METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE CALLS IN ASSOCIATION WITH AN ADVERTISEMENT SYSTEM

摘要

A system for permitting a consumer to make and receive a telephone call using a home television (10) and telephony equipped set-top box (13) and specifically with an ability to make long distance telephone calls at no cost, or at a discounted cost from the charges normally imposed. In operation the user's long distance charges are subsidized by paid for advertisements which are displayed on a user's television screen (11) while a user is engaged in a long distance telephone call.