Method and system for dual-network telephone calling

摘要

Methods and systems are provided to connect telephone calls, such as international phone calls, using both the data network and telephone network of a mobile communication device such as a cellular phone. These systems initially route a call to the destination phone number through a non-international temporary phone number, thereby saving the cost of an international phone call on the mobile phone's service plan. An application on the mobile phone uses the data network to automatically request and receive the substitute termination number, and automatically sets up a call on the telephone network to the substitute termination number, which routes the call to the desired international telephone number. These systems reduce the cost of an international call, permit mobile phone users without international calling plans to make international calls, and automatically connect to an international number through a temporary non-international number using dual networks.

主权项

1. A method in a telecommunications system for placing a telephone call using a dual-network telephone, comprising:
controlling the dual-network telephone to perform the steps of:
receiving a destination phone number to call;automatically sending a request for a substitute termination phone number over a data network in response to receiving the destination phone number;receiving the requested substitute termination phone number over the data network;calling the substitute termination phone number over a telephone network;receiving over the telephone network, via the call to the substitute termination phone number, an indication of a progress of a call from a bridge to the destination phone number after calling the substitute termination phone number over the telephone network but prior to the call to the substitute termination phone number being answered; andconnecting the dual-network telephone to the destination phone number over the telephone network after the call to the destination phone number by the bridge is answered.