| 摘要 |
A method and system are disclosed for permitting regular telephone users (1) to make long distance calls by way of a packet-switched digital data network (13) so as to avoid conventional long distance charges. Personal computers (PCs) are not needed, although they too may use the system. The system includes a plurality of geographically spaced servers (11), each associated with, for example, a particular area code. To make a long distance call, a user (17) simply dials the local number of the originating server (11), and optionally an authorization code (23). The user then inputs the telephone number of the recipient party to the originating server (11). The originating server (11) determines which remote server (11) in the system is local to the number being called and communicates with same via the digital data network (13). Thereafter, the addressed remote server (11) dials out the number of the recipient (19) and real-time voice communication is permitted between the caller (17) and the recipient (19). The system also includes other services such as group messaging, group fax, phone-to-PC communication, PC-to-phone communication, and PC-to-PC communication.
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