A system for providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment
services in which a multi-function code, such as "*#" (star, pound), input into
an originating telecommunications device, such as a conventional land-line or wireless
telephone, triggers the treatment of the input sequence as a multi-function code
service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code
is followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service
request, which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just
like a conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the
multi-function code. The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function
code as a trigger, and in response takes one or more actions, such as automatically
terminating the call to an announcement and routing a data message to a data fulfillment
center, which responds to the message by implementing a response action indicated
by the multi-function code service request. For example, the data fulfillment center
may respond by transmitting a message over a wireless data network or the Internet
to implement a service, such as activation of a vending machine, remote control
of device, delivery of a message over the Internet or wireless data network, initiation
of an interactive Internet session with the originating device, or a wide range
of other services. In addition, a charge for this service may be automatically
charged to an account associated with the originating telecommunications device,
which may be billed separately or incorporated on the user's conventional monthly
telecommunications invoice.