Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a method for automatically selecting a carrier network from a plurality of available networks to carry a telephone call (including MTS, video, data, etc.) for which toll charges are to be levied. The selection is made as a function of the call-type, and the method may be used, for example, to select a carrier, pre-subscribed to by a subscriber, for intra-LATA toll calls, inter-LATA and international calls. Alternatively, within a call-type, a carrier may be selected on the basis of toll rates, either on a per-call basis or by pre-subscription. A receiving end-office receiving a call from a calling station determines call-type and accesses a database whose contents either produce the identity of a preferred carrier for the call-type or the identity of the carrier having the lowest toll rate for the call. In any case, the identity of the carrier is returned from the database to the end-office and the end-office switch acts to connect the call to that carrier's network.

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First Claim