Hierarchical switch support of services for subscribers based on organizational membership

摘要

A telecommunication network includes first subscribers supported by a first local telecommunication switch. A first signal is received from the first switch at a second telecommunication switch disposed at a hierarchical level above the first switch. The first signal indicates to the second switch that features based on organizational affiliation of the calling party are to be provided. A second signal is received at the second switch from the first switch indicative of the identification of the calling party. A record in a database coupled to the second switch is located in response to receiving the second signal; the location of the record being based on the identification of the calling party. A group affiliation parameter stored in said record is identified; the group affiliation parameter defines one organization of which the calling party is a member. The second switch transmits a call setup message to a third switch associated with a called party. The call setup message includes the group affiliation parameter so that the calling party's membership in the one organization is available for further call processing. <IMAGE>