Method and system for multi-channel data automatic call distribution

Abstract

A method of operating a telecommunication network to route a first phone call, from a caller to a channel of a free position of a plurality of positions at a selected destination of a network subscriber, based on voice and data transport capability, and for connecting a second phone call from the caller to a second channel of the same free position to create a multi-channel data call is disclosed. The selected destination is one of a plurality of destinations selected by the network subscriber identified by a common telephone number. Each of the plurality of positions is associated with a discrete telephone number. A plurality of discriminators common to both voice and data calls are established for the call. An additional data rate discriminator is established for a data call corresponding to a requested data rate for the calling party. A database is accessed in response to receiving the common telephone from the calling party for obtaining a destination number for data calls. A subscriber selected destination number for the first phone call is obtained and the first phone call is completed to the destination number by hunting the call to a first channel of a free position of the plurality of positions. A discrete telephone number associated with the free position is provided to the caller over the first channel. A second call, made by the caller to the discrete telephone number is received at a second channel of the free position to created a multi-channel data call.