Method and apparatus for providing call screening on customer premises equipment

摘要

Use of the present invention enables the user of a central voicemail service to selectively screen incoming calls on a CPE. For the present invention, the user pre-programs a CPE device through a manual configuration process during which the characteristics of the screening function are stored. When an incoming call is received the user has the choice of answering the call or screening the call simply by waiting or a preset number of incoming ring signals. The method enables screening on both stationary and portable CPEs.