Importance

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Abstract

A public switched telephone network utilizing program controlled switching systems controlled by common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) is arranged in an architecture to provide a methodology 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. The Internet telephone service includes special telephone services such as directory assistance, credit card calling, both local and long distance, collect calling, and third party charge calling. The special services may utilize human operator assistance or may be completely automated. The service for the most part is rendered through the use of telephone procedures presently familiar to the public from usage of the public telephone network. The system utilizes existing common channel signaling facilities along with Internet signaling and voice switching to permit the use of existing public switched telephone network plant for providing the new Internet services.

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First Claim