Methods and apparatus for implementing call forwarding services using AIN techniques and next event list messages are described. Methods of notifying a subscriber of a call forwarded using AIN techniques are also described. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, a subscriber is allowed to set the number of rings which are allowed to occur prior to a call being forwarded. The number of rings, e.g., the ring count, is stored as part of a customer's call processing record (CPR) which is used by a service control point (SCP) to implement the call forwarding service. The ring count information may be updated via the Internet or via a dial-up telephone connection. Call forwarding customers are provided with a distinctive ring, e.g., a ring shorter than an ordinary telephone ring, to notify them when a call is being forwarded. Distinctive rings may be used to distinguish between different forwarding services. For example a different ring may be used for forwarding to voice mail than for selective call forwarding or follow-me call forwarding. The distinctive ring may be implemented by using an SCP to instruct a telephone switch to provide any one of a plurality of different rings which are supported by the telephone switch or by simply causing the subscribers phone to ring for different periods of time which are shorter than a normal ring.
A system and method is provided for higher-level service intelligence to cooperatively interoperate via a common session control and uniformly control and coordinate at least one transport resource provided by a communication network service provider. Including in the system is at least one association controller (AC) which is connectable to one or more communications networks so as to communicate with a systems entity located therein. In particular, the AC is configured to dynamically receive event registration list (ERL) which include a listing of events, wherein the list is received through an interactive exchange with an integrated services controller (ISC) associated with the particular AC. Receipt of the list registers one or more events for communications services which have a notification interest in the particular event.
