System and method for implementing call waiting functions over a network

Abstract

System and method for implementing call waiting functions over a network architecture which includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet. The call waiting system allows a user to receive incoming call information from a third party without interrupting an active connection with a second party, such as an Internet Service Provider (ISP). When the user attempts to connect to the ISP, a call waiting service is activated at a service control point connected to the PSTN and the user is notified about any incoming call attempts made after the user establishes a successful connection with the second party. The call waiting system indicates the number of, and provides information about incoming call attempts to the user. Meanwhile, the third party caller has the option of leaving a voice mail message for the user. If the user is actively connected to the Internet, a call waiting Internet server can be used to provide the incoming call information to the user's computer terminal. The call waiting system further allows the user to answer incoming calls in real-time when connected to the Internet and return unsuccessful incoming call attempts at a later time. Thus, Internet users can enjoy an uninterrupted Internet session without missing incoming calls. The call waiting system is configurable for non-Internet applications for allowing receipt of incoming call information without interrupting an active telephone connection.