Telephone exchange circuit reconnecting calls at subscriber's request - includes metering arrangement for debiting cost of reconnected part of call to subscriber being called

摘要

The automatic electronic telephone exchange provides facilities for reconnecting incoming calls to a different number at the request of the subscriber being called. Such a request is made by the subscriber and stored in a memory. An incoming call is then automatically reconnected to the given number, and the caller advised of what is taking place. The cost of setting up what is in effect a second call is not however a fair charge on the original caller. The system proposed splits the charges between calling and called subscribers if reconnection takes place. The caller is charged for the call to the number dialled. This charge rate commences as soon as the reconnection process begins. The called subscriber is charged for the call between his own number and the number which he selected for the reconnection. The charging commences when the call is accepted.