Importance

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Abstract

A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. However, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the '*' button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred back to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). Billing information for the calls originated by the directory assistance operator on the subscriber's behalf is logged in a database at the directory assistance center. This data is thereafter provided to the cellular carrier, permitting it to bill the subscriber for calls originated by the directory assistance operator.

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First Claim