Abstract:
A Nonpublished Number Messaging (NPNM) (100) system allows a caller (102) to leave a message for a party having a nonpublished telephone number. When a caller calls directory assistance to request a telephone number, an operator service system (OSS) switch (106) routes the call to a directory assistance operator (108). The operator enters the requested listing into an operator console (108) and a search is made in an OSS database (DB) (110). When it is determined that the requested telephone number is nonpublished, the OSS switch (106) routes the call to an audio response unit (ARU) (112), which plays a recorded message, and then routes the call to a voice mail service (VMS) (114) provider. The VMS Provider records a message left by the caller and then delivers it to the appropriate party.