Bellsouth Intellectual Property Management Corporation

Douglas Rutherford O'Neil

J Carl Bedingfield

JoAnn Blount

A system and method for providing telecommunication extension service to a subscriber with at least a first unit having a first number and a second unit having a second number. Upon receipt of a communication directed to the number associated with the one of the units, ringing is provided to both units. A party may answer either unit, or both units may be answered. If one unit is answered, then the other unit is provided with ringing for a predetermined number of rings or for a preselected amount of time. If the other unit is answered, then the communication is connected in a conference call to the other unit, whereby the communication is connected to both units. The conference call may be monitored for drop-out of one of the units. If one unit drops out, the other unit may remains connected. A disconnection feature allows a party who answers on a unit to provide an indication to discontinue ringing to the other unit, or to disconnect the other unit. If a unit is not engaged in a conference call, then that unit may be used to place and receive telecommunications even if the other unit is engaged.

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Martietta, GA, United States of America

Douglas Rutherford O'Neil