METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CALL HOLDING

摘要

A method and system for managing a telephony connection on hold to reduce t he use of resources within the telephony network and/or to allow the user on ho ld to place their telephony device into an on-hook state after they have been placed on hold. In two embodiments, a user of a telephony device who has been placed on hold can initiate a Smart Hold whereby their telephony device can be placed in an on-hook state while on hold and the use r will be signaled when the call is to be removed from hold. This allows the user to perform other activities while a Smart Hold has been implemented, without the need to keep a telephone handse t to their ear, for example. The freeing up of local loop resources can also be achieved. In another embodiment, the Smart Hold can be initiated by either party to a connection without requirin g cooperation of the other party. In some embodiments, no toll charges or the like will be incurr ed while the Smart Hold is in effect.