Conventional Internet access service and new computer programs are added
to a conventional telephone central office. This system is able to alert a subscriber
whose telephone line is connected to the Internet of a waiting call via the Internet
access connection. Specifically, in response to a call that is waiting for a subscriber,
the system establishes a new communication with the subscriber using the Internet
access connection and new programs in the subscriber's data terminal. The system
then notifies the subscriber of the waiting call via the Internet access connection.
The system may then forward the telephone call to the subscriber via the Internet
access connection responsive to a subscriber's request to do so without terminating
the subscriber's Internet connection, or the subscriber may choose to answer the
call in a conventional manner, or may select another option in response to the
call notification.