Importance

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Abstract

An information network and method for providing a nationwide audio text network, including electronic billing, useful for a wide variety of applications is disclosed. The information network utilizes a telephone message delivery system coupled to phone lines, typically the '800' area code common carrier lines, to receive incoming calls, to interactively respond thereto as controlled by a computer and to communicate with the computer to provide information to and obtain information from a database maintained by the computer. In addition to being coupled to the telephone message delivery system, the computer is typically also coupled to one or more dedicated or dial up lines so as to be capable of obtaining electronic credit card authorization or changes, and is further coupled so as to control the routing of an incoming call, to redirect the call to a live operator or to other equipment, or to outgoing lines to any desired destination.

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First Claim