Method and apparatus for implementing configurable call forwarding bins

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved home location register (HLR) that includes an application program for implementing configurable call forwarding bins in a mobile telephone system. According to the invention, a number of call forwarding bins are provided for subscribers. Each forwarding bin must be individually authorized to become available to a subscriber. Furthermore, if a bin is authorized, depending on whether a bin is locked or not, either the cellular carrier or the subscriber can activate the bin and/or modify a forward-to number in the bin. Moreover, a priority list is provided, corresponding to a particular status of the subscriber's cellular phone. (i.e. busy, no answer, etc.) and whether the subscriber is in the home area or a roaming area. The priority list identifies selected bin numbers that the application program needs to check. The bin that has the highest priority on the list and is authorized and activated will be selected. The forward-to number in that bin will be used for call forwarding. If none of the bins in the priority list is authorized and activated, a switch default number is used to redirect incoming calls, so that an announcement will be played to calling parties. Therefore, by using the improved HLR of the invention, more call forwarding bins-can be implemented. Moreover, these bins can be easily configured in desired ways to allow either a cellular carrier or a subscriber to control the use of selected bins. Additionally, in providing call forwarding services, a plurality of bins are checked to find an appropriate forward-to number, thus avoiding sending erroneous messages to calling parties.