Nortel Networks Corporation

Sherry Ann DeSoto

Patrick Lee Price

Francis Edward Skinner

An apparatus and a method for enabling the originator of a telephone call to send a customized message or signal to an unavailable telephony subscriber on a terminating telephone and to establish a direct operative connection therewith within the same telephone call. The apparatus and method include a Short Message Service device, typically operating in conjunction with a voice mail system and a call forwarding service, for providing the originator of a telephone call to the subscriber with the option of sending a short message to the subscriber's telephone in situations where the subscriber is unavailable. The subscriber may then send a response to the originator and/or choose to establish a direct operative connection therewith within the same telephone call and without requiring either party to place a separate telephone call.

Apparatus and method for sending a customized message to a telephony subscriber and establishing a direct operative connection therewith within the same telephone call

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Sherry Ann DeSoto