Importance

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for marking telephone calls from a subscriber to an Internet Service Provider ('ISP') with a class of service marker. Using this system and method, subscribers can obtain enhanced connections to their ISPs based on their class of service. An ISP can designate several different levels, or classes of service which their subscribers may choose. Generally, with higher the classes of service, the subscriber will have a greater opportunity for a successful dial-up connection to the ISP. The telephone service provider uses a class of service scheme provided by the ISP to determine the best route for the call. Additionally, the class of service marker is made available to the ISP in a manner such that the ISP can determine the caller's class of service without actually answering the call. Thus, two levels of enhanced ISP connections are provided. First, the telephone service provider ('telco') can use the COS to determine the best route for each individual call. Second, once a call has been routed to the ISP, the ISP can determine the COS prior to answering the call and can make a business decision whether or not the call should be answered.

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First Claim