Method and apparatus for analyzing international long distance dialing errors and automatically completing a call

Abstract

A method for analyzing international long distance dialing errors and automatically completing a call it the error can be determined comprises the steps of receiving a dialed country code, city code and directory number. A potential error is determined by comparing one or pairs of the dialed country code and city code or the city code and dialed directory number or the combination of all three elements with predetermined valid dialing sequences for the dialed digits. For example, an error can be located between the country code and city code when a foreign telephone network has added a digit, for example, to expand the number of directory numbers available within a geographic area. A list of obsolete country codes, city codes or combinations thereof is stored in memory along with updated country codes and city codes. In one embodiment, a corrected dialed number is automatically redialed without further action by the caller. In another embodiment, the existence of a potential error in a dialed number is announced to the caller. The caller can further be prompted to agree with a reasonable correction of the dialed number and permit the automatic redialing of the telephone number intended. Apparatus for performing the analysis may comprise a known long distance network adjunct processor including a voice interactive system and access to a database of obsolete and valid international calling formats. In an alternative embodiment, even the dialed directory number may be corrected via access to a remote directory number database or international operator assistance may be provided.