Apparatus and method for handling busy calls in telephone network

摘要

A system and method for improving the completion rate of calls encountering a busy condition wherein the customer lines connected to a stored program controlled (SPC) switch having CLASS features are provided with a repeat call feature, comprising connecting such lines encountering a busy condition to announcement circuits in said switch which provide an announcement of the availability of a repeat call service for a specified charge upon the calling party disconnecting, reconnecting, and dialing specified characters. The announcement is followed by a simulated busy signal from the announcement circuitry. The switch thereupon periodically checks the condition of the called line for a predetermined period of time and upon detecting a free condition applies a distinctive ring signal to the calling line. Upon detection of the calling line going off-hook, the switch sends standard ringing to the called line. The announcement is preferably provided from multiple announcement trunks handled in a manner to maximize the efficiency of usage of a minimum number of announcement trunks.