Method and apparatus for providing user controlled call management

Abstract

A method of providing call screening to a subscriber of personal communication services facilitates the screening of incoming calls by associating the number dialed by a calling party with a function or role of the dialed number. This function or role is then sent to the subscriber when an incoming call is received. This way, the subscriber can decide whether to answer the incoming call based upon knowing the role or context associated with the dialed number. The subscriber is also provided with user controlled features which can be invoked by the use of DTMF codes. The subscriber can place a calling party on hold prior to answering the incoming call. In addition, the subscriber can proceed with a call transfer from a wireless telephone to a wired telephone and vice-versa, while the call is still in progress. Another feature allows the subscriber to implement a real-time call screening, while the calling party is leaving a message on voice mail. Yet another feature provides a wide area virtual extension to several subscribers such that an incoming call will be simultaneously routed to each subscriber in the group, as if their telephones were extensions of each other.