business with another party on a short-term basis without the other party knowing the subscriber's long term telephone number.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.